Nothing ruins the excitement of a fresh spray tan done at spray tanning near me faster than that unmistakable “fake tan smell.” You know the one. It’s not exactly offensive, but it’s definitely not what you want lingering around when you’re heading to brunch at the Oceanfront or grabbing a cold drink on Shore Drive. For years, that scent was the tradeoff for a golden glow. But here in Virginia Beach, where humidity clings to your skin like a second layer, the last thing you want is for your tan to feel sticky and smell funky.
Good news? Salons are finally solving this. Between new tech and better products, odor-free spray tans are not only possible—they’re the standard at the best spots in town.
Why Spray Tans Smelled in the First Place?
The culprit has always been DHA (that’s dihydroxyacetone for the science nerds among us). DHA is the active ingredient that reacts with the amino acids in your skin to create that bronzed look. While totally safe, the chemical reaction gives off an odor that most of us would describe as… less than fabulous.
Now toss Virginia Beach humidity into the mix, and boom—what might be a mild smell somewhere else feels amplified here. Between the salty air, summer sweat, and sticky nights, you don’t want to be self-conscious about how your tan smells.
The New Solutions (Finally!)
Salons in Virginia Beach offering sunless tanning near me are staying ahead of the curve with some seriously cool innovations:
- Encapsulated DHA: Think of it as putting DHA in tiny “bubbles.” Instead of hitting your skin all at once, it releases gradually, cutting down on odor while still giving you a rich, even color.
- Odor-Masking Technology: These aren’t your average perfumes sprayed on top. The new formulas neutralize the smell at the source and replace it with subtle, clean scents—way more “fresh ocean breeze” and way less “science experiment.”
- Premium Booths (like VersaPro): Salons with upgraded spray tan booths are using solutions that are not only odor-free but also dry faster. That means less stickiness—super important if you’re heading straight to meet friends on the Boardwalk.
Local Life Hack: Choosing the Right Salon
Here’s where the “neighborly advice” part comes in. Not every tanning spot in Virginia Beach is the same. If you want a natural-looking, odor-free glow that can handle the humidity, you’ve got to go where the locals go.
For a lot of us, that’s Sundays Sun Spa Shop. Their VersaPro booths are consistent, the staff actually walks you through prep so you don’t leave blotchy, and the formulas are designed for that no-smell, no-stick experience. It’s basically the go-to spot for locals who want to look beach-ready without smelling like a bottle of chemicals.
How to Prep for the Best (and Freshest-Smelling) Tan
Even with fancy tech, your prep makes a difference. If you want that glow to last and stay odor-free, here’s what you do:
- Exfoliate the night before: Use a scrub or exfoliating mitt to remove dead skin. Smooth skin means an even tan.
- Skip heavy lotions and oils: They act as a barrier and mess with the solution.
- Shave or wax 24 hours before: Don’t do it right before your appointment—it can leave your skin sensitive.
- Stay cool and dry after: I know, I know—it’s tough in VB humidity, but avoid sweating for at least a few hours after your spray. Maybe save your First Landing hike for tomorrow.
How Long Does the Tan Last?
Typically, you’re looking at 5–7 days of golden glow, sometimes longer if you baby it. The trick is to moisturize daily (just not with heavy oils) and avoid long soaks in the hot tub or ocean, which can strip it faster. Basically, if you want your glow to last through a full week of beach hangs and brewery stops, treat your skin kindly.
FAQs
Does the Virginia Beach humidity make the smell worse?
It can—but that’s why odor-free formulas are such a game-changer here. Salons like Sundays use tech designed to hold up even when the air feels thick enough to swim in.
What should I wear after a spray tan?
Loose, dark clothing. Think comfy sundress or flowy shorts—nothing that clings while your tan sets.
Can I hit the beach right after?
Not immediately. Give your tan at least 6–8 hours before you dive into the ocean. Otherwise, you risk streaks.
Will the spray tan protect me from the sun?
Nope! It’s color, not sunscreen. You’ll still need SPF if you’re lounging at Croatan or Sandbridge.
Why Sundays Sun Spa Shop?
Locals trust them because they keep up with the latest tanning tech, and they know how to help you prep for our specific Virginia Beach lifestyle. Basically, they’ve mastered the art of helping you look like you live at the beach—even if you’ve been working indoors all week.
Final Thoughts
Spray tans aren’t just about color anymore—they’re about comfort. Nobody wants to look amazing but feel self-conscious about a weird smell, especially here in Virginia Beach where our lives revolve around being outside with friends. Thanks to encapsulated DHA, odor-neutralizing formulas, and trusted salons like Sundays Sun Spa Shop, you can glow confidently without worrying about that dreaded spray tan scent.
So next time you’re gearing up for a wedding, a beach party, or just a night out at Town Center, skip the old-school solutions and go for the odor-free upgrade. Trust me—your friends (and your nose) will thank you.
