OATS offers the best custom spray tans on California’s Central Coast!

A spray tan is a sunless glow that delivers a natural looking tan without the harmful effects of UV rays.

At OATS, we apply each tan using a precision airbrush to evenly mist your skin with a solution containing DHA, a plant-based sugar beet derived compound, that interacts with the amino acids in the top layer of your skin to gradually deepen color.

This custom airbrush spray tan results in a flawless, streak-free finish that mimics a real suntan and can be tailored to your ideal shade.

Whether you're after a subtle glow or a deep bronzed look, spray tanning is a safe, fast, and effective way to enjoy radiant skin all year long without the harm of the sun.

Appointment Prep & Aftercare

    • Get all other beauty treatments done: that includes facials, waxing, mani/pedi treatments, etc.

    • Remove body hair by shaving or waxing.

    • Exfoliate your entire body using an exfoliating mitt or washcloth. Pay special attention to elbows, knees, ankles, neck, and underarms.

    • Avoid oils, oil-based products, or bar soap as they can leave a film or barrier on your skin.

    • Hydrate by drinking water and applying lotion. Hydrated skin means longer-lasting color!

  • The spray tan session itself takes abut 15-20 minutes total.

    • Shower normally if needed. Avoid using bar soaps or body washes like Dove, Ivory, or anything “hydrating” or “moisturizing”. These have ingredients that can act as a barrier on your skin.

    • No deodorant, lotions, perfumes, or body sprays. (You may apply lotion earlier that morning if your session is in the evening.)

    • Wear or bring dark, loose-fitting clothes. Please no tight fabrics. Tis can rub off your tan. If rain is in the forecast, cover up completely because water will ruin your freshly applied tan.

    • There is a cosmetic bronzer in the solution so you will get an “instant tan” but it will wash off after your first shower.

    • It is recommended to put down old or dark sheets if you’re sleeping in your tan because the initial color can rub off a little bit but will wash out of your bedding completely. Also recommended to wear loose, dark clothing to bed if you're sleeping with your tan on. This will protect your sheets and protect your tan from creasing caused by skin-on-skin contact.

    Spray Tan Attire:

    Women - are not required to wear anything for your tan if you don’t want to. You can wear or not wear whatever you want. Remember, nude means no tan lines and that’s totally fine. Wear whatever you're comfortable in.

    Examples of attire:

    • Dark-colored undergarments or swimsuits

    • Adhesive style coverage

    • Topless (for strapless or backless outfit)

    • We provide disposable thong underwear

    Men - You must wear some kind of bottoms. Boxers or briefs etc. No exceptions.

  • No sweating, water, tight clothes, bras, or sports bras for at least 8 hours for a Regular Tan and 2-4 hours for a Rapid Tan.

    Stay in your dark, loose clothing while your tan develops.

    At your first rinse:

    • No soaps, washcloths or loofahs). Just rinse. If you have to use soap, minimal and only where you need to. Don’t soap everywhere.

    • Stick to washing “the essentials”

    • Use lukewarm or warm water and pat dry gently. Try not to use super-hot water.

    • Hydrate and moisturize daily. Body butters and rich lotions are perfect but avoid oils, petroleum, alcohol, acids, and ingredients that break down your tan.

      Note: If doing Rapid tan, you need to wait at least 8-12 hours after your first rinse to moisturize because the tan is still developing. with Regular 8+ hour tans, you can moisturize right after your first rinse because it’s fully developed.

    Important Notes:

    • Spray tans do not offer sun protection. Always apply SPF.

    • If swimming, it’s best to moisturize or put sunblock on your skin before you dive in. This will act as a barrier. Try to limit water exposure to 10–15 minutes or less at a time. Use waterproof SPF. You can apply a tan extender after to keep your color strong throughout your trip.

    • We sell an amazing Tan Extender and Bronzing Mousse that will help keep your tan even longer! It’s great for touching up your tan while on vacation, or just for everyday use. Talk to your spray tan technician about purchasing either of these products at your appointment.

FAQs

  • The best time to tan is a day or two before the event or vacation. This allows for the tan to be at its best and last as long as possible.

    We don’t recommend doing your tan the day of your event because you will have a period of processing time (8+ hours for Regular Tan, 1-4 hours for Rapid Tan) and the cosmetic bronzer can rub off on your clothing.

    However, if that’s the only option, choosing the Rapid solution is best.

  • Regular tanning solution needs to develop on your skin for at least 8+ hours before it can be rinsed off.

    Rapid tanning solution has a quicker developing time and is left on your body 1-4 hours depending on depth of tan.

    • Light tan - 1 hour

    • Medium tan - 2-3 hours

    • Dark tan - 3-4 hours

    Your artist will go over the levels and together you can choose a shade that’s best for your skin tone and what you would like to achieve from the tan.

    Note: The Rapid solution is great if you can’t leave it on all day or night, or if you have a same day event or travel plans. However, the rapid solution is time sensitive, so make sure you have access to a shower in the time frame for your selected shade or it will get very dark.

  • Your tan will last anywhere from 7-12 days depending on your daily activities and caring for your skin.

    Your skin type, lifestyle, and dedication to aftercare will impact results. We’ll help you build a body care routine to extend your tan.

  • At OATS, we use a proprietary plant-based solution derived from sugar beets and sugar cane. Our solutions are 100% paraben free, gluten free, sulfate free, and cruelty free.

    We’re not exaggerating when we say we’ve mastered the art of sunless tanning. Our goal is for no one to guess your tan isn’t natural, and we pay close attention to the areas that often give spray tans away (you know the ones).

    Plus, your comfort and results are our top priorities, always.

  • Nope! You’re welcome to wear as little or as much as you are comfortable with during the appointment. However, males of any age are required to wear undergarments during their appointment. No exceptions.

    We also provide hair nets, disposable thong underwear and sticky feet to protect areas from getting unwanted tanning solution.

  • Yes, spray tanning is safe while you're pregnant, but feel free to consult with your doctor for concerns.

    While there aren’t any official studies of spray tan inhalation during pregnancy, our filtration system in our tanning rooms filter out any over spray so you won’t be breathing it in. If you’re still concerned, you may wear a mask while doing the spray tan and then do face at the very end.

    Please let us know if you are pregnant so we can take extra precautions for your session.

  • No. Spray tans do not offer sun protection or a “base tan.” Always use sunscreen when outside.

  • Before your first rinse, avoid any water, sweat, or handwashing.

    After rinsing, avoid:

    • Soaps with sulfates as they dehydrate and strip the skin. Found in most body washes too.

    • Lotions with mineral oil or petroleum as these break down your tan.

    • Products with acids or retinol (AHAs, glycolic, citric acids, or anti-aging creams). These exfoliate the skin and will cause fading.

    Use sulfate-free or naturally based products and stick to “soaping the essentials.”