For the special occasions where you want a darker tan than your mousse normally delivers, here are the industry tips on how to layer your self tan correctly. Our expert recommends using a professional strength product, like the GlowPro Tans 14% DHA Tanning Mousse, and following these steps to get a dark, even, spray-tan result at home by layering the tan correctly. Here’s a quick guide to help you get the best results:

1. Exfoliate the Right Way
   Exfoliation provides the canvas for your tan and we need to walk to link of fresh skin without destroying the skin barrier. Plan on doing two (one per day) showers with a gentle tanning exfoliation mitt ($15) to get rid of buildup without stripping the skin (seriously, don't scrub your skin raw with this or your tan won't develop as dark.

2. Always Use a Mousse Formula
   If you want a dark tan, use a mousse formula instead of a lotion. Make sure you are using a DHA-verified product from a professional line, like GlowPro Tans. DHA is the active ingredient in all self tanners that will keep you dark after the instant bronzer rinses off. Aim for 10-14% DHA which is equivalent to salon airbrush solutions, instead of the low 5-8% DHA found in most drugstore tanners.

3. Apply The First Layer
   Apply a generous layer of self tanner to you skin. You want to fully saturate your skin to maximum capacity with the tanner. And don't worry about streaks; tanner streaks actually come from applying too little product!

4. Give It Time To Absorb
   Here you can go anywhere from 1 to 8 hours between applications depending on your schedule but we want the first layer to feel dry to the touch before adding more product.

   For the smoothest second layer, you can wait the full 8 hours and do a quick lukewarm rinse before reapplying. This removes surface residue and instant bronzer from the first application so your second layer goes on cleaner and more evenly.

5. Apply The Second Layer
   This part isn't going to be pretty and you're going to be sticky for a few minutes if you do it right. Apply second layer of a high DHA (10-14%)  self tanner to your entire body. This layer does not have to be as heavy as the first, but don't skimp either. After this layer, give it a minimum of 8 hours to develop. The 8 hours starts from the end of the application of the second layer (not the first). 

6. The Shower
   When you shower, use your hands only- no loofah. And, ladies, this cannot be your hair wash shower! Get in and out of there in 10 minutes, no steam, and pat your skin dry. 

7. Lock & Load With Moisturizer
   Keep beefing up your tan with something like this Tan Boosting Body Lotion (this one is only $27) or by adding tanning drops to your body lotion. 

You can absolutely tan two days in a row if you're using the right products. Keep in mind, you want your tan to look dark, but still natural so avoid products with heavy instant bronzer that clog pores and leave a green case on your skin (Bondi Sands, we're looking at you). Instant bronzer sits on top of your skin, while DHA adheres to your outer skin cells and stains them bronze. When looking for a high DHA tanner, keep in mind that current drugstore tanners only contain 5-8% DHA while professional spray tan artists are always spraying between 10-14% DHA. If you want a deep, long-lasting tan at home, the most important thing is to use a tanning mousse that is also in the 10-14% DHA range. 

Step-by-step tanning mousse skin prep and application guide.

If you need more help selecting the right DHA to get a spray tan at-home, take this short sunless tanning quiz.