Honest day-range for a wedding or event tan — what kills colour fastest?

With good aftercare, a solid salon/mobile tan often looks its best days 1–3 after rinse and can remain presentable around 5–7 days, sometimes longer on dry-skinned clients who moisturise. “Week of perfection” is rare if there’s heat, alcohol, or beach involved.

Fastest killers: chlorine, seawater, heavy sweating, oil-based SPF rubbed hard, exfoliating scrubs, and very hot baths. Fragrance oils and some makeup removers on shoulders/collarbones also strip early.

For weddings I book the spray 1–2 days before the day (depending on express vs overnight) and send a short do/don’t list. Honesty builds more referrals than overpromising.