Let’s face it—if TikTok says it, people are probably trying it. And spray tanning? It’s having a whole moment. Whether it’s influencers layering self-tanner like frosting, contouring their abs with a mitt, or setting their glow with baby powder (yep, that’s a thing), TikTok has officially entered the tanning chat. And you might have thought whether to visit tanning salon Orange Park FL or give these hacks a shot.
Some of the tips are surprisingly genius… others, well, maybe not so much.
So let’s break down the viral hacks, the not-so-great advice, and what actual tanning pros—like Dennis, owner of Sundays Sun Spa Shop chain—have to say about all of it.
TikTok’s Glow Obsession: A Quick Scroll Through the Chaos
Spend five minutes on #tantok (yes, that’s a thing), and you’ll see it all:
- The “self-tan contour” trend, where people swipe darker mousse under their cheekbones, jawlines, even collarbones to sculpt their face and body like a bronzed marble statue.
- The white-sock trick—basically putting socks on your hands so you can sleep with tan on and not stain your sheets.
- The baby powder hack, where people dust their sticky skin post-spray to reduce transfer and odor.
- And of course, the homemade tanning drops made from… coffee grounds and cocoa powder? (Please don’t.)
These videos rack up millions of views, and let’s be honest—some of them actually look pretty convincing.
But do they work in real life?
Real Tanners Weigh In: The Good, The Meh, and The Risky
Okay, let’s start with the good. The baby powder trick? Not terrible. A light dusting of talc-free powder can help with that post-tan stickiness in those annoying spots (like inner elbows or behind the knees). But if you overdo it, you risk blotching your tan. And powder doesn’t set your tan, no matter what TikTok tells you—it just helps you feel more human for the first hour or two.
The contour method? Super popular, but hard to pull off unless you know what you’re doing. Mousse doesn’t blend like makeup. If your lines aren’t seamless or your product dries too fast, you could end up looking more zebra than sun goddess.
And the DIY tanners—especially the ones made from food? Just… no. Not only do they smell weird and stain your towels, but they have zero staying power and zero skincare benefit. Your skin deserves better than a homemade pudding mask with caffeine in it.
Dennis Legion’s Perspective: The Pro Insight We Need
We asked Dennis Legion, owner of Sundays Sun Spa Shop, what he thinks of TikTok tanning hacks. And he didn’t hold back:
“It’s fun to watch, for sure. Some of those tips can be helpful, especially for extending your tan. But nothing replaces a professional spray tan. We’re trained to work with your body’s shape, your undertones, your lifestyle. TikTok doesn’t know if you’re going to sweat through your tan in 48 hours or if you’re heading to a wedding.”
His advice? Enjoy the content, learn a few tricks, but trust your glow to someone who actually sees you in person.
The Salon vs. TikTok Glow: What You Actually Get
The thing about a real spray tan done by a professionals at tanning salon near me open now? You’re not just getting a color—you’re getting a service. That means:
- A skin consult to make sure your formula matches your tone and occasion.
- Even application (hello, no wrist creases or missed ankles).
- Guidance on how to maintain the tan and make it last.
- A customized finish—subtle or bold, matte or dewy, warm or cool.
TikTok can’t give you that. At best, you get a cute idea. At worst, you end up in the salon two days later asking if someone can fix what went wrong.
Final Glow Thoughts
Look, we love TikTok. It’s fun, creative, and every now and then, it drops a gem. But when it comes to your skin, your body, and something you wear for days at a time like a tan? Maybe it’s worth stepping away from the scroll and walking into a real salon.
As Dennis puts it:
“Trends come and go, but a healthy, glowing tan—done right—never goes out of style.”
So if you’re tempted by the viral stuff, go ahead and try a little. But if you’ve got a big event or just want to actually feel good in your skin without risking orange elbows, a streaky back, or DIY regret? Book with a pro.
Because confidence isn’t just about the glow—it’s knowing your glow’s going to look good in real life, not just on camera.
