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Australian Glow
Sun-drenched back and shoulders glistening with ocean water

How-To Guides · 2 July 2026 · 3 min read

how to self tan your back (without asking for help)

Liz, founder of Australian Glowby liz, founder

Every solo tanner has a story about the back: the friend drafted at 11pm, the mystery handprint, the streak discovered three days later in a change-room mirror. It is reachable — it just needs technique instead of flexibility.

back first, always

Do the hard part while the mitt is loaded and you are fresh. Starting with legs and finishing with the back guarantees a tired, half-dry application exactly where you can least see the result.

the reverse-hands method

Wear the mitt backwards — strap across your palm — reach over the opposite shoulder, and sweep down in long vertical strokes. Then reach up from below for the lower half. Between the two angles, most people can cover everything except a hand-width strip in the centre.

the wooden spoon upgrade

For that centre strip: rubber-band the mitt to a wooden spoon or spatula. It sounds ridiculous and works completely — thirty extra centimetres of reach for zero dollars. If you tan weekly, a purpose-made back applicator strap is a worthwhile upgrade.

quick answers

Can you self tan your own back?+

Yes — wear the mitt backwards and sweep over alternating shoulders, extend your reach with a spoon-mounted mitt for the centre strip, and use a guide-colour mousse so missed patches show in the mirror while they can still be fixed.

Should I tan my back first or last?+

First — while the mitt is fully loaded and your patience is fresh. Backs done last get tired, patchy applications.

Mentioned in this guide

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