Spray Tan Prep, Aftercare, and Tips
48 Hours Prior
- Schedule your manicure, pedicure, facial, waxing, and hair appointments.
Blowouts are only recommended to be scheduled prior to tanning or AFTER your first rinse.
24 Hours Prior
- Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! Use a loofah, body scrubber, or washcloth to remove dead skin
or any leftover spray tan from a previous appointment. Do NOT use an oil-based body scrub or any
products that leave a residue on the skin.
- If you shave or wax (recommended) before spray tanning, do this the day before your appointment.
This ensures proper pore closure and an even tan.
Day of Appointment
- Take a basic shower the morning of your spray tan. Do not apply lotions, creams, oils, or
perfumes. Use deodorant sparingly, as a greenish (but harmless!) tint can appear when deodorant
and spray tan solution mix.
- Set aside dark, loose-fitting clothing and open toe sandals/flip flops (if needed) to wear
after the tan. Tanning solution will wash out of most fabrics, but cotton is recommended. While
the tan is developing, avoid wearing anything (including socks, footwear, and undergarments) that
are tight or rub against the skin.
After Spray Tan
- If driving before your first rinse, cover your car seat with a dark t-shirt or towel to
prevent sweating or streaking.
- Avoid wearing a bra, socks, or other restrictive clothing immediately after the tan session.
The looser fitting, the better!
- Follow the rinse off time specified at your appointment. If you aren’t sure when to take your
first shower, feel free to shoot us a text or DM and we’ll remind you!
- Your first shower post spray tan should be just a rinse with warm water and NO SOAP.
You will notice the temporary bronzer washing away, leaving you nice and bronzed underneath. Your
tan will continue to develop after the first shower (especially if you choose the express formula!),
so don’t be alarmed if you are not as tan as expected at this time. Your tan will continue to
develop for 24 hours.
- If you are instructed to sleep in your tan, avoid tight pajamas. Long sleeves, long pants,
and lots of air conditioning are recommended to minimize transfer onto sheets (this will wash out)
and will help your tan evenly develop overnight.
Tan Maintenance
- The key to maintaining a beautiful, glowing tan that lasts and fades evenly is using body
lotion twice daily, starting after your first post-tan rinse until your tan has faded completely.
Go for a simple, unscented body lotion like CeraVe or Aveeno, as fragrance and other ingredients
don’t always mix well with a spray tan.
- Keep showers short and sweet. Soap can be used after the first rinse, but do not exfoliate
until you are ready for the tan to come off. Pat dry with a towel after each shower and moisturize
your face and body directly after showering.
- The life of your tan depends on the frequency of your workouts, showers, and exposure to
chlorine and saltwater. If you plan on swimming, apply a thick layer of lotion SPF beforehand,
as this will put a barrier between your tan and the water.
- Shaving is a form of exfoliation! It’s best to wait 2-3 days after your spray tan before
shaving.
- Always opt for cream or lotion SPF over aerosols, as these contain alcohol that will break
down the tan. Additionally, do not use tanning oil or oil-based products for the first week of
your tan, as these will also break it down.
We’re always here to clear things up.
If you have any questions about spray tanning, just give us a buzz.
