Spray Tan Prep & FAQ
Before Your Spray Tan
A beautiful spray tan starts before your appointment. Proper prep helps your tan apply evenly, develop smoothly, and last as long as possible.
Please review the guidelines below before your appointment.
How should I prepare for my spray tan?
For best results:
Exfoliate 24 hours before your appointment.
Shave at least 24 hours before your appointment.
Arrive with clean, dry skin.
Do not apply lotion, oils, deodorant, perfume, makeup, or sunscreen before your tan.
Wear loose, dark clothing to your appointment.
Avoid tight bras, leggings, jeans, socks, or anything that may rub against your fresh tan.
Remove jewelry before your appointment, including rings, bracelets, necklaces, watches, and anklets. Jewelry can block the tan, create lines, or rub against fresh solution.
If you have permanent jewelry, no problem — we will carefully blend around it as needed.
Your skin should be completely free of products so the spray tan can absorb evenly.
Should I shower before my appointment?
Yes, but timing matters.
Please avoid showering immediately before your appointment. Showering too close to your tan can affect how the solution develops on your skin.
For best results, shower at least 4 hours before your spray tan, and do not apply any products afterward.
When should I exfoliate?
Exfoliate the day before your appointment, ideally 24 hours before.
Focus on dry areas such as:
Elbows
Knees
Ankles
Feet
Hands
Underarms
Around the neck/chest area
Avoid harsh scrubbing right before your appointment. Freshly scrubbed skin can be more sensitive and may affect how evenly the tan develops.
Should I shave before my tan?
Yes. Shave at least 24 hours before your appointment.
Shaving too close to your spray tan may leave pores open, which can cause dotting or uneven development. Waxing should also be done at least 24–48 hours before your tan.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Wear loose, dark clothing and open-toed shoes if possible.
Good options include:
Oversized dark T-shirt
Loose sweatshirt
Loose joggers or pajama-style pants (no tight elastic at waist or ankles)
Maxi dress
Slides or flip-flops
Avoid tight clothing, leggings, jeans, bras, socks, and sneakers immediately after your tan. If you wear any of these to the appointment, expect to leave without them on :)
What do I wear during the spray tan?
You may wear whatever you are comfortable in.
Common options include:
Disposable thong/undergarment/pasties (we have these available)
Swimsuit bottom
Bra and underwear
Nude
For men, you’re welcome to wear dark underwear or swim trunks. If you prefer minimal coverage, please use the available disposable thong for genital protection.
This is a professional service. Your comfort and privacy are always respected.
How long does the appointment take?
Most spray tan appointments take approximately 30 minutes, including consultation, application, drying time, and finishing touches.
What is the difference between rapid and overnight solution?
Rapid Spray Tan
A rapid tan allows you to rinse sooner, usually within a specific time window based on your desired depth.
Your tan will continue to develop after your first rinse, so do not panic if you look lighter right away. Full color typically develops over the next several hours.
Overnight Spray Tan
An overnight tan is worn longer before rinsing, usually several hours or overnight depending on your skin and desired result.
Both options can create a beautiful tan. The best choice depends on your schedule, skin type, and color goals.
When can I rinse after my spray tan?
Your rinse time will be discussed at your appointment based on the solution used and your desired result.
Your first rinse should be with lukewarm water only. Do not use soap, body wash, shaving cream, or exfoliating products during the first rinse.
Pat your skin dry gently with a towel. Do not rub. Apply spray-tan-safe lotion to all areas.
Why does the color look lighter after my first rinse?
That is normal.
The cosmetic bronzer rinses off during your first shower. Your actual tan continues to develop underneath and will deepen over the next 24 hours.
Do not judge your final color immediately after your first rinse.
What should I avoid after my spray tan?
Until your first rinse, avoid:
Water
Sweating
Skin-to-skin rubbing
Tight clothing
Lotions or oils
Touching or scratching your skin
Sleeping with hands against your body, if possible
After your first rinse, continue avoiding heavy sweating, swimming, soaking, exfoliating, and shaving as much as possible to extend your tan.
How should I protect my tan in the car after my appointment?
If your car has leather or vinyl seats, please bring a towel, sheet, or loose blanket to place over the seat before sitting down.
Fresh spray tan can be affected by:
Heat from the seat
Skin sticking to leather or vinyl
Sweating
Friction when getting in and out of the car
This is especially important if your bare arms, legs, or back of thighs will touch the seat.
For best results, wear loose clothing that covers the areas most likely to touch your seat, and avoid heated seats immediately after your appointment.
How do I make my spray tan last longer?
To help your tan last:
Moisturize daily (or more) after your first shower.
Use gentle, sulfate-free body wash.
Pat dry instead of rubbing with a towel.
Avoid exfoliating until you are ready to remove the tan.
Avoid long hot showers, baths, hot tubs, and chlorine.
Shave only when needed, using a fresh razor and light pressure.
Dry skin sheds faster, and your tan sheds with it. Moisturizer is not optional unless you enjoy patchy chaos.
How long will my spray tan last?
Most spray tans last 7–10 days, depending on your skin, prep, aftercare, activity level, and how often you shower.
The better the prep and aftercare, the better the fade.
When should I book my spray tan before an event?
For most events, book your spray tan 1–2 days before.
For weddings, vacations, photos, or special occasions, 2 days before is often ideal. This gives the tan time to fully develop and settle beautifully.
If this is your first spray tan before a major event, consider doing a trial tan ahead of time.
Can I get a spray tan if I am pregnant?
Many clients choose to spray tan while pregnant, but please check with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
If you are pregnant, please let me know before your appointment so we can discuss comfort, positioning, and any adjustments needed.
Can I get a spray tan if I have sensitive skin?
Usually, yes, but results can vary.
If you have eczema, psoriasis, very dry skin, recent sunburn, open skin, or an active rash, your tan will LIKELY develop unevenly or cling to certain areas.
Please let me know about any skin concerns before your appointment.
Can I spray tan over a sunburn?
No. Please do not spray tan over an active sunburn.
Spray tanning over sunburned or peeling skin will not fix it. It usually makes the unevenness more obvious. Wait until your skin has fully healed.
Will a spray tan protect me from the sun?
No. A spray tan does not provide sun protection.
You still need sunscreen when outdoors. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
Can I work out after my spray tan?
Avoid working out until after your first rinse, and ideally avoid heavy sweating for the first 24 hours.
Sweat can interfere with development and may cause uneven fading.
Can I swim after my spray tan?
Swimming, hot tubs, and soaking can shorten the life of your tan.
If you are tanning before vacation, your tan can still look beautiful, but chlorine, salt water, sunscreen, and frequent showering may cause it to fade faster.
What if I have old spray tan on my skin?
Old spray tan should be removed before your appointment.
Applying fresh tan over old, patchy tan can create uneven color. Please exfoliate well and remove as much previous tan as possible before coming in.
Will the spray tan stain my clothes or sheets?
The cosmetic bronzer may transfer before your first rinse, especially if you sweat or wear tight clothing.
Wear dark, loose clothing after your appointment. If sleeping in your tan, use dark pajamas and darker sheets if possible.
Most transfer washes out, but lighter fabrics are not worth gambling with.
What happens at the appointment?
Your appointment includes a quick consultation to discuss your skin tone, color goals, rinse timing, and any upcoming events.
Your spray tan is applied evenly, dried, and finished with setting powder for comfort before you leave.
Still have questions?
Please reach out before your appointment if you are unsure about prep, timing, or which spray tan option is best for you.
A little prep makes a big difference. The goal is an even, natural-looking tan that fades beautifully.