Your Spray Tan Guide
An exceptional tan starts before your appointment, and it keeps going long after you leave. A little preparation and the right care afterward are what separate a tan that fades evenly over 7-10 days from one that turns patchy after three days. Here's everything you need to know to get the most out of yours, and answers to frequently asked questions.
before your tan
•
during your appointment
•
after your tan
•
questions answered
•
before your tan • during your appointment • after your tan • questions answered •
-
Because it’s the fastest route to confidence — zero sun damage required. A custom spray tan enhances your skin, softens imperfections, and elevates every detail of your look, no matter the occasion. Truly the best accessory.
-
Yes! Many clients safely spray tan through pregnancy, however, it’s always best to check with your provider first.
-
For vacation—right before you go.
For events—2-3 days before is the sweet spot. It allows time for your initial rinse (no soap), 24 hours for your tan to fully develop, and a second everything (shampoo + body wash) shower.
-
Complete all other beauty services (facials, massages, sugaring/waxing, nail appointments, etc.) the days before your appointment. Your spray tan should be your last beauty service.
Exfoliate with an exfoliating mitt and remove unwanted hair no less than 24 hours before.
For the most even, flawless tan, start with a clean slate. Spraying on top of leftover tan will cause patchiness and an uneven fade — that’s where Blank Canvas Sunless Tan Remover comes in. It gently removes the old tan so your fresh application goes on flawlessly. I even love using it as a prep step when I don’t have old tan on because it makes such a difference in my results. Available in studio.
Spritz perfume on clothes, not your skin, to prevent a splotchy tan.
Arrive to your appointment with clean skin. This means no makeup, perfume, body oils, deodorant, lotion, or sweat. You may put spray tan safe lotion on your skin the day before your appointment, but not day of.
Your last hot shower should be no less than 18 hours before your appointment. If you must shower same day as your appointment, use room temp/cool water only, don’t use soap, and do so no less than 4 hours before (this helps maintain balanced pH levels in your skin for best results).
Stay hydrated—drink plenty of water leading up to your appointment.
-
Opt for loose, dark clothing and open-toed shoes. Skip the bra, and avoid anything tight that could rub against your fresh tan. The goal is to keep your skin untouched and uninterrupted while your tan develops.
-
Some everyday products leave a residue that keeps your tan from developing evenly or fading the way it should — whether you use them before your appointment or after. To extend the life of your tan and keep it even, always avoid:
Alcohol-based products – these can dry out the skin and cause uneven fading.
Mineral oils and petroleum-based products – they can create a barrier that leads to patchiness.
Parabens and sulfates – harsh on the skin and known to strip color.
Exfoliating agents – including scrubs and anything with AHA or BHA acids that remove the top layer of your tan.
Fragrance and essential oils – these may irritate the skin or interfere with the longevity of your color.
A quick tip: when wearing perfume, mist it onto your clothing or hair rather than directly on your skin.
Stick with products that are gentle, hydrating, and specifically formulated to support your tan. For the best, long-lasting results, I always recommend a moisturizer designed with sunless skin in mind.
My personal favorite is Glazed Sunless Body Cream — created by industry experts, it’s lightweight, deeply nourishing, and helps maintain an even, natural-looking glow. You can pick this up in the studio during your appointment!
-
A rinse time will be decided during your appointment depending on your desired goals.
When it comes time to rise, you will use just room temperature water and your hands. Absolutely no product of any kind should touch your skin in the initial rinse. Rinse until the water runs clear — be efficient, but be thorough. When you step out of the shower, pat dry with a towel, don’t rub.
You may put moisturizer on your face directly after your first rinse, but do not put any lotion on your body until the next day.
-
Spray tans applied to healthy skin typically last 7-10 days with proper prep and aftercare. For the best results:
Avoid ingredients that will strip your tan.
Rinse after you sweat.
Avoid saunas, massages, and prolonged plunges in water.
Avoid shaving/exfoliating until you are ready to remove your tan. If you’d like to shave while you have a tan on, use a spray tan safe soap, and a razor without a gel pad.
Stay hydrated!
-
No — while your glow might look like a vacation, it won’t act like sunscreen. You’ll still need to wear SPF daily to protect your skin from UV rays. Also, avoid sunscreen in aerosol spray form!