How Should I Prep For A Spray Tan?
Proper preparation and aftercare are crucial to a good spray tan!
Follow these instructions:
Pre-Tan Preparation:
Shower, exfoliate, and do any desired hair removal before your tanning session. Do NOT use a moisturizing soap or body wash (especially Dove) before you tan. Use either a non-moisturizing translucent body wash or a non-moisturizing bar soap like Ivory or Dial, with either nylon exfoliating gloves or a washcloth. Make sure you scrub your entire body gently, but well, for a good exfoliation and removal of any soap residue. Please don't use loofas, as they can make you streaky.
Products that I particularly like are Dr. Bronners, Beessential, Shea Moisture, and Puracy, but any clear body wash will do. (Check out my Blog Post of Recommended Products!)
Shave the day or night before (preferably), or at least 8 hours before your appointment. If you tan too soon after shaving, your pores are wide open and you may get little dots on your legs!
Be sure to wash off any hair conditioner residue from your body with soap so that it doesn’t create a barrier.
If your appointment is later in the day, you may need to take a quick shower using a body wash, beforehand, to remove any sweat and oils from the day. It is best to shower more than 3 hours before your appointment, but if you must shower within 3 hours, take only a quick shower with warm (not hot) water.
Skin should be clean and dry before being sprayed. Don’t apply moisturizers, oils, perfume, or makeup before your tanning appointment, as they can effect tan development. (A small amount of anti-perspirant is fine, though.)
Please schedule any massage appointments for at least 48 hours before your appointment to ensure that the oils do not create a barrier to the spray tanning solution.
Don't use any anti-aging products like Retin-A on your skin for 2-3 days before your appointment.
Wear dark, loose, easily cleaned clothing, and loose footwear or flip flops to your appointment. (Wool, lycra, nylon, spandex, silk, rayon, and leather may stain.) Bring an old swimsuit or undergarment to tan in. We have disposable panties for women, and you may tan topless or nude if you prefer. Men must wear undergarments or shorts.
Style hair in a hairclip or ponytail so it will be off of face and neck.
You will not be able to get wet or sweaty for 8-10 hours for a Regular Spray Tan, and between 2-4 hours for the Express Tan – so please plan accordingly.
Bring a towel to cover leather or light colored seats.
If it is raining or snowing, bring an umbrella and proper outerwear. If you get rained or snowed on, you will streak or spot