Skin Prep Steps

If you want your spray tan to look flawless and last as long as possible, skin preparation is everything. The way you prep your skin truly makes or breaks your tan. When your skin is properly exfoliated, hydrated, and free of residue, the tanning solution applies evenly, absorbs smoothly, and fades beautifully.

Taking a few extra minutes to prep before your appointment will give you better color, a longer-lasting glow, and a smoother overall finish.

1. Exfoliate and Wax 24–48 Hours Before

Exfoliating is the most important step in your skin prep routine. It not only promotes healthy skin but also ensures that your tan blends evenly and lasts longer. You should exfoliate your entire body with an exfoliating mitt 24 hours before your appointment.

After exfoliating, cleanse your skin with a gentle, non–oil-based soap to remove any residue. This will leave your skin fresh, clean, and ready to absorb your custom spray tan.

If you plan to wax or sugar, schedule it at least 48 hours before your tan so your pores have time to close. This helps prevent irritation and uneven absorption.

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2. Shave and Shower 24 Hours Before

For the smoothest, most even tan, we recommend shaving and showering 24 hours before your appointment. Shaving removes a thin layer of skin, so giving your skin time to recover ensures your tan applies evenly and lasts longer.

Showering too close to your appointment can cause your pores to remain open, which may lead to small “freckled” spots after your tan. Allowing at least 24 hours between your shower and your spray tan gives your pores time to close and helps the solution develop flawlessly.

If you absolutely need to shower closer to your appointment, opt for a quick cool or cold rinse only—no hot water, body wash, or shaving cream.

Pro tip: Always use a fresh, clean razor to avoid irritation and ensure the best results.

3. Moisturize 24 Hours Before

After you exfoliate, shave, and shower, it is important to moisturize your entire body. Hydrated skin is the key to achieving smooth, even tanning results. Dry skin can cause the tanning solution to cling unevenly, which is why we always recommend applying moisturizer about 24 hours before your appointment.

Arriving with well-hydrated skin helps your tan absorb more evenly and last longer. If you have naturally dry skin, you can apply a light layer of moisturizer the morning of your appointment, as long as it is fully absorbed before you come in.

If you are unsure about when or how to moisturize, feel free to reach out to us by email or send us a DM on Instagram and we will be happy to help.

Our favorite moisturizers are simple and fragrance-free without added oils. A few of our top picks include CeraVe, Hempz, and Aveeno — each keeps your skin soft and hydrated without leaving behind any residue that could interfere with your tan.

Day of Your Appointment

What to Wear and Bring

To ensure your tan develops evenly and flawlessly, please arrive with clean, product-free skin. On the day of your appointment, avoid applying:

❌ Makeup
❌ Deodorant
❌ Perfume or scented lotion

These products can create barriers on the skin and cause uneven development.

We also recommend bringing loose, dark, and comfortable clothing to wear after your appointment, along with shoes that easily slip on and off. This helps protect your fresh tan from rubbing or smudging.

Our go-to outfit recommendation is oversized sweatpants and a cozy sweatshirt so your skin stays completely covered while your tan sets.

During Your Appointment

What You Can Expect During The Tan

Your spray tan appointment will last about 30 minutes from start to finish. We’ll begin with a short consultation to discuss your tan goals, your desired depth of color, and what you can expect based on your upcoming event or reason for tanning. This step helps us fully customize your solution and ensure your final color looks natural, even, and perfectly suited to you.

When it’s time to tan, your comfort is our top priority. You can wear whatever makes you feel most at ease during your appointment. Most clients choose one of the following options:

  • Wear their own underwear or swimsuit bottoms
  • Go nude for the most even coverage
  • Use one of our disposable thongs, which we provide for your convenience

Our goal is to create a comfortable, professional, and empowering experience from start to finish so you can leave feeling confident and glowing.

After Your Appointment

Shower, Pat Dry, and Moisturize

After your spray tan, proper care is key to maintaining a smooth, even, and long-lasting glow. Follow these simple steps to help your tan develop beautifully and fade naturally.

Shower:
When it’s time for your first rinse, keep it quick and gentle. Avoid loofahs, washcloths, or body scrubbers — let the water do the work. Use your hands to lightly guide the water over your skin and make sure to rinse all areas thoroughly to remove the excess bronzer. Remember, this first shower is just a rinse, not a full wash.

Pat Dry:
After your shower, gently pat your skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing. Rubbing can cause uneven fading and shorten the life of your tan.

Moisturize:
This step is essential. Hydrate your skin every day, morning and night if possible. Consistent moisturizing helps your tan last longer, keeps your skin soft, and ensures your color fades evenly.

After your initial rinse, you can return to using soap in your regular showers — just keep it minimal and focus on areas that need it most.

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