preparation and aftercare
Get the most from your spray tan!
Spray tanning is a unique beauty service that relies heavily on proper preparation and post-tan aftercare. A common saying in the industry is that results are 50% your artist and 50% you. Following all prep and aftercare instructions helps ensure the best possible results.
The Week Before Your Appointment
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Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and moisturizing skin daily.
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If you have especially dry or oily skin, you may want to exfoliate a couple of times in the days leading up to your spray tan.
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Please discontinue retinol and Dove products prior to your appointment. Retinol is strong enough to fade your facial tan, even days after use.
Have other beauty appointments planned?
We recommend scheduling them before your spray tan. This includes waxing, manicures and pedicures, as well as hair and brow services. Spray tans are always last.
Summer note:
We kindly advise against spray tanning over any sunburn from the past four weeks. Even sunburns that aren’t peeling can cause uneven or blotchy results. Be sure to wear sunscreen in the weeks leading up to your tan.
The Night Before or the Morning of Your Appointment
(at least 4 hours prior)
It’s time for your prep shower! Start by shaving, making sure this is done before exfoliating.
Next, exfoliate your entire body from head to toe using an exfoliating mitt. Loofahs, washcloths, and sugar scrubs don’t provide enough exfoliation for proper spray tan prep. A mitt helps create the smoothest base for even color and longer-lasting results. Our exfoliating mitts are available online or in studio if you need one.
If you truly don’t have time to grab an exfoliating mitt, a washcloth will work in a pinch, just be sure to exfoliate thoroughly.
Start with a regular shower. Shave and wash your hair as usual. Then, using a damp exfoliating mitt (no soap or product), gently scrub your entire body to remove dead skin, product buildup, and oils. Finish by moisturizing.
Focus especially on dry areas:
Ankles, knees, elbows, underarms, back of arms, neck, and the tops of your hands and feet.
These spots tend to soak up more color, so a good scrub ensures an even, natural glow.
If you prep the night before (our preferred method), go ahead and moisturize afterward. On the day of your appointment, simply take a quick shower to rinse away any sweat or residue from the night before.
Avoid using Dove body wash, bar soap & products containing oils prior to your session as there is always a chance they could leave a barrier on your skin.
For Your Appointment
Please arrive with clean, product-free skin. No makeup, deodorant, perfume, or lotion on the face or body. These products can interfere with how the solution adheres to your skin, and we want the best possible results. Think of it as starting with a blank canvas!
We totally understand that some clients come straight from work and may need to wear makeup or deodorant. If that’s the case, just let us know when you arrive and we’ll happily provide wipes.
Remove all pre-existing sunless tanner before your appointment. Like with nail polish, applying a new spray tan over an old one can lead to a patchy and uneven appearance. If you need help removing a previous tan, please let us know, we’re happy to help! We carry exfoliating mitts and a tan remover available for pick up if needed.
You can find a list of the products we recommend under the “Frequently Asked Questions” tab!
Please be advised there is a small percentage of people whose skin may not react favorably to a spray tan. Ex- severely dry skin, recently using retinol or skin resurfacing products, Accutane, recent sunburn etc. Please discontinue these products at least 7 days before your session; we can also avoid spraying the treated areas if preferred.
What to Wear
Be sure to bring dark, loose-fitting long pants and a baggy shirt to change into after your appointment, along with loose sandals or slippers for footwear (your tan will not stain your clothes).
Please do not wear jeans, leggings, dresses, or shorts after your appointment. You’ll want a loose layer of fabric between your skin to prevent skin-to-skin contact, which can create moisture and cause the tan to transfer. Wearing bras or tennis shoes immediately after your spray can also cause uneven development.
Most clients prefer to spray without clothing for the most seamless results. If you prefer to wear underwear, please be sure to bring it with you. Disposable thongs are available upon request.
If it’s raining, wear appropriate clothing to protect your skin from raindrops and park as close to the front door as possible.
DURING YOUR TAN
Not sure what to wear during the tan? You can wear whatever! Bikini, bra, thong, nude…We don’t care! But if you're under 18, you are required to wear undergarments.
Please be aware that you will have tan lines with whatever you decide to wear.
Please note: Male clients must wear boxers or briefs for the duration of the appointment.
Before beginning, we will discuss your desired color and darkness to ensure you are feeling confident when the session is complete! You will be guided through various positions to stand, as the technician applies the airbrush tan.
The entire process takes less than 30 minutes and off you glow!
A note before we get into post-tan care
At The Bronzery, we use premium spray tan solutions designed to create natural color and a beautiful, even fade. To get the most out of these formulas, it’s important to use skincare that’s spray-tan safe. Many drugstore body washes and lotions can shorten the life of your tan or cause it to fade unevenly.
Of the products we offer, our body lotion and body wash play the biggest role in maintaining your results. The right aftercare helps your tan last longer and fade more evenly over time.
For first-time clients, we offer 20% off our body wash and lotion if you’d like to incorporate them into your routine. These are always available to pick up at your appointment.
Post-Tan Care: What to Expect
Now that you’re bronzed and glowing, proper aftercare is key to keeping your tan looking even, natural, and long-lasting. The way you care for your skin over the next several days plays a big role in how your color develops and fades.
Below are our simple, tried-and-true post-tan care guidelines to help you get the most out of your spray tan.
After Your Appointment
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Avoid water, sweating, and skin-to-skin contact until your first rinse, as directed.
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Wear loose, dark clothing and avoid tight garments that may rub or trap moisture.
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Do not apply lotion, perfume, deodorant, or makeup until after your first rinse.
Your First Rinse
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Rinse at the time recommended by your artist. Timing matters and determines your final color.
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Use lukewarm water only. No soap at this rinse.
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Gently rinse until the bronzer washes away. This is normal and does not mean your tan is fading.
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Pat dry with a towel. Do not rub.
- Don’t panic if your glow looks lighter after rinsing. Your tan continues to develop for 12–24 hours.
Daily Care After Your Rinse
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Moisturize daily using a spray-tan-safe lotion to keep your skin hydrated and your tan even.
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Shower using a gentle, spray-tan-safe body wash.
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Avoid loofahs, scrubs, exfoliating gloves, and harsh products until your tan has fully faded.
AFTER your tan, avoid the following as much as possible, but if you're going on a fun vacay to the beach, just let us know and we'll give you some tips for prolonging your glow:
- Ocean, hot tubs and swimming pools.
- Any body wash containing AHA's or exfoliants.
- Exfoliating products and loofahs.
- Exercise/sweating for 24 hours, but please be aware that sweat may affect your tan even if you wait longer than 24 hours to sweat.
- Perfume or any sprays for 24 hours.
- Dove, Olay body wash or soap
*Spray Tan Tip: The instant cosmetic bronzer that you see upon application is like makeup! It will build up/move around or smudge and may appear imperfect. It is important to wait until after the first initial rinse and full soap shower to see the real results!