preparation and aftercare
Get the most from your spray tan!
The week before your tan
Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water + moisturizing skin daily. We suggest using an alcohol + fragrance free moisturizer.
If you have especially dry skin, you may need to exfoliate nightly beginning 2-3 nights before your spray tan. Exfoliate your entire body using our exfoliating mitt/glove or dry brush.
Complete any necessary beauty appointments such as manis, pedis, facials, or waxing 24 hours before your spray tan appointment. Don't worry, the spray tan solution will not stain your nail color + we wipe them off just to be safe.
Laser hair removal should be done 2 days in advance with no sensitivity or abrasions present.
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 etc. Please discontinue these products at least 7 days before your session; we can also avoid spraying the treated areas if preferred. Contact us if you have any questions.
The Day Before Your Spray Tan
For best results, shower, shave and exfoliate the night before, and NOT right before. Exfoliating the skin is very important for a flawless tan outcome!
Shave first, then use an exfoliating mitt/glove or dry brush to exfoliate your entire body. Try using a scrub with an exfoliating mitt for the smoothest skin ever! Pay extra attention to dry areas like the ankles, tops of your hands & feet, knees, elbows, neck, underarms and the back of your arms. Steer clear of loofahs because they don't offer the level of exfoliation needed for spray tans.
Wax/Shave any unwanted body hair. Shaving the day of your appointment will cause streaks due to the moisturizing strips on most razors.
DO NOT USE DOVE during your exfoliating shower or during your tan. Creamy body washes like Dove and Oil of Olay can create a moisture barrier, which can sometimes lead to a lighter than desired tan.
Remove all pre-existing sunless tanner before your appointment. Tanning over existing tan is like painting over chipped nail polish, the results are blotchy and uneven. If you're having trouble removing your tan, try soaking in a tub for 20 minutes, then use a body scrub and an exfoliating mitt.
The Day of Your Tan
We suggest showering the night before your appointment, but if you must shower the day of your appt, do so at least 4 hours prior to your spray tan to allow your skin ph levels to neutralize + your pores to close. Showering right before your appointment leaves a lot of moisture in the skin, which isn't always desirable for a spray tan.
It's best to wash your body with a gel-like body wash as the very last step to ensure all residue is washed off your skin. Creamy body washes like Dove and Oil of Olay can create a moisture barrier, which can sometimes lead to a lighter than desired tan.
Avoid ALL bar soaps and oil based sugar/salt scrubs during your final shower prior to tanning.
Do not apply lotions, oils, perfumes, or deodorant as these products can create a barrier on the skin causing streaks. If you have any of these items on, use a Micellar Wipe to remove. Do not use Neutrogena makeup wipes as they are oily and will create a barrier.
Wear dark loose-fitting pants, a baggy shirt and loose shoes or flip-flops to your appointment. Do NOT wear jeans or leggings. Any tight clothing put on directly after your spray can cause unwanted lines.
Bring a towel to cover your car seat for the ride home if you plan on wearing shorts or a dress.
If there is rain in the forecast the day of your tanning appointment, please come prepared with an umbrella, long sleeve shirt, long loose-fitting pants or flowy skirt and fuzzy socks or close-toed shoes that won’t rub.
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. Disposable thongs, bras, and pasties are also provided.
Men must wear underwear.
Please be aware that you will have tan lines with whatever you decide to wear.
Before beginning, we will discuss your desired color and darkness to ensure you are feeling confident when the session is complete!
The entire process takes less than 20 minutes and off you glow!
Immediately After Your Appointment
Rinse at the time your technician advises you to!
Do NOT touch your tan.
Do not get wet or sweat until after your initial rinse. Any contact with water or any liquid can smudge or stop the tan from developing in that area. If you do accidentally get a drop of water or your pets tongue comes into contact with you, no worries, take a dry, stiff makeup brush and blend out that area. Most likely it's just the bronzer that was messed up and your tan should still develop fine.
When rinsing, use warm water and NO soap to rinse off the top coat, also known as the cosmetic bronzer. Use your hands to brush the water down your body until the water runs clear down the drain, ensuring all of your cosmetic bronzer coat is washed off. Don't worry, this is not your spray tan washing away!
Gently blot your skin with a towel to dry and moisturize immediately after.
Worried your tan looks lighter after you rinsed it? It totally will! Your tan takes a full 24 hours to see the final result.
Wait about 24 hours to shower with soap or body wash after your appointment.
Your tan needs moisture to last! Moisturize every morning and night to prolong the life of your tan. The more hydrated your skin is, the longer your tan will last and the more even it will fade. If you allow your skin to dry out, you will start to see a cracking appearance from the tan (that snakeskin look!). When your skin dries out, so will your tan.
Tips to Maintain your Glow
Avoid Swimming, Hot Showers, Long Baths, etc. | Anything that naturally exfoliates your skin, will do the same with your tan.
Avoid products that exfoliate your skin | Until you are ready to remove your spray tan, avoid products like body scrubs, loofahs and wash-cloths. These items will exfoliate your tan away.
Vacations
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 in the water:
- Ocean, hot tubs and swimming pools.
- 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
- Lotions or body wash containing oils
*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!
