How To Prepare For Your Spray Tan
To get the best results from your spray tan, preparation is really important. Preparing your skin properly helps your tan apply more evenly, develop beautifully, and last longer.
The last thing you want is an uneven or patchy finish, so please follow the preparation steps below before your appointment.
Step 1: Remove Unwanted Hair
Before your spray tan, make sure any unwanted hair is removed so the tan can be applied to a smooth surface. This helps the tanning solution sit evenly on the skin and gives a better overall finish.
We recommend shaving or waxing at least 24 to 48 hours before your appointment. If hair is not removed beforehand, the tanning solution can cling to the hair and may leave a dotty or uneven result.
Waxing is a great option if possible, as it can help your tan look smoother for longer. Please make sure waxing is done well in advance of your appointment, as this gives your pores and follicles time to settle before the tan is applied.
If you prefer to shave, avoid shaving too soon after your spray tan, as this can remove some of the colour and cause your tan to fade more quickly.
Step 2: Exfoliate Your Skin
Exfoliating before your spray tan is one of the most important steps. It removes dead skin cells and helps create a fresh, smooth base for the tan to develop on.
The night before your appointment, gently exfoliate your skin using a soft exfoliating mitt, brush, or body scrub. Avoid using anything too harsh, as this can irritate the skin.
Removing dead skin helps the tan apply more evenly and last longer. The smoother your skin is before your appointment, the better your final result will be.
Step 3: Protect Your Nails
This is an easy step to forget, but it can make a big difference. Tanning solution can sometimes stain the nails, cuticles, or nail bed if they are not protected properly.
A barrier cream may be applied during your appointment, but we also recommend applying nail polish to your fingernails and toenails before your spray tan. This gives your nails an extra layer of protection and helps prevent staining.
Step 4: Avoid Perfume And Deodorant
On the day of your spray tan, please avoid wearing perfume, deodorant, moisturiser, body oils, or makeup.
These products can create a barrier on the skin and may stop the tan from applying smoothly. They can also react with the tanning solution and affect the final colour.
For best results, arrive with clean, dry skin and no products applied.
Step 5: Keep Your Hair Up And Wear Loose Clothing
Please tie your hair up before your appointment so it stays out of the way while your tan is being applied. A hair cap may also be provided during your appointment.
After your spray tan, wear loose, dark clothing to allow your tan to dry and develop properly. Baggy clothing, such as an oversized T shirt, loose dress, or loose joggers, is ideal.
Avoid tight clothing, bras, leggings, socks, or anything that may rub against the skin straight after your appointment, as this can affect the final result.b
After Your Spray Tan
Once your spray tan has developed and you have rinsed off, looking after your skin properly will help your tan stay even, smooth, and glowing for longer.
The best way to prolong your spray tan is to moisturise daily. Use a gentle, hydrating moisturiser all over your body to keep your skin soft and nourished. This helps slow down the natural shedding of dry skin cells, which is where your spray tan colour sits. The more hydrated your skin is, the longer your tan is likely to last.
Try to avoid products that contain harsh chemicals, strong fragrances, oils, or exfoliating ingredients, as these can cause your tan to fade quicker or become patchy.
When showering, use a gentle body wash that does not contain harsh chemicals. Avoid scrubbing the skin and gently pat yourself dry with a towel instead of rubbing.
To help maintain your glow, moisturise every day, avoid long hot baths, and stay away from harsh exfoliators until you are ready to remove your tan.
With the right aftercare, your spray tan should fade more evenly and last as long as possible.