Everything You Need to Know Before Getting A Spray Tan
Ask any professional spray tan artist and they’ll tell you half of the success of your spray tan is attributed to the way the client preps for the appointment and cares for the tan afterward. That’s because if skin isn’t fully exfoliated or if there are products on top of the skin then the spray tan can’t develop evenly. Or if a client gets wet while the tan is developing it can become uneven. To find out everything you need to know about getting a spray tan, read on for what to do before, during, and after your appointment.
Before your appointment:
Your spray tan appointment should come after all other beauty appointments. If you are planning to get any other treatment done the week of your spray tan appointment, please adhere to these guidelines:
3+ days before: get all massages and facials
1-2 days before: get manicures, pedicures, and waxes.
Then, 24 hours before your appointment: Make sure you properly exfoliate and remove all unwanted hair. If using an exfoliant, please make sure it is oil- free. You must exfoliate and remove all dead skin prior to your appointment to ensure your spray tan develops evenly. You must allow at least 24 hours between exfoliating and your appointment as exfoliating raises the skin’s pH level and you need to allow enough time for it to return its natural level for best spray tan results.
Day of your appointment: Please come with clean skin free of perfumes, deodorants, and lotions as all of these can affect your results. Plan to wear loose, dark clothing after your appointment.
During your appointment:
Get ready for a luxury, comfortable experience that will give you the ultimate glow up. We will discuss your tan goals, I will mix your custom color, spray you, dry you, then you can get dressed. Most appointments take about 30 minutes or less. While you are getting sprayed you can wear whatever you are comfortable with: you can go completely naked or wear underwear, disposable underwear, or your bathing suit. The choice is yours. I’m comfortable with whatever you’re comfortable with.
After your appointment:
Day of your appointment: Please plan to shower within the timeframe discussed. Remember the first shower after your appointment is just a rinse (no soap!)
While your tan is developing, it is important to stay completely dry (avoid sweating and water), wear loose clothing that does not stick to the skin, and avoid resting your hands on the developing tan.
Day after your appointment: Avoid using soaps and lotions until at least 24 hours after your appointment. DHA (the active ingredient in spray tan solutions) continues to develop on the skin for 24 hours after applied, therefore, using lotions or soaps within that timeframe can affect results.
2-10 days after your appointment: Your spray tan can last up to 10 days if properly cared for. For best results, avoid shaving, exfoliating, and soaking the skin in water (pools, baths, hot tubs) while the tan is fresh. To maintain your tan, be sure to hydrate and moisturize daily using our suggested spray tan-safe products.
(Ingredients to avoid: mineral oils, alcohols, fragrances, and sulfates as all of these can strip the tan.)
Once your tan has faded, exfoliate and book your next appointment!