Spray Tan Client Guide

Pre-Tan Prep

Hydration - It is imperative that you are hydrated both inside and out. Be sure to drink enough water daily as well as moisturize regularly. HOWEVER, do NOT moisturize before coming to your spray tan appointment. Lotions can leave a barrier on your skin preventing proper setting of your color. You could wind up with steaks, splotches, an orange tint, or a simple lack of color adherence.
Exfoliation - It is imperative that you exfoliate regularly. Spray tans work by soaking into the top layer of your skin (Stratum Corneum). Exfoliating regularly not only keeps your skin soft, supple, and healthy, it also ensures your spray tan will adhere and be smooth and even. Dead skin cells, dry patches, eczema, and psoriasis can all hamper the results of your spray tan.
- If you DO NOT exfoliate regularly, you should do so at least twice in the 24 hours prior to your spray tan appointment.
- If you DO exfoliate regularly, you should do so 24-48 hours prior to your spray tan appointment.
Shave 12-18 hours prior to your appointment or wax 24 hours prior.
Do NOT shower in the four hours prior to your appointment. If you must, use only warm water to rinse. Soaps, shampoos, and conditioners can all leave residue on your skin and hamper your spray tan results.
Do NOT wear makeup, sunscreen, perfume, lotions, or deodorant to your spray tan session. These will all act as a barrier to your spray tan and will hamper your results.
Do NOT wear tight clothing to your spray tan appointment. Tight clothing will rub on your skin and could affect your results.
Plan to wear undergarments that you don’t mind getting a little overspray on. We have disposable panties and bras if needed. A swimsuit or regular undergarments are fine as well. We are NOT responsible for any garment damage.
Plan to bring something to tie up your hair if needed. We have hair caps but not scrunchies, ties, or clips.
Be sure to share any allergies, medical conditions (psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, oily skin, recent hormonal changes, etc.), or current medications (OTC or prescription drugs, acne, or anti-aging products) that may affect your spray tan session or results. We want you to have the best results possible and we want you to be healthy. While we use only the highest quality products, we cannot guarantee you will not have a reaction. If you have any allergies or if you are on a medication that has the side-effect of drying out the skin notify the technician before beginning your session (ideally at the time of booking).
Please note, we will NOT complete your spray tanning session if you have any broken skin or open sores from psoriasis or eczema.
Clients with health risks such as allergies, pregnancy, diabetes, or respiratory problems should consult with their physician prior to any spray tan sessions.
Please note, if you have vitiligo, a spray tan can be quite time consuming and has many steps. It can be difficult to find the right color and results are not guaranteed.

Post-Tan Care

You must NOT shower for at least 8 hours after your spray tan session. Do not wait more than 24 hours to shower. Your full color will develop within 24 hours. If you MUST shower within the first 8-24 hours, only use warm water to freshen up.
Do NOT use abrasive body washes, soaps, makeup removers, or skincare that has microbeads, mineral oil, or any type of gritty exfoliant in them.
Avoid using loofahs or washcloths as these can scrub off your tan, leaving you streaked, splotchy, or colorless.
During your first shower, a little color will wash off – don’t fret, that’s just the cosmetic bronzer. Your color will continue to develop.
Be sure to pat yourself dry after showering. Rubbing yourself with a towel will speed up the exfoliating process and hamper your results.
You should moisturize immediately following your shower. This helps lock in some of the moisture absorbed by the skin during the shower. Moisturize at least twice a day.
Consider sleeping in long sleeves and pants for the first day or two to avoid rubbing off any tanning color on your sheets.
Consider using a tan extender lotion every two to three days. If you do so, however, it is recommended to wait at least one full day after the spray tan to begin use. Tan extender lotions typically contain DHA within them, so you do not want to apply too much DHA to the skin in a short period of time. Apply the tan extender lotion in an even motion. Be sure to wash the palms of your hands thoroughly after applying the tan extender lotion.
Avoid sweating as much as possible. It is not uncommon for sunless tans to last for a shorter period during the summer months. Sweat causes dead skin to accumulate quicker, therefore the skin will exfoliate at a faster rate.
Avoid excessive water submersion. The chlorine in pools and hot tubs will affect the wear and fade of the tan. Hot tubs cause the skin to be warm and exfoliate at a faster rate. Salty, sandy ocean water can act as an exfoliator. If you’re going to go on vacation and will be in the water, make sure you are keeping up with post care maintenance.
Do not shave or get a pedicure soon after your spray tan. This will exfoliate your skin and remove some of your tan/color.