Spray tan prep
How to prep for a spray tan
A streaky tan is almost always a prep problem, not an artist problem. Three steps over 48 hours, and one short list of things to skip the morning of: get you the same even, deep-bronze color you came for.
48 hours before
Shave or wax
Pores close gradually. Anything sooner and the developer settles into half-open pores, leaving dotted or streaky color. Wax users: give the full 48h.
Do
- Shave with a fresh blade in the direction of hair growth
- Wax 48 hours ahead if possible
- Rinse thoroughly to clear all shaving cream residue
Skip
- Shave the same day
- Use shaving creams with aloe, oil, or post-shave lotion
24 hours before
Exfoliate everywhere
A non-oil-based scrub the night before is the difference between an even tan and one that streaks at the knees and wrists. Skip oil-based scrubs: they leave a barrier.
Do
- Non-oil-based body scrub (look for sugar or silica, not coconut oil)
- Extra circles on elbows, knees, ankles, and wrists
- Rinse thoroughly; pat dry; sleep in loose pajamas
Skip
- Oil-based scrubs or body oils after exfoliating
- Lotion or moisturizer after your shower
- Exfoliate the morning of: bumps and redness will set in the spray
Morning of
Arrive clean
Anything on your skin acts as a barrier. Deodorant is the most-missed offender: even a thin layer creates green or grey patches under the arms.
Do
- Shower with a clarifying body wash if you can: no soap residue
- Pat skin completely dry
- Wear loose, dark clothing and flip-flops to the appointment
Skip
- Deodorant, perfume, or makeup anywhere
- Moisturizer, lotion, or body butter
- SPF or self-tanner residue from a previous tan
At the appointment
Bring + wear
What you wear out of the studio matters. Tight fabric or anything that touches your skin will rub developing color off in the first few hours.
Do
- Loose maxi dress, oversized joggers, or roomy button-down
- Flip-flops or slides
- Hair up and off your face
Skip
- Bra straps, tight waistbands, or socks that touch ankles
- Closed-toe shoes
- Anything you'd be sad to stain a little
FAQ
Common questions
- How do I prepare for a spray tan?
- Exfoliate 24 hours before your appointment, shave or wax at least 24 hours ahead (never the same day), and arrive with clean, lotion-free skin. Skip moisturizer, deodorant, perfume, and makeup the morning of. Wear loose, dark clothing and flip-flops to your appointment.
- Should I shave before a spray tan?
- Yes: shave or wax 24 to 48 hours before your appointment, not the same day. Pores need time to close. Same-day shaving is the #1 cause of streaky, patchy spray tans.
- Do I need to exfoliate before a spray tan?
- Yes. Use a non-oil-based scrub the night before your appointment all over your body, paying extra attention to elbows, knees, ankles, and wrists. Oil-based scrubs leave residue that breaks up the tan.
- Can I wear deodorant or lotion the day of my spray tan?
- No. Deodorant, lotion, perfume, makeup, and SPF all act as a barrier between your skin and the spray solution. Skip them entirely the morning of your appointment. You can reapply after your first rinse.
- What should I wear to a spray tan appointment?
- Loose, dark clothing: baggy joggers or a maxi dress works well. Flip-flops, not socks or closed shoes. Tight fabric will rub the developing tan off in the hours after your appointment.
- How long before my event should I book my spray tan?
- For most spray tans, book 1 to 2 days before your event. The color continues developing for 4 to 8 hours after application, and you'll want to allow time for your first rinse before the event itself.