Steps to prepare your skin for a Spray Tan
Pre-Spray Tan Rules
- Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing: Bring loose-fitting clothes like T-shirt dresses and flip-flops to wear after your appointment.
- Avoid tight clothing like denim, yoga pants, and bras, as these can rub off the fresh tan.
- Exfoliate at Least 4 Hours Before: Exfoliate or shave several hours before your appointment to give your pores time to close. This prevents discoloration. Use oil-free exfoliants.
- Shower Several Hours Before: Showering several hours before allows your pores to close.
- Finish with a cold rinse. If your skin is wet or your pores are open, the tan may not adhere
- properly, leading to a patchy tan.
- Avoid Moisturizers and Other Beauty Products: Arrive with clean skin. Moisturizers and makeup can prevent the tanning solution from sticking properly.
- Complete All Other Beauty Services First: Schedule waxing, manicures, facials, and massages before your spray tan. Getting these services afterward can rub off your tan.
- Book Your Appointment 2 Days Before an Event: Allow your skin time to fully absorb the spray tan. Getting sprayed 23 days before an event ensures your skin glows.
Post-Spray Tan Rules
- Avoid Moisture: Avoid sweating, swimming, and showering for at least 48 hours after the tan.
- First Shower: When you do shower, use lukewarm water and avoid harsh soaps or excessive scrubbing.
- Moisturize Daily: Keep your skin moisturized with a fragrance and oil-free moisturizer to prolong the tan.
- Avoid Tight Clothing: Continue wearing loose-fitting clothing for the first day or two after your tan.
- I have inferred the post-spray tan rules based on general best practices. If you have specific post-tan instructions from the salon, it's always best to follow those!
- Avoid Long, Hot Showers/Baths: These can cause the tan to fade more quickly.
- Avoid Dove Products: Avoid using Dove products during the time you have your spray tan, as they can interfere with the tanning process.