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 24 hours, and one short list of things to skip the morning of: get you the same even, deep-bronze color you came for.
Getting sprayed at home instead? Read the at-home version: the same prep, written for a house call.
24 hours before
Shave or wax
Pores close gradually. Anything sooner and the developer settles into half-open pores, leaving dotted or streaky color. Waxing wants the same 24 hours as shaving, not longer.
Do
- Shave with a fresh blade in the direction of hair growth
- Wax 24 hours ahead, the same as shaving
- Rinse thoroughly to clear all shaving cream residue
Skip
- Shave the same day
- Use shaving creams with aloe, oil, or post-shave lotion
The night 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, and so does the water itself. Skin that has just been washed is oversaturated and will not take the solution evenly, so your exfoliating shower the night before should be your last one.
Do
- Arrive with completely dry, bare skin
- If you have to rinse off a workout, leave at least an hour before your appointment
- Wear loose, dark clothing and flip-flops to the appointment
Skip
- Showering right before your appointment
- 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 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.
- Should I shower right before a spray tan?
- No. Your exfoliating shower the night before should be your last one. Skin that has just been washed is oversaturated and will not take the solution evenly. If you have to rinse off a workout, leave at least an hour before your appointment so your skin is completely dry.
- 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.