Prep & Aftercare Guide
Follow these steps for the best possible spray tan results.
Before Your Session
Proper preparation is the single biggest factor in how your tan turns out. Follow these steps for an even, long-lasting glow.
Exfoliate
Exfoliate your entire body 24 hours before your session using an exfoliating mitt. Focus on dry areas like elbows, knees, ankles, and feet. This removes dead skin cells and creates a smooth, even surface for the tanning solution.
Shave or Wax
If you plan to remove any body hair, do it at least 24 hours before your appointment. This gives your pores time to close, preventing the solution from settling into open follicles and creating dark spots.
Skip Products on Tanning Day
On the day of your session, do not apply moisturizer, deodorant, perfume, body oil, or makeup. These create a barrier on your skin that can cause the solution to develop unevenly or streak.
Wear the Right Clothing
Arrive in loose, dark clothing that is easy to change out of. Avoid tight jeans, fitted bras, or anything with elastic that leaves marks on your skin.
In-Room Prep
Once in your private room, apply the barrier cream provided to your palms, nails, and between your fingers. Wear the hair net provided and step onto the sticky feet pads. All prep items are included with your session.
Bring Sandals or Slides
Avoid socks and opt for open-toed shoes or flip-flops. Closed shoes and tight socks may leave marks. Ideal winter footwear options include loose Uggs, fur-lined Crocs, moccasins, or loose-fitting boots.
After Your Session
What you do in the first 24 hours after your spray tan matters more than anything. Follow these steps to protect and extend your glow.
Wear Loose, Dark Clothing
After your session, wear loose, dark, breathable clothing. Tight fabric can rub against the solution before it sets, causing streaks. The cosmetic bronzer may transfer onto light-coloured fabric in the first few hours.
Wait Before Rinsing
Wait at least 6-8 hours before rinsing off. When you do, use lukewarm water only and let it run clear. Do not use any body wash, soap, or cleansers during your first rinse.
Moisturize Daily
Apply a gentle, oil-free moisturizer daily to keep your skin hydrated. Hydrated skin holds colour longer. Avoid products with harsh chemicals, retinol, or AHAs that accelerate skin turnover.
Avoid Water & Sweat
For the first 24 hours, avoid swimming, intense exercise, saunas, and steam rooms. Chlorinated water can bleach the colour, and sweat can cause the solution to streak before it fully develops.
Skip Exfoliating
Do not exfoliate, use loofahs, or shave for at least 48 hours after your session. These remove the top layer of skin and will shorten the life of your tan.
Pat Dry After Showers
When showering in the days after your tan, use lukewarm water and a gentle, sulfate-free body wash. Pat your skin dry with a towel — do not rub. Rubbing causes friction that can fade the tan unevenly.
Pro Tips
For Events
Book your spray tan 2-3 days before the event. This gives the colour time to fully develop and lets you rinse off any excess bronzer.
For Brides
Do a trial tan 2-4 weeks before the wedding to test your ideal shade. Take photos in natural light and under flash to see how the colour reads on camera.
Read our bridal spray tan guide →For Men
We recommend wearing dark underwear or shorts during your session. The same prep and aftercare rules apply. We'll help you through it, especially if it's your first spray tan.
Read our men's spray tan guide →For Extending Your Glow
Your tan will last up to 7 days on average, and up to 10+ days with proper prep and aftercare. Moisturize daily and avoid harsh exfoliants to maximize your glow.