How to prepare for a spray tan
To prepare for a spray tan, shave or wax and exfoliate a day or so before, then show up with clean, dry skin and no lotion, deodorant, perfume, or makeup. Wear loose, dark clothes and sandals, and plan to skip showering, sweating, and swimming for the hours after your session that your salon recommends. These steps give the solution an even surface to work on and help the color last.
Here's the full routine, step by step.
A few days before
Book with your schedule in mind. If you want color for a specific event, ask the salon how far ahead it recommends booking. The color takes several hours to develop and looks its best for a few days after that.
If you've never had a spray tan, or you're trying a new salon or solution, ask whether you can do a patch test or a trial session first. This is a good time to mention any allergies, asthma, or skin sensitivities.
The day before
Shave or wax the day before, not the day of. Shaving right before a spray tan can leave tiny open pores that soak up extra solution and show as dots. Waxing needs even more lead time, so check with your salon.
Exfoliate your whole body with a gentle scrub or washcloth. Focus on dry areas like elbows, knees, ankles, and hands, which tend to grab extra color. Skip oil-based scrubs and products right before your tan, since oil can block the solution.
The day of your spray tan
Take a quick shower if you need one, but go easy on soap that leaves a film, and don't apply anything afterward. Arrive with:
- no lotion, oil, or moisturizer on your skin
- no deodorant or antiperspirant
- no perfume or body spray
- no makeup
- hair tied back, if it's long
If you have very dry spots, ask the salon whether it recommends a barrier cream for palms, nails, or feet. Many salons provide one.
What to wear
Wear loose, dark clothing to your appointment and on the way home. Tight clothes, bra straps, and waistbands can rub off solution or leave lines while the color develops. Slip-on sandals are better than closed shoes. Bring a hair tie and anything you'd like to wear during the spray; salons usually offer disposable options.
During the session
Follow the technician's directions on how to stand and when to turn. Protect your eyes, nose, and lips as the salon instructs. The FDA notes that DHA, the active ingredient in most sunless tanning products, isn't approved for use on the lips, around the eyes, or inside the nose and mouth. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, say so.
Right after your spray tan
Your skin will look darker than the final result at first, because the solution includes a temporary color guide. The real tan develops over the next several hours.
Until your salon says it's okay to shower:
- avoid water, including rain and swimming
- avoid exercise and anything that makes you sweat
- keep clothing loose
- don't wash your hands more than you need to, and pat them dry
Living near the beach, it's tempting to head straight for the water. Wait until after your first rinse.
Making your spray tan last
For your first shower, rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. After that, moisturize every day with a gentle, oil-free lotion. Avoid long hot baths, hot tubs, and chlorinated pools when you can, since they speed fading. Skip exfoliating until you're ready for the color to come off.
Most spray tans fade gradually over around a week. When you're ready to remove what's left, exfoliate evenly to clear patchy areas before your next appointment.
Sun safety still applies
A spray tan doesn't protect you from the sun. Use sunscreen, shade, and protective clothing outdoors as you normally would. If you're comparing a spray tan with UV tanning, read spray tan vs. UV tanning: what to know before you choose. For more guides, visit the Beachside Tanning home page.
Questions to ask your salon
Every salon has its own products and guidelines. Before you book, ask how long it recommends waiting to shower, whether it offers barrier cream, what's in the solution, and what safety steps it takes during the spray. If you have a skin condition or health concern, check with a doctor first.