Spray Tanning Prep & Aftercare

Preparation

  • Any hair removal (shaving/waxing) should be done at least 24 hours prior to your spray tan appointment, ideally 48 hours.

  • The day (or even the 2 days) before your spray tan exfoliate your whole body in the shower or bath using an exfoliating glove or cloth. Concentrate on the areas that are prone to dryness (elbows, knees and ankles). Rough or dry skin can cause uneven absorption and an uneven tan. You can moisturize your body concentrating on dry areas the day prior to the tan. Ensure your skin is clean and dry with no soap residue. You could also shower on the day of your spray tan to make sure skin is completely clean before getting your tan.

  • Wash your hair before getting your tan!! As shampoos can strip fresh tan off when you rinse them off in the shower.

  • Do not apply moisturizer, perfume, deodorant or makeup on the body immediately prior to or following the spray tan. Wait until after it has developed and you have washed it off in the shower.

  • Wear old/dark undergarments or swimwear to be sprayed in, or you may prefer to be sprayed naked so you don't have any tan lines. Or I can provide you with a disposable g-string to wear (keep in mind these only fit up to a size 16). I also have disposable shower caps for light haired clients, so the tan solution doesn't get on your hair.

  • - Wear dark/old baggy clothing to your tan appointment, & to wear after wards. Anything tight may rub off some of the tan. Thin strappy tops or shoes aren’t ideal as they can rub. A baggy tshirt and shorts or trackies is a good one, a robe, or a loose fitting tee dress. Another good idea is to bring a towel to put around your seat belt for when you drive home.

  • If it looks like it might rain, park in the driveway right up near the door. Bring an umbrella & loose, fully covered clothing!

  • All jewellery should be removed to ensure an even application.

  • Always wear hair up, and make sure the hair is not wet, as it could drip on the body during the spray application.

    After Care

  • REMEMBER, the bronzer that is initially sprayed onto your skin is just a guide for the spray tanner to see where they are spraying. When you wash your tan off this bronzer will wash off. Your tan will continue to develop in the next 12 hours even after the tan is washed off, then you will see the true colour, usually the day after your spray tan.

  • Avoid any moisture contact on the skin until after the first shower. Water contact stops the tanning process immediately. Be mindful about going outside in the rain or activities that promote sweating and keep your hands out of water if they have been sprayed.

  • Do NOT rub or scratch your body as this can also remove the spray solution during the important developing phase.

  • Do NOT apply any creams or deodorants until after the first shower.

  • After your first shower you should moisturize daily to extend the life of your tan.

  • Try to use soap with a low PH balance. Some soaps are more alkaline which will accelerate the fading process. Liquid soaps tend to be more gentle than ‘cake’ soaps.

  • Avoid extended showering/ bathing and rubbing of the skin afterwards as this increases the natural skin exfoliation process. Pat your skin dry.

  • Avoid chlorinated pools, spas and excessive heat such as sauna’s and steam rooms as this will dramatically accelerate the fading process. Chlorine is a form of bleach which promotes tan removal.

  • Avoid hair removal procedures such as waxing or shaving as this removes the very top layer of the skin and your tan could appear patchy.

  • IMPORTANT: Remember that the tanning solution does not contain a sunscreen and will not protect your skin from sunburn. So ALWAYS wear a protective SPF sunscreen when out in the sun.