Preparation Before Appointment
48 Hours Prior
Schedule any manicure, pedicure, facial, waxing and hair appointments.
24 Hours Prior
Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! I cannot stress the importance of exfoliating before a spray tan and how it directly impacts your results. Use an exfoliating mitt or wash rag in circular motions all over your body, focusing on dry areas such as knees and elbows. Avoid exfoliating scrubs that contain heavy oils as they can leave a residue on your skin.
Wax or shave any unwanted body hair. It is important to do this at least one day before so that your pores have time to close properly, otherwise excess tanning solution can lodge in those pores resulting in a “spotty” look. Also, there is the possibility of streaks if you shave right before your appointment due to the “moisturizing strip” on most razors.
Day of the Appointment
You can take a basic shower but do not apply any lotions, oils or makeup - you want your skin to be as clean as possible. Any products on the skin can create a barrier that prevents the solution from developing properly.
Make sure your hair is not wet at the time of your appointment since this can result in streaks on your back and shoulders.
Post Care After Appointment
- Avoid wearing a bra, socks, or other restrictive clothing immediately after your spray tan. The looser fitting the better to avoid any streaking as the tan is developing. The ideal outfit would be a thin long sleeve shirt and loose sweatpants to help avoid skin to skin contact.
- We will give you instructions on how long to let your tan develop based on the solution used and your desired results. This can be anywhere from 2-10 hours. Please note that keeping the solution on beyond the 10 hours will not make you any darker.
- Avoid water until it is time for that first rinse. This includes activities that can cause excessive sweating, doing the dishes, bathing the kids etc.
- When it is time for that first rinse, do not use any soap. A slow rinse with lukewarm water is best. Only use your hands to remove the bronzer and focus you attention on your legs and behind your arms. The #1 cause for streaks is that the bronzer was not rinsed of properly and can stain the skin for a few days so it is important that the first rinse is thorough. You want to make sure you rinse until the water runs clear. Pat yourself with a towel afterwards.
- Do not be alarmed if you are not as tan as you expected, the color will continue to develop for the next 24 hours.
Maintenance To Keep Your Glow
- Moisturize daily to extend the life of your tan.
- Pat dry after showers.
- The life of your tan will depend on the frequency of your workouts, showers, and you skin’s exposure to chlorine and salt water. If you plan on swimming, make sure to apply sunscreen as the spray tan does not provide any UV protection.
- It is recommended not to shave until day 3 after your spray tan because this is also a form of exfoliation.
- Healthy, hydrated skin will retain the results on your tan longer!
