Spray Tan Preparation & Aftercare Guide
Pre-Spray Tan Guide
Every flawless spray tan starts long before the first spray and continues well after your appointment. By following The Beauty Concierge 3 P's, you'll enjoy a more even application, richer color development, longer-lasting results, and a beautiful, natural fade.
Prepare your skin before your appointment.
Protect your tan while it's developing.
Preserve your glow with the proper aftercare routine.
What to Wear
For the most flawless, long-lasting results, please wear dark, loose-fitting clothing to your appointment.
Wear dark, loose-fitting pants or joggers whenever possible.
Choose a dark, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirt or sweatshirt to help minimize friction while your tan develops.
Avoid leggings, jeans, dresses, skirts, shorts, and other tight-fitting clothing, as friction and skin-to-skin contact can affect your developing tan.
If possible, avoid wearing a bra after your appointment until your first rinse. If needed, choose a loose-fitting bralette or strapless bra.
Wear flip-flops or open-toe sandals to avoid rubbing the tops of your feet.
Remove jewelry before your appointment to prevent tan lines. Permanent jewelry is ok.
The cosmetic bronzer may transfer to clothing before your first rinse. While it typically washes out, dark clothing is strongly recommended.
Loose, comfortable clothing helps your spray tan develop evenly for a beautiful, natural-looking, long-lasting glow.
24–48 Hours Before Your Appointment
Exfoliate Thoroughly
Use a gentle, oil-free body scrub or exfoliating mitt to slough away dead skin cells. Focus on dry areas such as elbows, knees, ankles, and hands.
Avoid oil-based exfoliators and razors with moisturizing strips, as they can leave behind residue that create a barrier on the skin, leading to uneven application and faster fading.
Hair Removal
Shave, wax, or epilate at least 24 hours before your appointment. This helps prevent dark spots, patchiness, and uneven color development.
Hydrate
Moisturize daily in the days leading up to your spray tan. Well-hydrated skin absorbs color more evenly and allows your tan to fade more gradually.
The Day of YourAppointment
No Products on Skin
Arrive with clean, dry skin free of:
Lotion
Oil
Deodorant
Makeup
Perfume
Avoid Dove and other heavily fragranced or oil-based products before your appointment, as they can create a barrier on the skin and interfere with the tanning solution, leading to uneven results.
Eat a Light Snack & Stay Hydrated
We recommend having a small snack before your appointment, preferably with some protein, to help maintain your energy and keep you comfortable during your session.
Continue drinking water to support healthy, hydrated skin.
Avoid Water & Sweat
Stay dry until your artist lets you know it is safe. Avoid showering, sweating, swimming, or working out during your development time.
During Your Tan
You may tan with or without undergarments or a bathing suit—whichever feels most comfortable for you. Disposable options are available if needed.
Bonus Tips
Complete manicures, pedicures, waxing, facials, or massages before your appointment.
Inform your artist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any skin sensitivities.
For special occasions, book your spray tan 1-3 days before your event for your peak glow.
First time? Don’t stress! Your artist will walk you through everything and make sure you feel comfortable and confident.
Post-Spray Tan Care Guide
Immediately After Your Spray Tan
Do not shower, swim, or sweat during this time to allow your tan to fully develop.
Stay in your loose, dark clothing until your first shower.
If it’s raining bringing an umbrella is a MUST.
First Rinse
Use warm water only for your first rinse. Avoid hot water, as it can cause your tan to fade faster. Don’t use soap during the first rinse. It may interfer with the development.
Avoid harsh soaps, body scrubs, and exfoliating products. Use a gentle, moisturizing body wash to cleanse your skin without stripping your color after your first shower soap is allowed.
Pat your skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing to help maintain an even, beautiful glow.
Avoid exfoliating until you are ready for your spray tan to fade. Exfoliation removes the outer layer of skin and will shorten the life of your tan.
If shaving is necessary, wait at least 24 hours after your spray tan and use a gentle razor to help preserve your color.
Daily Care Tips
Moisturize daily with a fragrance-free, hydrating lotion to keep your skin smooth and extend the life of your tan.
Avoid products containing alcohol, exfoliants, harsh chemicals, or heavy fragrances, as these can contribute to streaking and premature fading.
Additional Tips
Avoid heavy sweating or intense workouts that cause excessive perspiration during the first 48 hours after your tan.
Swimming in chlorinated pools or salt water can fade your tan faster. Apply a spray tan-friendly sunscreen to help protect your glow.
We offer recommended sunscreen and tan-extending products in-studio to help maintain your results.
Questions?
If you have any questions about your tan, preparation, or aftercare, please reach out.
We are here to help you look and feel your best!
