How to Prepare for a Spray Tan?

What you do before your spray tan makes all the difference in how it turns out. Prep well, and you’re on track for a smooth, natural-looking glow that actually turns heads. Skip it, and you risk ending up with a patchy tan that fades in uneven ways. The good news? Getting ready isn’t hard. Once you know the basics, it’s easy. Here’s how to prepare for a spray tan the right way.

Tips on How to Prepare for a Spray Tan

There are two main stages to prep: what you do the day before your appointment, and what you do on the day of.

24-48 Hours Before Your Spray Tan

These are the two things that you must do:

Exfoliate

You might not realize it, but the surface of your skin is loaded with dead skin cells. These will eventually shed on their own, but if they’re still hanging around during your spray tan, they’ll mess with the results, causing patchiness and faster fading.

 

So, exfoliating is a must. You want smooth, fresh skin that’s ready to take the tan evenly.

 

Forgot to exfoliate yesterday?

 

Not ideal, but not a total disaster. If your appointment is later in the day, you can still exfoliate. Just make sure to use a gentle, oil-free scrub. Skip the moisturizer, but do apply pH-balancing mist. Spray it all over and rub it in. This helps neutralize your skin’s pH levels, which leads to a more even tan and longer-lasting results.

Here are more tips on making your spray tan last the longest.

 

Appointment in the next couple of hours?

In this case, you should skip the exfoliation. Doing it right before can open up your pores, which can lead to dark spots or uneven patches.

Shaving or Waxing

Just like dead skin cells, body hair can interfere with how the tanning solution sticks to your skin, leading to blotchy or streaky results.

 

Use whatever hair removal method works best for you, but stick to these timing rules:

• Shave at least 24 hours before your appointment.
• Wax at least 48 hours beforehand, since waxing removes deeper layers of skin and can leave pores wide open.

 

Didn’t shave or wax in time?

Don’t try to squeeze it in last-minute. Unlike exfoliating, shaving or waxing right before a spray tan is a bad idea. It can irritate your skin and create dark dots where the tanner settles into open pores.

On the Day of Spray Tanning

You’ve done the hard part, exfoliating, shaving, or waxing ahead of time. Now, just a few simple steps will make sure your tan applies evenly and lasts longer.

 

• Skip lotion, deodorant, and perfume: These products can create a barrier that blocks the tanning solution. You want your skin clean and bare, nothing that could repel the spray.
• Shower, but don’t moisturize: Clean skin is key for the best results. Rinse thoroughly to remove any soap, oils, or residue. But don’t apply lotion afterward. Instead, spray on our pH-balancing mist right before your appointment. It helps prep your skin by balancing pH levels, setting the stage for an even, long-lasting tan.
• Wear loose, dark clothing: Choose clothes that won’t cling or rub against your skin. Tight fabrics can smudge the tan before it sets. Dark colors are best. They won’t show left over if any of the spray rubs off. But if you don’t want to worry about stains or turning orange, come to SunsUp Tan & Wellness Spa. If the spray does rub off on your clothes or sheets, great news – Our tanning solution won’t stain your clothes, doesn’t have that typical “spray tan smell,” and won’t leave you looking orange, just a clean, natural-looking tan that wears beautifully.
• Use barrier cream on dry spots: Areas like elbows, knees, ankles, and knuckles tend to soak up more tanning solution, making them look darker. To prevent that, apply a small amount of barrier cream or lotion to those spots, just enough to even things out. Don’t want to deal with the hassle? Get a spray tan at one of our locations and try our blending cream. With our all-natural, mostly organic spray tan formulas, you only need to apply blending cream to your hands and feet. No need to cover every dry spot. It saves time and still gives you that perfectly even finish.

Spray Tan Maintenance Tips

Just because the spray tan is done doesn’t mean your job is over. How you treat your skin afterward plays a big role in how long your tan lasts and how good it looks.

 

• Let your spray tan develop: For the first 6 to 24 hours, avoid sweating, working out, or touching your skin too much. Your tan is still developing, and any disruption can lead to streaks or patchiness.
• Be smart with the first shower: Wait at least 6-8 hours before showering. That gives the DHA (the active ingredient in spray tans) enough time to fully develop. When you shower, use lukewarm water.
• Pat, don’t rub: After showering, skip the aggressive towel rub. Gently pat your skin dry instead. Rubbing can wear down the tan, especially in the first few days.
• Moisturize daily: Keeping your skin hydrated is key to a long-lasting tan. Use a fragrance-free, oil-free lotion. Anything with oil will cause the tan to fade faster. We recommend TriLuxe Lotion or the organic Malie. Both are perfect for maintaining your glow and are available at all SunsUp locations.
• Skip exfoliation (for now): Exfoliating too soon will strip your tan. Hold off until it naturally starts to fade, then exfoliate to remove the last bits evenly. We recommend using the Bamboo Exfoliant, which is gentle but effective, and available at our locations.
• Avoid hot showers, long baths, and chlorine: Prolonged soaking, hot water, and chlorinated pools will all break down your tan quicker. Keep showers short and lukewarm, and limit swimming if you want to keep your glow.

How Long Does a Spray Tan Last?

If you prep right and care for your skin after, a spray tan without heavy chemicals (like the kind we use) typically lasts 4 to 7 days. In contrast, chemical-heavy solutions can last up to two weeks, but they come at the cost of exposing your skin to harsher ingredients and a typical orange shade. Follow these tips, and you’ll not only get a beautiful tan, but you’ll keep it looking fresh and even the whole time.

How Much Does a Spray Tan Cost?

At SunsUp Tan & Wellness Spa, new clients can get their first spray tan for just $20. We also offer spray tan packages that bring the price down to as low as $15 per session.

 

Want more details? Reach out to us directly or stop by one of our locations. We’re happy to help.

Try a Spray Tan in Portland, or Vancouver, WA

If you’re looking for a spray tan in Portland or Vancouver, come see us at SunsUp Tan & Wellness Spa. Our expert technicians are here to give you a natural-looking glow with customized results you’ll love.