Do and don'ts before spray tan?

Author: Liam Rutherford  |  Last update: Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Remember to exfoliate, moisturise, and follow the technician's instructions for the best results. Avoid applying products before your spray tan, showering or sweating too soon after, and overdoing it with the tan. With proper care, you can enjoy a flawless, sun-kissed tan all year round!

How should I prepare my skin before a spray tan?

How do I prepare my body for a spray tan?
  1. Shave or Wax: If you need to shave or wax, do it at least 24 hours before your spray tan session. ...
  2. Exfoliate: This is the golden rule of spray tanning. ...
  3. Clean Skin: Arrive at your session with completely clean skin.

What not to do 24 hours before a spray tan?

*Waxing is recommended at least 48 hours or more before your tan. Shower, shave and exfoliate the night before, and NOT right before. Exfoliating the skin is the most important step for a flawless tan outcome! Avoid wearing any lotion, deodorant, makeup or any products to your session.

How much do you tip for a $40 spray tan?

What is the etiquette for tipping? The beauty industry standard is 20%.

What will mess up a spray tan?

Loofahs, washcloths, brushes, and body washes with microbeads are all going to hasten the tan's departure. Your first shower after your spray tan will likely result in a puddle of colored water around your drain, but this is normal. As you leave the shower, make sure to pat yourself dry with the towel, don't rub.

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What ruins a spray tan?

A dull razor will remove your tan. Be aware that spending any time in a hot tub, swimming pool, or the ocean—or even taking a long hot bath—can cause your Airbrush Tan to prematurely fade. Do not use aerosol or oil-based sunscreen! The chemicals in them will ruin your Airbrush Spray Tan.

How long after a spray tan can you shower?

You'll want to avoid showering for at least 4 hours after your spray tan.

Do you wear a bra during a spray tan?

Say No to Tight Clothing

Sports bras with thin straps, tight waistbands, and fitted tops can disrupt the tanning process and leave you with uneven color distribution. Opt for a strapless bra and an off-the-shoulder top for a seamless tan. That way, you'll achieve a natural, glowing look.

How long do spray tans last?

On average, a professional spray tan will last between 5 to 10 days, with some variation based on skin type, preparation, and aftercare. Here's a breakdown by skin type: Fair Skin: Fair skin can experience fading sooner, generally around 5 to 7 days.

What are the rules for a spray tan?

In this article, we'll provide a comprehensive guide on the dos and don'ts of spray tanning for beginners.
  • Do Exfoliate and Shave Before Your Spray Tan. ...
  • Don't Wear Tight Clothing. ...
  • Do Follow Your Airbrush Artist's Instructions. ...
  • Don't Shower Too Soon After Your Spray Tan. ...
  • Do Moisturize Your Skin. ...
  • Don't Overdo It.

Do you spray tan naked?

No, you don't have to be naked when you spray tan. While some people prefer to be nude to avoid tan lines, you have the option to wear whatever is most comfortable for you—like a swimsuit or underwear. During your tan, bronzer could transfer to your clothing but don't worry!

Can I wash my hair the morning of my spray tan?

If you wash your hair on the day of your spray tan, you risk your shampoo and conditioner ruining your spray tan, especially if you're a bride with an open-back dress. It's best to wash your hair a couple of days before your spray tan and ensure you exfoliate your skin and back leaving up to your appointment.

Do they spray your face in a spray tan?

When you're in the tanning 'tent' (a one-person pod with an open front) the therapist will usually start by applying the formula, dispersed through a spray gun, to your face. As advised, take a deep breath and close your eyes.

How to wear your hair for a spray tan?

Keep your hair away from your face and neck by securing it with a hair tie or hairnet. This prevents any stray hairs from interfering with the tan application, ensuring a seamless finish.

What happens if you don't moisturize before a spray tan?

Moisturize ahead of time

If your skin is dry when you go in to get your spray-on tan, there's a chance the pigment could cling to dry patches, resulting in a blotchy, uneven tan. Prior to your appointment, make sure your skin is adequately hydrated from head to toe.

What to do before fake tanning?

Right before tanning, cleansing the skin will create a smooth base that allows the fake tan to adhere evenly. The key is to avoid anything too oily, lather up with Kiehl's Bath and Shower Liquid Body Cleanser, formulated with aloe vera and hydrolyzed wheat proteins, it softens and gently cleanses the skin.

How to keep a spray tan looking good?

MOISTURIZE AFTER THE SHOWER

After your shower, moisturize with an oil-free moisturizer. Hydrated skin maintains a tan longer than dry, thirsty skin. Remember the previous spray tan aftercare tip to stay dry and make sure that any moisturizing occurs at least 4 hours after the spray tan.

How much do spray tans usually cost?

Like most beauty services, these tend to be more expensive in big cities and metropolitan areas compared to suburban areas. For example, Bennett says that at her salon (which has locations in Scottsdale, Arizona and Los Angeles, California), spray tans start at $55 in Arizona and $110 in Los Angeles.

When can I wear normal clothes after a spray tan?

Once you've had your first post-tan shower, you can go back to wearing your regular clothes, including tighter-fitting or lighter-colored options.

Should you cover nipples for spray tan?

Use 'nipple tape' over your nipples or place a breast-pad over the nipple area so the tan doesn't go on it. Apply a barrier cream (such as nipple cream, Vaseline or even nappy cream) over your breasts so the tan cannot adhere to them.

What to wear for a spray tan for beginners?

We recommend wearing loose-fitting and easy-to-remove clothing. Stick to dark colours – A new spray tan will look amazing, but there is always a risk of some staining on your clothes, particularly when getting dressed after your tan.

How long after a spray tan can you put makeup on?

Wait six to eight hours after spray tanning before applying foundation. The moisture in the makeup can cause splotching, ruining your tan or creating a noticeably uneven effect.

What is the best self-tanner?

After extensive testing, we determined the highest rated self-tanner to be the St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse. It's an airy mousse that's easy to apply and blend and leaves you with a natural-looking glow. You can also customize the depth of color based on how long you leave it on your skin.

Does spray tan continue to develop after washing it off?

Please note: the tan will continue to develop even after the shower, so do not be alarmed if you're not as tanned as you expect to be. The tan will continue to develop over the next 12-24 hours.

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