Exfoliate and shave 24 hours before tanning
The first—and arguably most crucial step—in your spray tan prep routine is exfoliation. Regular exfoliation helps remove dead, dull cells, helps smooth your skin, and provides a more even base for your tan. For your body, you can use a body scrub or lather up with a loofah.
Use soap only; do not use Dove or Caress products. Do not apply lotions, creams, or perfumes prior to session. Use deodorant very sparingly, as a harmless green tint can appear when solution and deodorant mix. Wear dark, loose fitting clothing and open toed sandals, flip-flops if possible.
Avoid shaving immediately before your spray tan session. Ideally, shave 24 hours prior to allow your skin to recover and avoid any potential irritation. Exfoliate gently: If you're shaving before tanning, gently exfoliate your skin using a mild scrub or exfoliating glove.
In general, your spray tan should last around a week, usually 5-7 days. This is pretty standard for professional spray tans, but still gives you plenty of time to get a tan booked in around other plans. While a spray tan lasts for around a week, you will start to see it fading before this time gradually.
Exfoliate: This is the golden rule of spray tanning. Exfoliating your body a day before your session helps get rid of dead skin cells, which can otherwise lead to a patchy tan. Use a spray approved body scrub or an exfoliating mitt, paying special attention to rough areas like elbows, knees, and ankles.
One key to preventing uneven or patchy results? Make sure your skin is well moisturised before you apply fake tan. This helps to stop scaly or dry areas such as elbows and knees from absorbing too much fake tan, and becoming too dark or developing orange hues.
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!
A few good choices would be Shea Moisture, CeraVe, Lubriderm, Vanicream, or Hempz, and some people prefer pure Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, or Cocoa Butter. Some spray tanning establishments advise against Aveeno, but I have people who swear by it and have used it for years.
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.
Nail appointments ideally should be done 24 hours before your spray tan. Nails and pedicures CAN be done the day of your spray tan, but please exfoliate any lotion or residue off. Nail appointments CANNOT be done immediately after your spray tan. Nail appointments CAN be done the day AFTER your spray tan.
WEAR LOOSE-FITTING CLOTHING
After your tan, you should wear loose-fitting clothing so your tan doesn't rub off or look uneven. The perfect outfit is a long, black t-shirt dress and sandals. You'll want to avoid wearing anything tight, like jeans, leggings, yoga pants, socks, or sneakers.
You'll want to avoid showering for at least 4 hours after your spray tan.
Applying at night gives your self-tanner time to develop a natural tan look. Things like showering, rain, or tight clothes can mess up your tan when it's trying to settle. And some tanning products will also stain! As the self-tanner process can take up to eight hours, applying right before bed is super convenient.
If you get a spray tan four or more days before your event, your tan will start to fade, the colour won't be as dark and won't pop against your outfit like a fresh tan would. Try to aim to book your spray tan two to three days before your event and your tan will be the perfect colour.
Continue to avoid makeup, perfume, deodorant, soaps, and lotions during the development period. Do not wear tight clothing or bras after a session. Follow your technician's advice on when to shower based on the solution used. Avoid sweating excessively for the first 24 hours.
To preserve your tan, avoid swimming, long showers, baths, steam rooms, and saunas. Avoid harsh chemicals such as chlorine, products containing acids, massages, fashion tape, bandages, and anything else that may strip your tan. We know it's hard, but keep your hands off your hot self.
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 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.