Pre-Care & Post-Care
How can I prepare for my wax?
Before Your Appointment
Shaving & Waxing
- Wax at least 1-2 days before your spray tan.
- Shave with a fresh razor at least 12 hours before your appointment to allow pores to close. Skip your shaving cream, which can dry your skin and cause your tan to look streaky. If you need a shaving cream, use a spray-tan friendly body wash instead.
Beauty Appointments
- Schedule any facials, massages, waxing, or nail services at least 24 hours before your spray tan to avoid interference with your tan’s development.
Exfoliation
- Exfoliate 24-48 hours before your appointment to remove dead skin and any leftover self-tanner.
- For best results, dry brush or use an exfoliating mitt before showering, then exfoliate again in the shower.
- Do not exfoliate the day of your tan, as your skin needs time to rebalance.
Showering & Products to Avoid
- Take your last shower at least 12 hours before your appointment. If you must shower closer to your session, rinse with cool water only, no soap, shampoo, or shaving.
- Avoid bar soaps and high-pH body washes (like Dove, Olay, Aveeno, Irish Spring, and Bath & Body Works) for 72 hours before and after your tan, as they can leave a residue that affects the tan’s development.
- Do not apply any products (lotions, oils, deodorant, perfume, or serums) to your skin on the day of your tan—these can create a barrier and cause uneven results.
Day of Your Appointment
What to Wear & Weather Prep
- Wear loose, dark clothing after your tan to prevent smudging. I suggest long pants and a long sleeve shirt.
- Avoid
leggings, jeans, bras, biker shorts, or socks after your tan, as they can cause smudging or uneven development.
- If there’s rain in the forecast, bring an umbrella and wear closed-toe shoes to protect your fresh tan.
Undressing & What to Expect
- You can wear as much or as little as you feel comfortable. Some clients go nude, while others wear a bathing suit, underwear, or a tank top.
- Any clothing worn during your tan will leave tan lines.
- I provide hair nets, disposable undergarments, foot protectors, and barrier cream for your hands and nails if needed.
Jewelry & Products
- Remove all jewelry before your session.
- Arrive with no lotion, makeup, deodorant, perfume, or oils on your skin—these can act as barriers and affect how your tan develops.
Immediately After Your Appointment
Stay Dry & Avoid Sweating
- Avoid water, sweat, and any liquids while your tan is developing.
- If you get a drop of water or a surprise lick from your pet, gently blend the area with a dry, stiff makeup brush; chances are, it’s just the bronzer, and your tan will still develop fine.
Hands Off!
- Try not to touch your skin before your first rinse. Any bronzer on your skin can transfer to your palms and create unwanted staining.
Rinse (Follow My Instructions!)
- Your rinse time is customized for you. I’ll tell you exactly when to rinse at your appointment.
- When it’s time, take a
quick (3-5 min) lukewarm water rinse, no soap, shampoo, conditioner, or loofahs.
- You’ll see bronzer washing off; this is normal! Keep rinsing until the water runs clear.
- Pat yourself dry with a towel, don’t rub!
Moisturize (But Not Too Soon!)
- Wait
at least 24 hours before applying lotion—your tan continues developing for up to 24 hours after your rinse.
- Applying products too soon can
interfere with the full development of your color.
Other Important Tips
- Avoid
tight clothing, sweating, swimming, and excessive touching until your tan is fully developed (about 24 hours after your appointment).
- If you’re sleeping in your tan,
wear loose, long-sleeved clothing to prevent skin-on-skin transfer.
- Avoid bar soaps, exfoliants, and products with oils or parabens to help your tan last longer.
Maintaining your tan
Moisturize
- To keep your tan looking fresh, moisturize daily with a tan extender lotion. The more hydrated your skin, the longer your tan will last and the more evenly it will fade. Dry skin can cause cracking, leading to that dreaded "snakeskin" effect, so be sure to keep it nourished!
- Keep your skin hydrated both inside and out. Drink plenty of water, it’ll help your tan last longer!
- Avoid harsh products like retinol, AHAs, and products containing alcohol, sulfates, or mineral oils. These can fade your tan quickly.
Avoid Long Showers, Hot Baths, and Swimming
- Activities like long showers, hot baths, and swimming naturally exfoliate your skin and can cause your tan to fade faster.
No Exfoliating
- Once you’ve been sprayed, avoid body scrubs, loofahs, or washcloths until you’re ready to remove your tan. These items can speed up the exfoliation process and make your tan fade unevenly.
Use Sunscreen
- Spray tans do not protect you from UV exposure. Be sure to apply a spray tan-safe sunscreen to protect your skin while keeping your tan intact.