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I’ve personally never been able to tan very well, so spray tans are my go-to for big events or holidays Besides being convenient, they’re also much better for your skin.
Even if you don’t get sunburned, any change in your skin colour is actually a sign of sun damage. Over time, too much UV exposure can lead to wrinkles, discolouration, and rough texture.
Luckily, spray tans give you the same look without the damage. That said, the sun is free, and a spray tan isn’t – so you want the best, most long-lasting results possible.
It all comes down to prep and aftercare. In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how I get ready for a spray tanning session.
What to do before a spray tan for a long-lasting natural look
It’s hard to commit to tanning regularly. Especially if you live somewhere where the sun isn’t always shining (hello London).
So, a lack of light and the fact that sun exposure is counterproductive to skincare goals? That makes scheduled spray tanning sessions a better option in every way.
You could even get some kind of spray tan membership, for example, to easily maintain your tan all year round and bring the cost down.
What is a spray tan?
Spray tanning is a safe, completely UV-free way to get bronzy skin. Instead of a tanning bed or an afternoon in the sun, you visually get the same results from a spray-on tanning solution.
A trained tech applies a solution that reacts with the top layer of your skin to create a natural-looking tan. It usually lasts about a week, depending on how well you care for it.
What happens during a spray tan session?
Discuss your preferences
When you first arrive, the technician will ask you lots of questions about your desired final result. More specifically, they’ll ask about things like your preferred shade and color placement, so know what you want going in. I usually get Sienna X in medium-dark. They can also mix shades together if you like.
Undress to your comfort level
When you’re taken back to the booth, undress to your comfort level. You can just wear a bikini, opt for disposable underwear, or go completely nude if you want full coverage.
I usually go nude on top but wear a cotton thong that I don’t mind getting ruined – although the tan does come out in the wash. I usually wear a navy or black one so it’s not noticeably stained.
Put on a hairnet and footpads
Next, you’ll put your hair in a hairnet and step out of your shoes and onto footpads or paper towels. This makes sure your feet are covered without getting the solution everywhere.
Apply barrier cream to dry areas
The solution may stick unevenly to your skin if you have lots of dry patches. To make sure you don’t get a darker tan on your rough elbows, knees, or ankles, apply a barrier cream.
The salon will provide the product they want you to use. Generally, it’s some kind of professional-grade oil-free lotion to help everything apply more evenly. Sometimes they’ll even apply it for you.
Get your airbrush or booth tan
Now for the tan. Depending on the salon, a technician will either spray the solution on by hand, or you’ll step into a booth where a machine applies it automatically.
In both cases, you’ll be asked to turn and move, so be ready to listen for directions.
Blend and touch up
When your initial tan is finished, the technician will usually touch up any areas that need extra blending. Common spots include the underarms, fingers, toes, and neck, where the solution can be lighter or uneven.
Dry and set the tan
Once the entire application is complete, you’ll stand still for a few minutes until the tanning solution fully develops and dries. Some salons may have you stand in front of a fan or dryer, or give you an air hose to dry yourself off.
During this time, don’t touch your skin. It could create streaks or uneven patches. Even for a few hours after it’s better to not touch your skin, and avoid clothing with cuffs or waistbands as they can remove bits of tan too.
Follow aftercare tips
Once you’re dry, you’ll put your clothes back on. (Be mindful of what you wear.) Then, the technician will explain how to properly care for your tan. They’ll likely tell you:
- Wait 6–8 hours before showering
- Use lukewarm water only for your first rinse – no soap or scrubbing
- Pat skin dry gently with a towel instead of rubbing
- Avoid exfoliating, shaving, or waxing for a few days – ideally don’t exfoliate until you’re ready to remove it completely
- Stay away from chlorine, saltwater, and hot tubs, which can fade your tan
- Skip heavy sweating or workouts for the first 24 hours
- Don’t apply oils or alcohol-based products, which can break down the tan. Lots of moisturisers contain oil so be wary of those!
- Wear loose, open-toed shoes or flip-flops to avoid rubbing and smudging the tan
- Moisturise to make the tan last as long as possible, but avoid oil based creams.
Here are my recommendations for the best moisturisers to use after a spray tan.
How to prepare for a spray tan
Use a physical exfoliant all over
A day or two before your tan, exfoliate your entire body. This will help shed rough patches of dead skin cells that could make your tan uneven.
Use an exfoliating mitt to apply a scrub like:
- Q+A AHA Exfoliator Body Scrub
- Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator Physical + Chemical
- First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
I like these because they’re both chemical and physical exfoliators. I never recommend physical scrubs for the face, but they can be more useful on the rest of the body. Honestly, the brand doesn’t matter all that much for this type of spray tan prep.
Shave or wax the day before
Another important step in spray tan prep is shaving or waxing. For the most natural-looking application, you’ll want your skin completely smooth and free of hair, assuming you like to remove body hair (not always a preference!).
That said, make sure you do this step at least 24 hours or more before your appointment. I’ve found that shaving on the day of your tan can make hair follicles more pronounced, which can cause the tan to appear dotted or spotty.
Don’t apply lotion, deodorant, or perfume
On the day of your appointment, avoid any oil-based products like lotion, deodorant, or perfume. (Honestly, just don’t put anything on your skin at all.)
These products can create a barrier between your skin and the tanning solution, leaving you with uneven results.
Take a lukewarm shower
A few hours before your spray tan, take a lukewarm shower and remove any makeup you have on. This makes sure there’s a clean, residue-free surface for your tanning solution.
Never use hot water, because it can dry out your skin, and nothing will shorten the life of your tan like poor skin hydration. Finish your lukewarm shower with a quick cool rinse that can help minimise your pores.
Personally I ask the technician to avoid the spray tan on my face, because I don’t want to risk breakouts. I always think – even if I didn’t break out, the tan would come off so fast because of my daily skincare routine that I’m not willing to forgo!
Wear loose, dark clothing
What you wear to your appointment is important. I recommend wearing dark, loose-fitting clothes that won’t rub against your skin while the tanning solution is still developing. Tight clothes can create patches or streaks from friction, so keep everything loose.
And you want to go with something dark, because the tanner may rub off on your clothes. The stains won’t be as noticeable with dark fabrics and will be easier to remove.
Even if you think your outfit is loose, you’ll notice where it can cling to you after the appointment! I would go with a huge oversized t-shirt if possible. In the past I’ve had drawstrings around the waist rub off tan, and even the zip of a very loose hoody (on the inside).
Pack all your essentials
You don’t need much for your tanning session, but I do recommend a couple of things. First, make sure you wear flip-flops, sandals, or slides. They’ll be easy to take on and off without rubbing the solution from your feet.
Second, bring a hair tie or claw clip to put your hair up before putting the hair net on. It’s just easier that way.
Finally, bring whatever you want to wear while tanning. You could wear a bikini (though the solution can stain it), disposable underwear or real underwear. Sometimes the salon provides these, so just ask before you go.
If you’d rather wear nothing to avoid tan lines, go for it. It’s very normal to tan nude.
Keep an open schedule
On the day of your tan, try to keep errands and activities to a minimum. You’ll want to avoid sweating or anything rubbing against your fresh tan. I usually get my tan the evening before my holiday, and I always avoid the gym that evening.
This is a good day to take a break from your workouts and chaotic schedule and just relax while your tan develops and fully sets in. I’ll usually be running around my house in a loose, oversized t-shirt while I finalise my packing.
Get the most out of your tan with the right preparation and aftercare
Getting your first spray tan can be a little intimidating, but there’s really nothing to worry about. Follow this preparation guide and follow aftercare tips religiously, and you’ll have a natural, long-lasting tan.
For more skincare advice and resources, browse the rest of my blog and follow me on TikTok and Instagram. And, here are some more posts you’ll likely find helpful:
- Does tanning lotion expire? How to know the expiration date
- Best Korean body wash products for shower skincare
