Spray Tan Information
Pre Tan
Exfoliate your whole body at least once in the week before your tan, more often on very dry, flakey, or thickened skin. Keep your skin well moisturised in the days before your spray tan for best results.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Unfortunately, spray tans cannot disguise tan lines, so please avoid this as much as possible leading up to a special event.
Exfoliate & shave
Exfoliate (and shave if desired) 24 hours before your spray tan. If you wax this must be done 48 hours before your spray tan.
Use an oil free scrub or exfoliating mitt to remove dry skin cells.
This step MUST be done at least 24 hours before, please do not exfoliate on the day of your spray tan.
On the day
Avoid
Moisturisers, Oils, Deodorant & Perfume. These can create a barrier, causing the spray tan to apply unevenly or cause issues with development.
Wear Loose, Dark Clothing & Remove Jewellery
-Tight clothes will remove your tan making it look patchy, the bronzer may rub off on your clothes (this washes out easily).
-If it is raining please wear long sleeves and pants. Bring an umbrella.
-Prepare to go bra-less and no shoes or sock (just jandals or bare feet) while your tan develops
-Avoid clothing with too much texture as the pattern could be transferred to your tan
Arrive Clean & Dry
-Please arrive at your appointment clean, dry, and makeup-free.
-If you have applied deodorant, makeup, or perfume please let me know. We do have wipes available for you to use.
Development Period
Things to Avoid
-Most importantly avoid getting tan wet. Be careful unloading dishwasher and washing machine. Do not wash hands under the tap, instead use a damp flannel to wipe palms of hands.
-No sweating or exercising, Sweat = Water
-No tight clothes, bras, socks or shoes during the development phase.
-Do not sit with bare legs on leather or vinyl seats or lean on kitchen counter tops with bare arms.
-The tan will develop darker where there is skin on skin contact (arms touching sides of the body, thighs rubbing together, under side of breasts), try and wear clothing that can be tucked in a way to act as a barrier to skin touching skin.
-If sleeping while the tan develops, we recommend wearing full pyjamas to minimise the risk of skin touching skin
First Rinse
-Rinse after 1-4 hours for a lighter tan or 8 hours for maximum colour.
-Use lukewarm water only, no hot showers.
-No soaps, body wash, shampoo, or conditioner during your first rinse. These can interfere with the development process.
-You will see bronzer washing away, don’t panic! This is normal. Your actual tan will continue to develop over the next 12–24 hours.
-Use your hands to help wash the bronzer completely off your body. If any bronzer residue is left behind it could cause streaks in the final colour.
-Pat your skin dry with a clean towel, no rubbing.
Maintenence
Moisturise (very important)
-Start moisturising straight after your first rinse and then continue to moisturise morning and night day or after water exposure.
-Use a gentle, tan-friendly moisturiser.
-Top up your tan mid-week with a gradual tanning moisturiser to extend the colour and avoid patchiness as it wears off.
-Continue to pat dry after showers
-Avoid tight clothes that dig into the skin
-Use a gentle, sulfate-free body wash only. Harsh soaps will strip your tan.
-Tan will fade faster with exposure to water especially long, hot showers, baths, chlorinated or salt water.
-Tan will also fade faster with shaving, waxing and exfoliating
FAQ
How long will my spray tan last?
Your tan will typically last 5–10 days, depending on your skin type, aftercare, and how well you prepped.
Keeping skin moisturised is essential to help it fade evenly and last longer.
Will my tan keep developing after my first shower?
Yes! The colour continues to develop for up to 24 hours after your rinse.
Your tan may appear lighter immediately after rinsing, but it will deepen over the day.
Im so dark!
Please be aware you will appear much darker, slightly green (to counteract orange tones in the final color) and may be slightly patchy and uneven before the first rinse, you may contunie getting darker during the development period. This is the temporary guide colour and is not indicative of the final colour result which will look a natural, even golden brown after the first rinse.
Can I get a spray tan while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Many pregnant and breastfeeding clients safely get spray tans, but always consult with your doctor first.
If breastfeeding, it’s best to keep the chest area tan free or rinse it off before feeding.
What if I accidentally get wet before my first rinse?
If you do get water drops on the skin use a clean, slightly damp powder brush to buff and blend the area as soon as possible
Can I shave or wax after my spray tan?
Avoid waxing once your tan is applied, wax will remove the tan. Yes you can shave but be aware that shaving will fade your tan quicker..
Will it stain my sheets or clothes?
During the development period the bronzer will likely transfer slighty onto sheets and clothing. This washes easily out of most fabrics.
After the first rinse there is very little chance of colour transferal but it is still a possibility.
When should I have my spray tan?
1–2 days before your event is ideal.
This gives the tan time to fully develop, settle, and look its best in photos while still being fresh and even.
Can I tan over an old spray tan?
No, it’s best to remove all remnants of your old tan first to avoid uneven results.
I recommend exfoliating and hydrating the skin for a few days before your new appointment.