A perfect spray tan starts before you even arrive at the studio. Follow this preparation checklist to ensure a flawless, streak-free, long-lasting glow.
The best spray tans aren't just about the solution and the technique, they're about the canvas. Five minutes of prep the day before your appointment is the difference between a golden, streak-free glow that lasts 7 to 10 days, and a tan that patches, fades unevenly, or rubs off in the wrong places. Here's the exact prep routine I recommend to every client.
24, 48 Hours Before
Exfoliate thoroughly
Dead skin cells are the number one cause of an uneven tan. Use a body scrub or exfoliating mitt 24 to 48 hours before your appointment, paying extra attention to elbows, knees, ankles, and the tops of your hands and feet. Avoid oil-based scrubs, they leave a film on the skin that solution can't grip onto.
Shave or wax
If you shave or wax, do it the day before, never on the morning of. Freshly shaved skin has open pores, which can lead to a dotted effect when the solution settles in.
Remove any existing tan
A new tan applied over an old one is a recipe for patchiness. Use a tan remover or exfoliating mitt to clear off anything from your last spray.
The Day Of Your Appointment
- Shower in the morning with a non-moisturising body wash, skip conditioner on your body if you usually use it.
- Do NOT apply moisturiser, body oil, deodorant, perfume, or makeup before your appointment. All of these create a barrier between the solution and your skin.
- Arrive with clean skin and wear loose, dark clothing, think black tracksuit pants, an oversized tee, and slides.
- Remove all jewellery before you arrive.
After the Spray
I'll walk you through aftercare before you leave, but the essentials are: leave the tan on for the recommended time (usually 6, 8 hours, or as your artist advises), take a cool rinse-off shower (no soap) for the first wash, then pat dry, don't rub. From there, moisturise daily with an oil-free lotion to extend the life of your tan.
When to Book
For events, book your spray tan 1 to 2 days beforehand, the colour continues to develop for about 24 hours, and it looks its best on day two. For weddings or big photo shoots, always do a trial run a few weeks in advance so I can dial in your shade.
Ready to glow? Choose from full-body or mobile spray tanning and book online.
