How to Prepare for a Spray Tan: A First-Timer’s Prep and Aftercare Guide
Learn how to prepare for your first spray tan, what to wear, when to shower, and how to keep your custom airbrush tan looking even and natural.
A smooth, natural-looking spray tan begins before your appointment. Exfoliating at the right time, arriving with clean skin, and knowing what to wear can help your color develop more evenly and last longer.
If this is your first spray tan, don’t worry. This guide explains exactly how to prepare, what to expect during your appointment, and how to care for your glow afterward.
Quick Spray Tan Prep Checklist
For the best possible results:
- Exfoliate and complete hair removal 24–48 hours before your appointment.
- Schedule waxing, facials, manicures, and pedicures before your spray tan.
- Arrive with clean, dry skin.
- Skip lotion, deodorant, perfume, makeup, and body oils on appointment day.
- Wear loose, dark clothing and comfortable shoes.
- Avoid water, sweating, and tight clothing while your tan develops.
- Wait approximately eight hours before rinsing unless you booked an express solution.
- Moisturize regularly after your first rinse to help your tan fade evenly.
Always follow the personalized instructions provided by your spray tan artist, as development time can vary by solution and skin type.
What to Do 24–48 Hours Before a Spray Tan
Preparation gives your tanning solution a smooth, even surface. Try to complete the following steps at least a day before your appointment.
Exfoliate your skin
Gently exfoliate your body to remove dry, dead skin cells. Pay extra attention to areas where tanning solution can collect, including:
- Elbows
- Knees
- Ankles
- Wrists
- Hands and feet
Choose an oil-free exfoliating product or mitt. Heavy oils can remain on the skin and create a barrier between your skin and the tanning solution.
Avoid aggressive scrubbing immediately before your appointment. Freshly exfoliated skin may be more sensitive, so giving it time to settle is helpful.
Shave or wax beforehand
Complete shaving or waxing before your spray tan—not afterward. Hair removal can exfoliate the skin and remove freshly developed color.
Whenever possible, wax at least 24–48 hours before the appointment. This allows the skin time to calm down and helps any products used during waxing wash away completely.
If you shave, try to do so the day before your tan. Use a clean razor and rinse the skin thoroughly.
Schedule other beauty appointments first
Your spray tan should generally be one of the last appointments in your beauty routine.
Schedule these services before tanning:
- Body or facial waxing
- Facials and exfoliating treatments
- Manicures and pedicures
- Massage
- Brow services involving wax or cleanser
Water, exfoliation, oils, and product removers used during these services can cause a fresh tan to fade or become uneven.
What to Do on the Day of Your Spray Tan
Shower before your appointment
Shower early enough that your skin is completely cool and dry before you arrive. Rinse away any remaining shaving cream, exfoliant, shampoo, or conditioner.
Very hot water can leave the skin warm and may contribute to uneven development, so choose a comfortable temperature.
Arrive with clean, bare skin
On appointment day, avoid applying:
- Body lotion
- Body oil
- Deodorant
- Perfume or body spray
- Makeup
- Heavy skincare products
These products can interfere with how evenly the tanning solution reaches the skin. If you must wear makeup earlier in the day, remove it completely before your appointment.
Your spray tan artist may apply a small amount of barrier cream to naturally dry areas such as the hands, feet, elbows, or knees.
Wear dark, loose clothing
Choose clothing that will not press or rub against your skin while your tan develops. Good options include:
- An oversized dark T-shirt
- Loose sweatpants or pajama-style pants
- A roomy dress
- Loose sandals or slip-on shoes
Avoid leggings, tight jeans, fitted sleeves, sports bras, socks, and restrictive shoes immediately after your appointment. Friction can disturb the solution before it finishes developing.
Some cosmetic bronzer may transfer to clothing, so dark colors are the most practical choice.
What Happens During a Custom Airbrush Tan?
A custom airbrush tan is applied by a professional using a handheld spray system rather than an automated booth.
At Everglow Esthetics, your Signature Glow is customized around your natural skin tone and the result you want. Before beginning, Megan can discuss:
- Whether you want a subtle glow or deeper color
- Your natural undertone
- Previous experiences with self-tanner or spray tans
- When your event is taking place
- How soon you need to rinse
- Any dry or sensitive areas
During the application, you will be guided through a series of simple positions so the tanning solution can be applied evenly.
You may wear whatever makes you feel comfortable during the service. Keep in mind that underwear, a swimsuit, or other clothing will create tan lines. If you are uncertain about what to wear, ask before your appointment.
What to Avoid Immediately After a Spray Tan
Your tan needs uninterrupted development time. Until your first rinse, avoid anything that could expose your skin to moisture or friction.
That includes:
- Showering
- Swimming
- Working out
- Sweating heavily
- Walking in rain without protection
- Washing your hands excessively
- Applying skincare or body products
- Wearing tight clothing
- Sitting with crossed legs for long periods
Be cautious around pets and small children, too. A lick, splash, or damp handprint can affect a developing tan.
When Can You Shower After a Spray Tan?
For Everglow’s standard Signature Glow, allow approximately eight hours before showering. If you booked an express solution, Megan will provide a shorter, personalized rinse time.
Your first rinse should be brief and gentle:
- Use lukewarm water.
- Avoid scrubs, loofahs, and exfoliating gloves.
- Rinse until the cosmetic guide color running off your skin becomes clear.
- Gently pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it with a towel.
- Follow the moisturizing instructions provided at your appointment.
It is normal to see color washing down the drain. Much of this is the temporary cosmetic bronzer, not your fully developed tan.
Your color may continue developing after the first rinse, so evaluate the final result only after the recommended development period has passed.
How to Make a Spray Tan Last Longer
A professional spray tan commonly lasts around five to ten days, although results vary with skin type, shade, bathing habits, physical activity, and aftercare.
These habits can help extend your glow.
Moisturize regularly
Keeping the skin hydrated is one of the most effective ways to encourage an even fade. Once you have completed your first rinse, apply a spray-tan-friendly moisturizer as directed.
Keep showers gentle
Long, hot showers can dry the skin and accelerate fading. Use lukewarm water, avoid unnecessary scrubbing, and pat dry afterward.
Avoid exfoliating products
Pause body scrubs, exfoliating acids, retinoids, and rough washcloths while you want to preserve your tan. When you are ready for your next appointment, exfoliate the remaining color evenly before receiving a new application.
Be mindful of swimming and sweating
Chlorinated pools, hot tubs, long baths, and frequent intense workouts can shorten the life of a spray tan. If you swim, rinse afterward and moisturize once your skin is dry.
Shave gently
Shaving naturally removes some surface skin cells. When shaving is necessary, use a fresh razor, apply light pressure, and avoid repeated passes over the same area.
When Should You Get a Spray Tan Before an Event?
For a wedding, prom, vacation, photo session, or other important occasion, scheduling your spray tan approximately two or three days beforehand usually gives the color time to develop and settle.
If you have never had a professional spray tan, consider booking a trial several weeks before a major event. A trial lets you see how the color looks on your skin, how it photographs, and how it fades. It also gives you and your spray tan artist an opportunity to fine-tune the shade.
For weddings, complete waxing, facials, nails, and massages before the final spray tan appointment.
Does a Spray Tan Protect You From the Sun?
No. A spray tan creates cosmetic color but does not provide meaningful protection from ultraviolet radiation.
Continue using broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and shade when spending time outdoors. The FDA also notes that most sunless tanning products do not contain sunscreen.
During any spray application, follow the provided protective instructions and avoid inhaling the mist or allowing it to enter the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Book a Custom Spray Tan in Waterford, Michigan
Ready for a natural-looking glow customized to you?
Everglow Esthetics offers professional airbrush tanning in Waterford Township, Michigan. Whether it is your first spray tan or part of your regular beauty routine, Megan will help you choose a shade that complements your skin and fits your plans.
View Everglow’s services or learn more about spray tans with Everglow.
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