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PREP & AFTER CARE

A long-lasting tan begins with proper prep and maintenance. Spray tans typically last 5–7 days, but with our recommended care, they can last for over 2 weeks with a gradual fade over time.

PREP GUIDE

HYDRATE (3 days before):​​

  • Hydration is key to a long-lasting tan! Drink plenty of water and hydrate your skin with a quality moisturizer several times per day leading up to your appointment.

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COMPLETE OTHER SERVICES (1-2 days before):​​

  • Nails, lashes, waxing, sugaring, laser treatments, facials, and massages should be done 1-2 days before your appointment. This prevents any products from these services that might compromise your skin.

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EXFOLIATE (1 day before):​

  • Use an exfoliating mitt in the shower to gently remove dead skin from your entire body.

  • Pay extra attention to dry areas like the ankles, feet, knees, elbows, and hands.

  • Using a loofah does not count as exfoliating!

  • Avoid oil-based body scrubs to prevent residue build up.

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SHAVE (12-24 hours before):​

  • Shave 12-24 hours before your appointment to give your skin enough time to calm and for your hair follicles to fully close.

  • If you must shave the same day, do it at least 6 hours before your appointment, and follow with a gentle wash to remove any product residue.

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FINAL SHOWER (2 hours before):​​

  • Use a gel-based body wash as your final step of your shower to remove any residue from conditioner, soap, or shaving.

    • Check out our "Spray Tan-Safe Products" listed in the Prep & Post Care section of our FAQ's (located under the Connect tab).

  • Your last shower should be no less than 2 hours before your appointment. Showering too close to your appointment can leave your skin damp or pores open, which may cause streaking or uneven development.

  • If you have to shower less than 2 hours, stick to a quick lukewarm rinse with no soap, lotion, shaving, or exfoliating.​

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ARRIVE WITH CLEAN SKIN:

  • If possible, avoid lotions, deodorant, makeup, or perfume the day of your appointment to prevent uneven development.

  • Let your technician know if you have any products on when you arrive so we can provide you a wet wipe.​

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BRING LOOSE FITTING CLOTHES:

  • Bring loose, dark, breathable pants, a long sleeve, and sandals to change into afterwards.

  • If possible, leave your jewelry at home. If you have permanent jewelry, we can blend around it.

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SUNBURN NOTE:

  • Sunburned skin is damaged skin, and it can take anywhere from a couple days to a month to fully heal. Please consider rescheduling your spray tan if you are experiencing any redness, peeling, inflammation, or wounds as this could result in further irritation, patchiness, or an uneven tan.

AFTER CARE

BEFORE THE FIRST RINSE:​

  • Avoid getting wet, including sweating and washing your hands.

  • Avoid skin-to-skin contact (e.g. underarms, thighs, elbow crease, back of legs, neck) by continuing to wear a loose, dark, long sleeve shirt and pants until you have rinsed off.

  • Avoid touching your tan to prevent "Cheeto fingers"!

 

THE FIRST RINSE:​

  • ​Rinse at the recommended time to avoid under or overdevelopment.

  • Use only water and your hands (no soap) to remove all the cosmetic bronzer.

  • Spray tans take about 24 hours to develop, hence you will continue to get slightly darker even after you rinsed off.

 

MAINTENANCE TIPS:

  • Check out our "Spray Tan-Safe Products" listed in the Prep & Post Care section of our FAQ's (located under the Connect tab).

  • Water is a natural exfoliant, so keep showers on the quicker and cooler side.

  • Always hand lather your soap when showering (no loofahs or scrubs).

  • Always pat dry with a towel (never rub).

  • Drink plenty of water and moisturize twice daily with high quality products (see products to avoid below).

  • Spray tans do not contain SPF, so always apply a lotion-based sunscreen (not aerosol).

    • Sunscreen is available for purchase in our salons and on our website.

  • Incorporating a tan extender or gradual tanning lotion, can extend the life of your tan.

    • Tan extenders are available for purchase in our salons and on our website.

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AVOID:

  • Sulfate-heavy body washes (like Dove, Olay, Dial, Irish Spring) – strip the tan quickly.

  • Bar soaps – dry out skin and cause patchiness.

  • Oil-based lotions (like mineral oil, baby oil, coconut oil, Vaseline) – break down the color.

  • Deodorants with aluminum or heavy fragrance – can cause green underarms.

  • Aerosols & perfumes – dry out skin and cause patchiness.

  • Exfoliating products (loofahs, scrubs, retinols, glycolic/salicylic acid, AHAs, acne treatments) – speed up fading.

  • Chlorine & salt water – both are very harsh and can strip the tan.

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