“A spray tan relies 50% on how well an individual prepares and cares for their skin and 50% on the application technique + color selection.”

– Kailee

Preparation

Day Before Tan

Wax/Shave Any Unwanted Body Hair | Waxing should be completed at least 48 hours prior to your clients appointment and shaving should be completed with a razor that lacks a moisture strip.

Exfoliate Entire Body With A Kessa Mitt | I advise against using a body scrub/loofah combo as most are oil-based and will leave a residue.

Complete Manicure/Pedicure | If completed day-of tan, advise client to forego any oils/lotions that their nail technician might apply on them. If completed days after tan, advise client that their tan may become uneven due to soaking, acetone, oils, lotions, etc. that their nail technician might apply on them.

Avoid Using Any Bar Soaps Or Cream-Based Body Washes | Any bar soaps/cream-based body washes (Dove specifically) are known to leave a residue on the skin and can create a barrier that the tan cannot penetrate through and may leave streaks. Any gel-based body wash is best. Showering should be completed at least FOUR hours prior to the spray tan appointment to allow the clients pH levels to neutralize. If the client must shower within four hours, instruct them to run cold water at the end of the shower to close up their pores.

Day Of Tan

Do Not Apply Any Lotions, Oils, Deodorant, Perfumes, Or Makeup | All of these can create a barrier on the skin that the tan will not adhere to. If your client arrives with any of these products on, offer them a Micellar Wipe to remove. Do not let them use a Neutrogena Makeup Wipe as these are very oily and will create more of a barrier.

Wear Dark, Loose-Fitting Clothing With Open-Toed Sandals | The best outfit to wear is a sweat outfit. Any tight clothing put on immediately after the tan can result in unwanted lines due to friction. If your client does not arrive with sandals, offer them disposable sandals on their way out. Please note that the bronzer in solution may transfer to your clients items, but is water soluble and will wash out.

Hours After Tan

Do Not Get Wet Or Sweat Until Your Initial Rinse | If your client accidentally spills water on themselves or their pet licked them, have your client take a fluffy makeup brush and use circular motions to buff and blend out the solution. If they have a self-tanner at-home, they can use a very small amount on their makeup brush to help blend. Understand that the bronzer will not appear “perfect” after, but once rinsed off, the tan will be evened out.

Rinse In Lukewarm Water With No Soap | Your client will see most of the bronzer wash away down the drain, explain to them that this is normal.

Wait Until Your Color Is Fully Developed To Moisturize | All tans will take anywhere from 12-24 hours to be fully developed. Any product applied to the skin during this time can hinder the results. It is best to moisturize with a lotion that is free of any artificial fragrances or mineral oil as these will strip a tan very quickly.