Prep + Care
Want to achieve a flawless tan? Properly preparing for your spray tan allows you to achieve your optimal glow. Here are the basics of what to do before, day of, and after your tan to get the best results!
24-48 Hours Before Arrival
- You will want to make sure your skin is thoroughly exfoliated. Make sure to exfoliate everywhere, including your underarms, knees and elbows, feet, neck, and the backs of your arms. Please avoid any sulfate or oil-based exfoliators.
- Make sure you wax or shave any areas you want tanned at least 8-10 hours prior to your appointment.
- Do not use retinoids or retinol products, bar soaps, Dial, or Dove products. They all affect the pH balance within your skin, often giving you an uneven tan.
- Get your mani’s and pedi’s, massages, or facials 24 hours or more before your appointment. Oils used for these treatments can result in an uneven finish.
- If you are under the age of 18, make sure a parent is able to sign a waiver on your behalf.
- You’re pregnant? Congrats! We can spray women who are past their first trimester of pregnancy.
Day of Arrival
- Make sure you have comfortable yet appropriate clothing. Your clothing should be dark but loose, and ideally cotton. You should avoid denim, leggings, and yoga pants. If possible, wear a loose pair of pants, long sleeved shirt, and flip flops or slides.
- Take a quick water-rinse shower if needed, but do not use soaps, shampoos, or any conditioners. They will all leave residue behind, possibly leaving you with an uneven finish. The rinse should be done as soon as possible so it’s not close to your appointment.
- Avoid lotion, perfume, deodorant, makeup, or any oils.
- Women should plan to wear dark bikini bottoms or underwear. A bikini top or bra is optional, and at the comfort level of the client.
- Men should plan to wear dark swimsuit bottoms, underwear, or boxers. All male clients are required to wear one of these items appropriately.
After Your Spray Tan
- Put on some loose-fitting clothing that is not tight, but also does not allow any of your skin to touch other skin. Where skin touches, you risk getting an uneven tan. It is best to avoid bras or anything that would leave a tight line in your skin if possible. Loose clothes, PJs, and some flip-flops often work best.
- For a traditional spray, you should rinse 8-12 hours following your tan unless we tell you sooner specifically. For a rapid-rinse spray, set a timer to shower at the pre-discussed time, which is typically between 1 and 5 hours after your spray.
- During the first rinse with water, make sure the water runs clear after removing the bronzers with your hands using circular motions all over your body and cool water. Avoid hot water and do not use any shampoo, conditioner, or soaps during this first rinse.
- The tan will continue to develop for 24 hours following the spray tan application, even after your first rinse, so avoid putting on any lotions until it has been a full 24 hours after your spray tan.
- In the following 2-5 days, avoid using loofahs, exfoliators, and taking long hot baths or showers in order to maintain your tan as long as possible.
- Please be aware that any soaking of hands and feet for a manicure or pedicure can accelerate the fade of the tan.
- Don’t forget to wear your sunscreen! Not only does it keep you safe, it aids in preventing premature aging. Sun exposure is responsible for up to 90% of visible skin aging.
Once you reach the 24-hour mark, you need to regularly moisturize and hydrate your skin. We recommend you avoid petroleum, alcohol-based products, mineral oils, ethanol, exfoliators, and AHAs. They remove the tan very quickly. Our line of organically-based products will leave you with a natural looking tan for approximately 7-10 days with appropriate care. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out! Here at Privé Beauty Lab, we want you to always be happy with your results.
