Spray Tan Prep: 5 Things to Do Before Your Spray Tan Appointment

Getting a spray tan is a great way to get a sun-kissed glow. A spray tan is also the perfect solution if you want even toned skin for your big event or beach holiday. But how do you ensure you get the most out of your spray tan?

This article highlights five things to do in preparation for your spray tan.

1. Exfoliate and Cleanse Your Skin

Exfoliating and cleansing before your spray tan are not just about having clear skin. These steps improve your results. Sweat, excess oil, and dry, dead skin will leave you with a spray tan that looks patchy. Here's why.

Sweat and oils stop spray tan from absorbing evenly into your skin. When you get a spray tan on unexfoliated skin, the spray tan goes onto dry and dead skin cells, and when the skin starts to shed dry and dead cells, you are left with patchy areas.

Get an exfoliating glove and exfoliate your skin 24 hours before your appointment to get rid of dry and dead skin. Exfoliating a day before your appointment gives your pores time to close up. Avoid using an exfoliation product with too much oil, and remember to cleanse your skin on the day of your session to get rid of sweat and oils. Be sure to pat yourself dry, do not wipe, and wait at least 4–6 hours to shower for best results.

2. Remove Body Hair

Spray tan does not only get onto your skin but also on any hair on your body. So, shave it off before your session. However, do not remove body hair too soon before your session.

When you shave or wax your skin, your pores open up. If you wax or shave right before your session, you will go in before your pores close up, and the spray tan will get into your pores and leave you with dark dots.

3. Go Natural

Ensure your skin is free of products that may interfere with the spray tan. Go for your appointment with your face free of makeup. Your skin should be free of heavy oils, lotion, deodorant, and perfumes. If your skin feels too dry, do not worry. Your tanning salon should have an oil-free lotion that will moisturize your skin without interfering with your spray tan. Tan Your Hide does offer a moisture spray option for prep as part of the spray tan.

4. Wear Loose and Dark Clothing

No matter how careful you are, there is a chance that the spray tan will get onto your clothes. Wear something that you won't mind staining. Ensure whatever you wear does not cling to your skin. Otherwise, the clothing will rub off the tan before it develops, leaving you with patches.

Loose clothing is suitable for a spray tan session because the tan will not rub on your skin too much. And in case your clothes touch your skin accidentally, they won't show stains when they are dark, so you won't look like the weird person walking around with dirty clothes as you go on with your day.

Ladies, leave your bra off after the session and keep your handbag off your shoulder as the tan develops.

5. Paint Your Nails

As you get your spray tan, some of the tan is bound to get onto your hands and may stain your nails. Brown nails will give away your faux tan. So paint them before your tanning session to keep them stain-free. A simple, clear coat or varnish will do. 

Covering your nails with varnish protects them from discoloration, so no one has to know you got a spray tan. Carry some wipes to your appointment to wipe your palms, soles, and nails after the session.

Spray tans look great. And with the proper preparation, you have a guarantee that you will love the outcome of your tanning session. But, before you begin your preparations, you must choose the best tanning technician. Contact us at Tan Your Hide for the best tanning services in Colorado.