Prep & Aftercare Guide and FAQs

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Prep & Aftercare Guide and FAQs *

  • 48 Hours Before Your Appointment

    • Complete all spa services including facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, manicures, pedicures

    24 Hours Before Your Appointment

    • Exfoliate Your Skin

    • Use a non-oil exfoliating scrub or mitt

    • Focus on dry areas (elbows, knees, ankles, hands, feet)

    • Remove all old self-tanner or spray tan residue, this creates a smooth surface for even color.

    • Shave or Wax at least 24 hours prior this allows pores to close and prevents spotting,

    Day of Your Appointment

    • Arrive With Clean Skin

    • Shower no less than 3 hours before your appointment

    • No lotions, oils, deodorant, perfume, or makeup

    • No sunscreen

    • No barrier creams

    Your skin must be completely product-free.

    What to Wear

    • Loose, dark clothing

    • Flip flops or sandals

    • Avoid tight bras, leggings, or socks

    • You may tan nude or wear undergarments/swimwear

    Tight clothing can affect development.

    Weather Tip

    If raining or snowing, bring loose covering clothing to protect your tan.

  • Immediately After Your Appointment

    • Avoid sweating or getting wet

    • Wear loose clothing

    • Do not apply lotion or deodorant

    • Avoid touching your skin excessively

    • Your tan is still developing.

    First Rinse Instructions

    Rapid Tan

    • Rinse in 1–6 hours depending on desired color depth, your technician will recommend timing.

    Signature Tan

    • Rinse in 8–12 hours

    How to Rinse

    • Use lukewarm water only

    • No soap, shampoo, or shaving

    • Rub your body with your hands until water runs clear

    • Pat dry - do not rub

    Your full color develops over 24 hours for both rapid and signature tans.

  • Daily Care

    • Moisturize morning and night

    • Use gentle, sulfate-free body wash (native is a great option)

    • Take quick, lukewarm showers

    • Pat dry after bathing

    Avoid

    • Long hot baths

    • Hot tubs and swimming pools

    • Excessive sweating first 24 hours

    • Harsh soaps or exfoliants

    • Bar soaps (dove, dial, ect.)

    • Retinol or acne products on treated areas

    These cause faster fading.

    Shaving After Your Tan

    • Use a new razor

    • Shave gently

    • Avoid exfoliating shaving creams

    When your Tan Begins to Fade:

    • Moisturize to maintain even fading

    • Light exfoliation helps remove remaining color

    • Wait until your tan has faded before your next appointment

    For best results, schedule every 7–10 days.

    • Creates smooth, even results

    • Extends your tan life

    • Prevents streaking or patchiness

    • Gives the most natural-looking glow

    Your results are 50% application and 50% home prep and care.

  • Spray Tan Safe Body Washes

    • Native Body Wash (Coconut & Vanilla): Recommended for being sulfate-free and gentle.

    • CeraVe Soothing Body Wash: Good for preserving tan and keeping skin healthy.

    • Method Simply Nourish Body Wash: Popular for being gentle.

    • Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash: Good for hydration, often recommended for post-tan care.

    • Cetaphil Body Wash: A gentle option.

    • Summer's Eve: Recommended for pH balancing.

    Spray Tan Safe Lotions

    • Hempz Triple Moisture Body Wash/Lotion: Frequently recommended to keep skin hydrated without breaking down the tan.

    • CeraVe Moisturizing Cream: Good for restoring the skin barrier.

    • Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion: A trusted option to prevent patching.

    • Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula: Recommended for maintaining hydration.

    • Necessaire Body Lotion: Good for long-lasting hydration with sensitive skin options.

    Tips for Product Selection

    • Avoid: Mineral oil, paraffin/petroleum, harsh exfoliants, and alcohol-based products.

    • Look for: "Sulfate-free," "paraben-free," "hydrating," and "fragrance-free" for sensitive skin.

  • Retinol, retinoids (including prescription-strength tretinoin), and exfoliating acids can thin the skin and shorten the lifespan of your sunless tan. These products accelerate cell turnover, leading to patchy application and uneven fading.

  • You should not get a spray tan while sunburnt. Spraying over damaged skin typically causes blotchy, streaky, or uneven results, as the tan will peel off with the damaged skin. It is highly recommended to wait 3–4 weeks for the skin to heal completely, as even a "healed" burn can cause uneven fading.

  • Yes, getting a spray tan while pregnant is generally considered safe, particularly after the first trimester, as the active ingredient, DHA, is not absorbed into the body. However, it is essential to consult your doctor first, avoid inhaling the mist, and choose a well-ventilated salon.

    Key Pregnancy Spray Tanning Tips:

    • Prevent Inhalation: Wear a mask, nose plugs, or use protective gear for your mouth and eyes to avoid breathing in the spray.

    • Choose Reputable Salons: Ensure the salon has good ventilation or an extraction booth. We do all of the above :-)

    • Use water or aloe-based, non-toxic solutions to minimize chemical exposure.

    • Patch Test: Conduct a patch test 24 hours prior to check for increased skin sensitivity, which is common during pregnancy.

    • Alternative Options: Self-tanning lotions or mousses are considered safer alternatives to spray tans because they eliminate the risk of inhalation.