How to Prepare for a Spray Tan

Pre-Tan Preparation

Proper preparation before a spray tan session can have a major effect on the quality of your spray tan results and the length of the tan.

Whether it is your first time or you absolutely love spray tans, Here are our MEGATAN essential tan tips to prepare for a spray tan and how to maintain your beautiful tan for longer:

Step	What to Do	Timing	Why It Matters
Exfoliate	Use a gentle exfoliator to remove dead skin cells, focusing on knees, elbows, and rough areas.	24 hours before the appointment.	Creates a smooth surface for even tan application.
Shave/Wax	Shave or wax to remove hair and prevent streaking or uneven application.	24 hours before the appointment.	Prevents irritation and ensures the tanning solution adheres evenly.
Moisturise	Apply a lightweight moisturiser to hydrate the skin, focusing on dry areas like elbows and knees.	Daily leading up to the appointment, but not on the day.	Prevents dry patches that can lead to uneven tanning.
Paint Nails	Apply a clear coat of nail polish to protect nails from staining.	Before the appointment.	Protects nails and ensures a polished finish.
Remove Makeup	Cleanse your face thoroughly to remove makeup, oils, and residue.	Right before your appointment.	Ensures the tanning solution adheres to clean skin for even application.
Wear Loose Clothing	Choose dark, loose-fitting garments to wear after your appointment.	On the day of the appointment.	Prevents rubbing and staining, ensuring the tan develops evenly.

Exfoliate and Shave 24 Hours Before

The first step in spray tan prep is to exfoliate your skin at least 24 hours before your appointment. Exfoliation beforehand will remove dead skin cells and ensure a smooth, even application.

Use a gentle exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin cells and reveal a fresh layer of skin. Pay extra attention to rough areas that are prone to dryness, such as elbows and knees.

Hair removal, either shaving or waxing, is recommended to prevent an uneven finish of the spray tan. Tanning solution can stick to body hair, so removing it will create a smoother, even canvas.

Shave or wax at least 24 hours before your spray tan session to allow any potential irritation or redness to subside.

Skin Care Before the Tan

Moisturise Ahead of Time

Moisturise your skin before a spray tanning appointment to prevent dryness and unevenness. Use a lightweight moisturiser to provide a smooth and even base for the tan.

Avoid moisturising immediately before your appointment, as this can prevent the tan from adhering correctly.

Take a shower, then moisturise the whole body, paying special attention to the dry areas such as the feet, knees, elbows, and knuckles.

Keep your skin hydrated to extend the longevity of your spray tan and keep your glow intact.

What to Wear to Your Appointment

Choose Dark, Loose Clothing

On the day of your spray tan appointment, first shower so your skin is clean. Wear dark clothing that is loose-fitting to your spray tan appointment to prevent staining and unevenness caused by the tanning solution.

One of our tan tips is to opt for loose-fitting garments like a baggy T-shirt and jogging bottoms. Loose-fitting clothes prevent the skin from rubbing, causing a patchy, tanned result.

Avoid wearing tight or bright clothing that may show stains.

Consider wearing disposable underwear or swimwear for a hassle-free session. Most of the time, the tanning salon where you choose to get your spray tan will provide disposable underwear for your appointment.

Ensure all makeup is removed before your tanning appointment.

Preparing Your Nails and Hair

Paint Your Nails in Advance

• To protect your fingernails and toes before the treatment, apply nail varnish, as spray tans can stain them.
• Avoid getting a manicure or pedicure after getting a spray-on tan.
• Apply a clear coat of polish to protect your nail colour.
• Schedule your nail appointment before your spray tan.
• Wipe off your nails after a spray tan if you have a light-colored manicure or pedicure.

Understanding Spray Tan Solutions

Choose the Right Solution for Your Skin

Once you are in the salon for your spray tan appointment, the beautician can advise you on choosing the right shade for your skin tone and complexion.

Avoid choosing a shade that is too dark and bronzy for your skin tone, as it can look unnatural and too intense. Opt for a lighter shade for your first time, as you can always increase the colour at your next appointment.

Professional Spray Tan Application

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Wear what makes you feel comfortable, ideally dark clothing that does not cling to the skin as this can affect the evenness of the application.

Your beauty therapist may provide accessories to wear, such as a hair covering, to keep your hair out of the way and protected.

Let your therapist know what kind of result you're after, whether a deep and dark tan or a light golden glow. Feel free to bring reference pictures of your favorite celebrities' bronze tans.

Aftercare Tips for a Long-Lasting Tan

Moisturise and Hydrate

Maintain your flawless finish by moisturising your skin daily. Moisturising will keep the skin hydrated as the spray tan solution has an ingredient known as DHA, which causes dry skin. Here are our moisturising tips to maintain your tan and glow for longer:

• Moisturise your body daily to keep your tan looking its best and prevent fading.
• Choose a product containing hydrating ingredients, such as aloe vera, to keep your skin fresh and hydrated after your spray tan.
• Keep your skin hydrated to extend the longevity of your spray tan and keep your glow intact.
• Avoid using skincare products that contain oils or chemicals that can affect the tan.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Mistake	What Went Wrong	Solution
Streaky Application	Skipping exfoliation or applying moisturiser too close to the session.	Exfoliate 24 hours before and avoid moisturising on the day of your tan.
Patchy Fading	Not moisturising regularly after the spray tan.	Hydrate daily with an oil-free moisturiser to extend your tan's longevity.
Orange Tone	Using a shade too dark for your skin tone.	Choose a lighter, natural shade if it’s your first time.
Staining Clothes	Wearing tight, light-colored clothing immediately after the session.	Wear dark, loose-fitting clothes and avoid tight garments.
Uneven Development	Showering or exercising too soon after the session.	Wait at least 8-12 hours before rinsing off or sweating.

 

Avoid these standard spray tan mistakes to get the best spray tan results:

• Avoid using moisturisers, oils, and lotions on the day of your appointment, as they can create a barrier for the tan and prevent it from adhering.
• Don't shave or wax too close to your appointment. Shaving or waxing a few hours before can cause irritation and unevenness.
• Avoid wearing tight or bright clothing that may show stains.
• Remember to exfoliate and moisturise before your spray tan appointment.
• Don't shower immediately after your spray tan. Allow the spray tan solution to fully develop, and rinse off after at least 8-12 hours.

How to Prolong Your Tan

Extend the Life of Your Tan

Extend the life of your spray tan by following these maintenance tips:

• Use a nourishing moisturiser daily to maintain your tan and prevent it from fading unevenly.
• Avoid using products that contain oils or chemicals that can affect the tan.
• Keep your skin hydrated to extend the longevity of your spray tan and keep your glow intact.
• Consider using a self-tanning mist or water mousse to extend the life of your tan.

Booking Your Spray Tan Appointment

When to Book Your Appointment

Schedule your spray tan appointment at least one to two days before any important events to allow the tan to settle and any initial colour to wash off. Consider booking your appointment when you can avoid showering or exercising for at least 6-8 hours. Book your appointment with a professional spray tan artist to ensure a high-quality result.