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Guide

How to prepare for a spray tan, and make it last

A great spray tan is mostly about preparation and the first day afterwards. Here is everything to do before and after your appointment so your colour goes on evenly and fades softly.

2 min readBy Keva Brianne
On this page 6 sections

The day before

  • Shower and exfoliate your whole body, focusing on elbows, knees, ankles and hands. Exfoliating removes dry skin so the tan develops evenly.
  • Shave or wax at least 24 hours before your appointment. Waxing is best done one to two days ahead.
  • Skip any oil-based scrubs or body oils after you exfoliate, as they can leave a film on the skin.

On the day

  • Arrive with clean, dry skin. Skip moisturiser, deodorant, perfume and makeup.
  • Wear loose, dark clothing and open shoes such as sandals or flip-flops. Tight waistbands, bra straps and socks can rub or mark the tan.
  • Tie long hair up, and bring a hair tie if you need one.

Right after your tan

  • Keep loose, dark clothing on and avoid water, sweating and exercise while the tan develops.
  • Wait 4 to 8 hours before your first rinse, depending on the solution used and your desired colour. Keva will give you a personalized rinse time at your appointment so you get the perfect glow.
  • Avoid sitting on light-coloured furniture or bedding for the first few hours.

Your first shower

  • Rinse with lukewarm water only. No soap, scrubs or loofahs for the first rinse. The water running brown is the bronzer washing off, not your tan.
  • Pat your skin dry with a towel rather than rubbing.

Making it last

  • Moisturise every day with a gentle, oil-free lotion.
  • Take shorter, cooler showers, and avoid long baths, hot tubs, saunas and chlorinated pools.
  • Avoid exfoliating products, retinol and acid toners on tanned areas until you are ready for the tan to fade.
  • A spray tan usually lasts about five to ten days, depending on your skin and how you care for it.

Sun protection

  • A spray tan is cosmetic colour only. It does not protect your skin from the sun, so keep wearing sunscreen outdoors.
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Questions? Text Keva at 403-604-5382 or email info.bodyandglow@gmail.com