How to Prepare for a Spray Tan Appointment
What you do in the 24 hours before your appointment determines 80% of how good your spray tan looks. Here's the complete prep checklist.
24 Hours Before: Exfoliate Everything
Exfoliation is the single most important prep step. Spray tan adheres to dead skin cells — so if you have a buildup, your tan will be patchy and fade unevenly. Use an exfoliating mitt or scrub to buff your entire body, paying extra attention to knees, elbows, ankles, and wrists where skin tends to be rougher.
- Use a physical exfoliating mitt or sugar scrub
- Focus on knees, elbows, ankles, wrists, and any rough patches
- Do NOT use oil-based scrubs — they leave a barrier on your skin
- Shower and exfoliate the night before or morning of your appointment
Shave or Wax Before — Not After
If you shave or wax, do it at least 24 hours before your appointment. Freshly shaved skin has open pores that can cause the solution to pool unevenly. Waxing within 24 hours can cause the solution to grab darker in the waxed areas.
Day of Appointment: Arrive Clean and Bare
On the day of your appointment, shower and arrive with absolutely nothing on your skin — no lotion, deodorant, perfume, makeup, or self-tanner residue. Any product on your skin acts as a barrier and will cause the spray tan to apply unevenly.
- No lotion or body oil
- No deodorant (it turns green — seriously)
- No makeup on your neck or chest if you're getting those tanned
- No perfume or body spray
- Wear loose, dark clothing to your appointment
What to Wear
Wear or bring loose-fitting, dark clothing. Tight clothing can rub off the solution before it fully develops. Dark colors won't show any bronzer transfer. For undergarments, whatever you're comfortable in — most clients wear a bikini or go without.
Quick Answers
Frequently Asked
Should I shave before a spray tan?
Yes — shave at least 24 hours before your appointment. Shaving right before can cause uneven application or darkening in freshly shaved areas.
Can I put lotion on before a spray tan?
No. Arrive with clean, bare skin. Any lotion or oil creates a barrier that prevents the solution from absorbing evenly.
Do I need to exfoliate before every spray tan?
Yes — every time. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells that cause uneven fading, and it's the most important prep step regardless of how many times you've been tanned.
Book at Glowout
Ready to glow?
West Loop, Chicago · Milwaukee, WI