How to Prepare for a Spray Tan: A Complete Guide by Shades Atelier
Learn how to prepare for a spray tan with expert tips from Shades Atelier in Bryan/College Station, TX. Achieve a perfect, long-lasting tan with our comprehensive guide. At Shades Atelier, we want to help you get the best results from your spray tan. Follow these six essential steps to prepare for your spray tan appointment.
1. Book Your Appointment 2 Days Before an Event
To ensure your tan has time to fully develop and settle, book your spray tan appointment at least two days before any special event. This timing allows the bronzer to set properly and provides time for at least two showers to remove any excess bronzer that might transfer to your clothing. Planning ahead ensures you look your best for any event.
2. Exfoliate About 24 Hours Before Your Appointment
Exfoliating your skin about 24 hours before your spray tan appointment is crucial. This step removes dead skin cells, ensuring an even application. Make sure to exfoliate and/or shave at least 8-24 hours before your appointment to give your pores time to close, which helps prevent discoloration. Use oil-free exfoliants to avoid any residue that might interfere with the tanning solution. We offer several spray-tan friendly exfoliating scrubs and gloves for purchase in the studio.
3. Complete All Other Beauty Services First
The day before your spray tan appointment, take care of any other beauty services such as waxing, manicures, facials, and massages. Performing these services after your spray tan can cause your tan to rub off prematurely. Do not have these services done the same day as your spray tan as residual left by products used can cause streaking or patchiness as well as affect the longevity of your spray tan. Plan your beauty routine in advance to maintain your gorgeous tan.
4. Shower Several Hours Before Your Spray Tan Appointment
It’s important to shower 4-24 hours before your spray tan appointment. If your skin is wet or your pores are still open, the spray tan formula may not adhere properly, leading to a patchy or discolored tan. Finish your shower with a cold rinse to help close your pores and prepare your skin for the tanning solution. Showering right before a spray tan can temporarily alter the pH balance of your skin and most soaps can leave a residue that might interfere with the spray tan solution, causing streaking or patchiness.
5. Avoid Moisturizers and Other Beauty Products
Arrive at your appointment with clean, dry skin. Moisturizers, makeup, deodorant and other beauty products can create a barrier that prevents the spray tan from sticking to your skin. We offer Norvell PreTan ExMitts for purchase in the studio. ExMitts are a fast and convenient way to gently cleanse and balance the skins pH immediately prior to your spray tan in order to maximize sunless color results.
6. Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing
After your spray tan, wear loose-fitting clothes to avoid rubbing off the freshly applied tan. Avoid tight clothing like denim, yoga pants, and bras. If there is a chance of rain, make sure to be covered from head to toe, as even a drop of water can ruin your results. A maxi dress or long-sleeves, loose lounge pants, and flip-flops or loose sandals are the ultimate post-tan outfit!
Additional Tips for the Best Spray Tan Experience
- Hydrate Your Skin: Keeping your skin hydrated in the days leading up to your appointment can help your tan last longer. Drink plenty of water and use a gentle, oil-free moisturizer. Remember to not apply lotion to your skin the day of your spray.
- Plan for Maintenance: To extend the life of your tan, avoid long, hot showers and harsh soaps. Pat your skin dry instead of rubbing and apply a gradual tanning lotion to keep your glow fresh.
Preparing for your spray tan is easy with these simple steps. At Shades Atelier, we’re dedicated to providing you with the best spray tanning experience in Bryan/College Station. By following these guidelines, you can achieve a beautiful, long-lasting tan that makes you look and feel fantastic.
Ready to book your appointment? Visit us at Shades Atelier or call us at (979) 595-4173. For any questions, feel free to email us at info@shadesatelier.com. We look forward to helping you achieve your perfect tan!
