How to Prep for a Spray Tan & Make It Last

A great spray tan is about 30% what happens in the studio and 70% what you do before and after. I send prep instructions to every client when they book, but I've put the full guide here for easy reference — and because people often have follow-up questions.

Before Your Appointment

Exfoliate. Do this the day before your appointment, not the day of. Use an exfoliating mitt in the shower, paying extra attention to knees, elbows, ankles, and wrists — anywhere skin tends to be thicker or drier. Avoid oil-based scrubs — they can leave a barrier on the skin that interferes with the solution. This removes the dead skin layer that uneven tan clings to.

Shave or wax. If you're going to shave, do it 24 hours before. Fresh shaving opens the pores, and the solution can settle into them and look patchy. If you wax, do it at least 48 hours before — waxing removes more than just hair and your skin needs time to recover.

Skip the lotion on the day of. Moisturizers, oils, sunscreen, and deodorant create a barrier on the skin that prevents the solution from developing evenly. Arrive with clean, completely bare skin.

Come in loose, dark clothing. Think Adam Sandler when choosing what to wear — I promise you will thank me later. Since I use a rapid solution, you can rinse anywhere from 2–8 hours after your appointment, but the tan takes a full 24 hours to fully develop. Tight waistbands, bra straps, and socks can rub off the solution before it sets. Dark clothes because — yes — it can transfer slightly.

What Happens in the Studio

I'll go over your shade preference (I use a rapid formula, so we have some flexibility), make sure your skin is prepped, and apply the solution evenly. The whole process takes about 30 minutes.

For new clients, I offer a discounted first appointment specifically so we can dial in your shade without any pressure. Most people end up with a slightly different preference than they expected — and that's completely normal.

After Your Appointment

Wait to rinse. With the rapid formula I use, you can rinse after 2–4 hours for a lighter result or 6–8 hours for a deeper one. When you do rinse, use only lukewarm water — no soap, no scrubbing.

Moisturize daily. Once you've rinsed and the tan is set, moisturizing becomes your best friend. Dry skin fades patchy; hydrated skin fades evenly. Apply lotion once or twice a day, especially after showering.

Avoid these:

• Long hot showers or baths
• Chlorine (pools and hot tubs)
• Heavy sweating in the first 24 hours after rinsing
• Exfoliating until you're ready for the tan to fade

How Long It Lasts

Most clients see their spray tan last 7–10 days with proper aftercare. It will fade gradually from the outside in — that's normal, and exfoliating at the end helps it go out evenly.

Questions about your first appointment? Send me a message on Instagram or check out the booking page — I always send the prep instructions again when you confirm.

If you're wondering what a custom spray tan should cost, I break down the pricing in How Much Does a Spray Tan Cost in Orlando? For help choosing where to go, read Best Spray Tan in Orlando — What to Look For. Curious about the ingredient that actually creates the tan? I wrote a full explanation of what DHA is and why it's safe.

New to the studio? You might also want to read What Is a Scalp Ritual — it explains how I approach every service.