Spray tanning · Guide

Preparing your body for a spray tan

Without proper preparation, even the finest solution and most precise application may not be enough to create a natural-looking result. These five steps make all the difference.

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Before your appointment

Your tan develops in the outermost layer of your skin

For a natural, even spray tan, your skin needs to be prepared like a clean canvas: free from dead skin cells, oily residue and cosmetics. Below is exactly what I tell my clients before every appointment.

Step 01

Exfoliation

The step you cannot afford to skip.

Without it, even the finest solution and most precise application may not be enough to create a natural-looking result.

For a natural, even result, dead skin cells must first be removed through thorough exfoliation.

Exfoliate 24 hours before your appointment.
Make sure your scrub is oil-free and sugar-free — an oily film on the body creates a barrier that prevents the tanning solution from developing properly.
The safest choice: an exfoliating mitt.
After exfoliating, you can moisturise with a light body lotion (avoid rich, oily formulas).

Step 02

Hair removal

It is not essential in itself. If you do plan to remove hair, however, timing matters.

Hair removal — particularly shaving or waxing — opens the pores. If tanning solution settles in them, it can create dark dots known as ‘strawberry legs’.

To avoid this, follow these timings:

Shaving 24 hours before your spray tan (48 hours if you have sensitive skin) Use a new razor to help prevent irritation.

Waxing / sugaring 48 hours before your appointment Your skin needs more time to recover.

Laser hair removal 7–14 days before your appointment Plan this well in advance.

Step 03

Body washes and soaps

Choosing the right body wash is just as important as exfoliating.

Before your spray tan, avoid:

creamy shower gels, which may contain moisturising oils,
body oils and emollients,
high-pH soaps, which can disrupt your skin’s natural pH and adversely affect how the tan develops.

Choose:

a clear shower gel,
a micellar body wash,
an intimate wash — use it on your whole body; its pH makes it an ideal base for the tanning solution.

Step 04

Fresh, clean skin

On the day of your appointment, your skin should feel fresh and be completely free from cosmetics.

Freshen up — ideally 3–4 hours before your appointment, allowing time for your pores to close and your skin’s pH to settle.
Remember to choose the right body wash.
After showering, do not apply body lotion, antiperspirant, perfume or make-up.

Make sure your skin is a ‘clean canvas’ before your spray tan.

Step 05

Loose, dark clothing

Your tan continues to develop for several hours after your appointment. Give it as much freedom as possible so it can develop evenly.

Choose loose-fitting clothes. To avoid skin-to-skin contact, long trousers are best.
Avoid tight garments that could rub away the guide colour from areas such as your thighs, hips or shoulders.
Choose dark colours — the guide colour may lightly transfer to clothing before your first shower.
Do not wear a watch or jewellery after your appointment. Metal or leather straps may react with the solution or simply rub it away.

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