following these guidelines will help ensure your spray tan develops evenly, lasts longer, and fades beautifully. every tan is custom mixed for your skin tone and desired color, but proper prep and aftercare make all the difference.

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booking your appointment

if you’re booking for a wedding, vacation, photoshoot, or other special event, plan your appointment 2 days before your event. your tan typically looks its absolute best on days 2–3.

traveling? schedule your appointment as close to your departure date as possible so your glow lasts throughout your trip.

preparing your skin

please remove all old spray tan before your appointment. leftover color can prevent your new tan from developing evenly and may lead to patchy fading.

shower and exfoliate 4–24 hours before your appointment using an exfoliating mitt or gentle scrub. avoid exfoliating immediately before your appointment, as freshly exfoliated skin can be more sensitive.

please avoid all dove products, as they often leave behind a moisturizing residue that can interfere with the tanning solution.

if you shave, do so at least 24 hours before your appointment. if you wax, schedule it 48–72 hours before your appointment to allow your skin time to recover.

arriving to your appointment

arrive with completely clean, dry skin. please do not wear lotion, body oil, sunscreen, deodorant, makeup, perfume, or self-tanner to your appointment. these products create a barrier on the skin that can affect how evenly your tan develops.

wear or bring loose, dark-colored clothing and easy-to-slip-on shoes. avoid leggings, skinny jeans, sports bras, or anything tight that may rub against your fresh tan.

if your skin is sunburned, peeling, or has been sunburned within the last 6–8 weeks, please wait until your skin has fully healed before booking. spray tanning over damaged skin will not produce even results.

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while your tan is developing

your spray tan is still developing until your first rinse, so it’s important to keep your skin as dry as possible during this time.

avoid sweating, exercising, swimming, hot tubs, steam rooms, long hot showers, and getting caught in the rain whenever possible. if you accidentally get a few drops of water on your skin, gently blot them with a towel instead of rubbing.

please do not apply lotion, makeup, deodorant, sunscreen, perfume, or any other skincare products until after your first rinse.

wear loose, dark-colored cotton clothing to minimize friction and help your tan develop evenly.

if you’re sleeping before your rinse, wearing long sleeves and long pants can help reduce rubbing while you sleep. dark sheets are also recommended since some cosmetic bronzer may transfer.

your custom rinse time will be discussed during your appointment and will typically be between 2 and 8 hours, depending on your desired result and the solution used.

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your first rinse

your first shower is rinse only.

rinse with lukewarm water until the cosmetic bronzer has completely washed away and the water runs clear. do not use soap, body wash, shampoo, or conditioner during this first rinse.

once you’re finished, gently pat your skin dry with a towel. avoid rubbing your skin.

don’t worry if your tan appears lighter after rinsing. the cosmetic bronzer is washing away, while your actual spray tan will continue developing over the next 12–24 hours.

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caring for your tan

keeping your skin hydrated is the best way to extend the life of your spray tan.

after your first rinse and once your skin is completely dry, apply a mineral oil-free moisturizer. continue moisturizing every day to help your tan fade evenly and last as long as possible.

to preserve your color, keep showers warm rather than hot, limit shower time when possible, and use only a small amount of gentle body wash. continue avoiding dove products throughout the life of your tan.

avoid oil-based cleansers, oil-based body washes, ahas, bhas, retinol, harsh exfoliants, and body scrubs, as these products will cause your tan to fade more quickly.

friction is one of the biggest causes of premature fading. tight clothing, excessive shaving, long baths, chlorine pools, hot tubs, and frequent exfoliation will all shorten the life of your tan. if you do swim, rinse off with fresh water afterward and moisturize well.

when you’re ready for your next spray tan, fully exfoliate your remaining color to create a smooth, even canvas for your new application.

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how long will my spray tan last?

with proper preparation and aftercare, most spray tans last 7–10 days.

will my tan continue getting darker after i rinse?

yes. your tan continues developing for up to 24 hours after your first rinse, so don’t judge your final color immediately.

can i wear makeup after my first rinse?

yes. once you’ve completed your first rinse and your skin is completely dry, you can return to your normal skincare and makeup routine.

does a spray tan contain spf?

no. a spray tan does not provide sun protection. always wear sunscreen when spending time outdoors.

have a question?

if you’re ever unsure about your prep, rinse time, or aftercare, don’t hesitate to reach out. i’m always happy to help and want you to love your results.