5 Essential Spray Tan Rules: For Beginners
Getting your first spray tan can feel overwhelming. I get it.
You’re probably worried about looking orange or streaky. Maybe you’ve seen those spray tan fails on social media and wondered if it’s even worth trying.
Here’s the truth: spray tans can look absolutely natural when done right.
I’ve been getting spray tans for over five years. I’ve made every mistake in the book so you don’t have to.
This article covers five essential rules that will save your tan.
You’ll learn:
- How to prep your skin properly
- What to wear during and after
- When to shower (this one surprises everyone)
- How to make your color last weeks longer
I’m not trying to sell you anything. Just sharing what actually works based on real experience.
These aren’t complicated salon secrets. They’re simple steps that make a huge difference in your results.
Follow these five rules and your first spray tan will look like you’ve been doing this for years.
Let’s start with the most important rule that most beginners completely miss.
Rule 1 – Prep Your Skin Like a Pro
Getting a perfect spray tan starts way before you walk into the salon. I learned this the hard way after several patchy disasters.
Exfoliate 24 Hours Before
Your skin needs to be smooth and ready for even color application. Dead skin cells create an uneven surface that shows up in your final results.
Use a gentle scrub or exfoliating mitt to remove the top layer of dead skin. Nothing too aggressive – you want smooth skin, not irritated skin. I prefer sugar scrubs because they’re effective but not harsh.
Focus extra attention on dry areas like elbows, knees, hands, feet, and ankles. These spots naturally have thicker skin that absorbs more product. If you don’t prep them properly, they’ll turn much darker than the rest of your body.
Shave Before Tanning, Not After
This timing rule is crucial for maintaining your color. Hair removal should happen well before your appointment, not after.
Remove all unwanted hair at least 12 to 24 hours before your session. This gives your skin time to calm down and close any tiny nicks or irritation from shaving. Sensitive, freshly shaved skin can react unpredictably to tanning solutions.
Never shave immediately after getting your tan. Razors scrape away the top layer of skin where your color sits. You’ll end up with streaky, patchy results that look obviously fake.
Skip Moisturizers & Oils
Your skin needs to be completely clean and free of any products on tanning day. This feels counterintuitive because we’re used to moisturizing daily, but it’s essential for good results.
Don’t apply lotion, deodorant, or perfume on the day of your appointment. These products create invisible barriers on your skin that prevent the tanning solution from absorbing properly. Even residue from the night before can interfere with your results.
Take a shower using only plain soap before your appointment. Avoid body washes with built-in moisturizers, oils, or heavy fragrances. Your skin should feel clean and slightly tight – that’s exactly what you want for optimal absorption.
Rule 2 – Dress Smart for the Appointment
What you wear to your spray tan appointment matters more than you think. I learned this after ruining a brand new white shirt on my second visit.
Wear Dark, Loose-Fitting Clothing
Your clothes will come into contact with fresh tanning solution. Light colors show stains immediately, and tight clothes can rub off your tan before it fully develops.
Opt for joggers, pajamas, loose tees, or sweatshirts in dark colors. Black, navy, or dark gray work perfectly. These clothes should feel roomy and comfortable, not fitted.
Avoid tight fabrics like yoga pants, jeans, or underwire bras that might press against your skin. These items can create lines or rub off sections of your tan while it’s still developing. Sports bras are also risky because they sit snugly against your skin for hours.
I keep a specific “tanning outfit” that I only wear to appointments. It’s an old black t-shirt and loose dark sweatpants that I don’t mind getting stained.
Protect Your Nails
Your nails can absorb tanning solution and turn an unnatural orange or brown color. This looks obvious and takes weeks to grow out.
Apply nail polish before your appointment, even if it’s just a clear coat. The polish creates a barrier that prevents staining. If you prefer colored polish, apply it at least 24 hours before your session so it’s completely dry.
Don’t skip your toenails either. They’re just as likely to stain, and dark toenails look particularly unnatural during summer months when your feet are visible.
Choose Flip-Flops Over Socks or Shoes
Closed footwear creates problems for your feet and ankles. Socks leave lines where they end, and shoes can cause uneven color distribution.
Flip-flops or slides allow your feet to breathe and prevent any fabric from touching your fresh tan. Make sure they’re dark colored in case any solution drips onto them.
If you absolutely must wear closed shoes for the trip home, wait at least 30 minutes after your session and choose the loosest pair you own. Remove them as soon as you get home to prevent any rubbing or pressure marks.
Rule 3 – Trust the Process During Your Tan
Your first spray tan appointment might feel awkward. That’s completely normal. I was nervous during my first session, but the staff made everything comfortable and professional.
Clothing Optional, Comfort First
You have choices about what to wear during your session. Do whatever makes you feel most comfortable.
You can go completely nude for the most even coverage. This eliminates any tan lines or areas where clothing might block the solution. Many people prefer this option once they get used to the process.
If you’d rather keep some clothing on, wear old or dark undergarments that you don’t mind getting stained. A dark bikini or old dark underwear works well. Just remember that anywhere fabric touches your skin, you might get slight tan lines.
Use Barrier Cream & Provided Protection
Professional salons provide barrier cream for a reason. This protective cream prevents over-absorption in areas that naturally soak up more product.
Apply barrier cream to rough areas like palms, knuckles, feet, and cuticles. These spots have thicker skin that can turn much darker than the rest of your body without protection.
Your salon will also provide protective eyewear, lip balm, and nose filters. Use everything they give you. These items protect sensitive areas from unnecessary exposure to the tanning solution.
Listen to Your Tanning Expert
Your technician knows exactly how to position you for the best results. They’ll guide you through different poses that ensure even coverage on all areas of your body.
Follow their instructions carefully during the application process. They might ask you to lift your arms, turn slightly, or hold certain positions. These movements help the solution reach every area evenly.
Pay attention to their post-tan instructions too. They’ll tell you exactly when to shower, what products to avoid, and how to maintain your color. These guidelines are based on the specific solution they used and your skin type.
Rule 4 – Post-Tan Care is Everything
The hours after your spray tan are just as important as the application itself. I ruined my first tan by showering too early because I didn’t understand how the process works.
Wait Before Showering
Your tan needs time to fully develop on your skin. The solution continues working for several hours after application.
Wait at least 4 to 8 hours before your first rinse, or follow whatever timeframe your technician recommends. Different solutions have different development times, so always listen to your specific instructions.
When you do shower, use lukewarm water and gentle soap. Avoid scrubbing or using a washcloth. The brown cosmetic bronzer will wash away, but your actual tan will remain. Don’t panic when you see color going down the drain – that’s supposed to happen.
Avoid Sweating, Swimming, and Chlorine
Your fresh tan is vulnerable to anything that might strip it away or cause uneven fading.
Avoid intense workouts, saunas, or anything that makes you sweat heavily for at least 24 hours. Sweat can cause your tan to develop unevenly or fade in patches.
Stay away from pools, hot tubs, and ocean water during the first day. Chlorine and salt water are particularly harsh on developing tans. Even after your tan is fully set, these chemicals will shorten its lifespan.
Moisturize Daily with the Right Products
Daily moisturizing is the secret to making your tan last weeks instead of days. Hydrated skin holds onto color much longer than dry skin.
Use oil-free, fragrance-free lotions that won’t interfere with your tan. Heavy oils can create barriers that cause uneven fading. Fragrances often contain alcohol that dries out your skin.
Apply moisturizer twice daily – once in the morning and once before bed. Pay extra attention to areas that tend to fade quickly, like your hands, feet, elbows, and knees.
Rule 5 – Start Subtle, Then Build
I see first-timers make this mistake all the time. They want dramatic results immediately and end up looking like an orange traffic cone.
Don’t Go Too Dark Too Fast
Your first spray tan should be about learning how your skin reacts to the solution. Everyone’s skin tone and absorption rate is different.
Choose a lighter shade for your initial session. This gives you a natural-looking glow while you figure out the process. A subtle tan looks infinitely better than an obviously fake one.
Starting light also helps you avoid the panic that comes with being too dark. If you go too light, you’ll just have a gentle glow that fades gracefully. If you go too dark, you’re stuck with it until it fades or you scrub it off.
Most salons offer different intensity levels. Ask your technician to recommend the lightest option for beginners. They’ve seen enough first-time results to know what works.
Remember that your tan will continue developing for several hours after application. What looks light immediately after your session might be perfect once it’s fully developed.
You can always go darker next time! Once you see how your skin handles the solution and you’re comfortable with the process, you can gradually increase the intensity.
Conclusion
Following these five essential rules takes the guesswork out of spray tanning. I’ve shared everything I wish someone had told me before my first appointment.
Proper preparation makes all the difference. From exfoliating at the right time to choosing the correct clothing, each step builds toward better results. Trusting your technician and following aftercare instructions keeps your color looking natural and even.
Starting with a lighter shade might feel conservative, but it’s the smartest approach for beginners. You can always go darker once you understand how your skin reacts to the solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wait to shower after my first spray tan?
Wait at least 4-8 hours before your first rinse, or follow your technician’s specific instructions. Showering too early will wash away the developing color and leave you with patchy, uneven results.
What should I wear to my spray tan appointment?
Choose dark, loose-fitting clothes like old joggers, baggy t-shirts, or pajamas that you don’t mind getting stained. Avoid tight clothing like jeans, yoga pants, or fitted bras that can rub off your fresh tan.
Can I work out or swim right after getting a spray tan?
No, avoid sweating, swimming, or any activities that involve water for at least 24 hours. Sweat and chlorine can cause your tan to develop unevenly or fade in patches before it’s fully set.
Should I go dark for my first spray tan?
Start with a lighter shade for your first session to see how your skin reacts to the solution. You can always go darker next time, but fixing an overly dark tan is much more difficult.
What kind of moisturizer should I use after my spray tan?
Use oil-free, fragrance-free lotions twice daily to maintain your color longer. Avoid products with heavy oils, fragrances, or exfoliating ingredients that can strip away your tan.
