How to prepare for a spray tan? In short, to prepare for a spray tan, it is important to exfoliate and hydrate the skin, shave, wear loose and dark clothing to the appointment, follow a skincare routine, and avoid certain products and activities.
Follow aftercare instructions such as moisturizing and avoiding certain activities and products. This will help ensure the best results and a longer-lasting spray tan.
Pre-Tan Skin Care
Before your spray tan appointment, it is necessary to properly prepare your skin to ensure the best results. Here are some key steps to follow:
Exfoliate
Exfoliating your skin is an essential step in preparing for a spray tan. It helps to remove dead skin cells and create an even surface for the spray tan solution to adhere to. This is crucial because an uneven surface can result in patchy or uneven color after the spray tan.
To achieve the best results, it is recommended to exfoliate 24-48 hours before your spray tan appointment. When exfoliating, it is key to use a gentle scrub and to avoid using any products with oils or fragrances, as these can leave a residue on the skin and affect the absorption of the spray tan solution.
Shave or Wax
Shaving or waxing should also be done 24-48 hours before your spray tan appointment. This is because shaving or waxing can cause irritation to the skin, which can affect the evenness of the spray tan.
Additionally, giving your skin some time to heal after shaving or waxing will allow for maximum absorption of the spray tan solution, resulting in a longer-lasting, more natural-looking tan.
Moisturize
Moisturizing your skin is another essential step in preparing for a spray tan. It helps to create a barrier between your skin and the spray tan solution, reducing the risk of streaking. A light moisturizer without any self-tanning agents is recommended, as heavy or fragranced moisturizers can interfere with the spray tan solution.
It is pivotal to moisturize your skin regularly, not just before your spray tan appointment, as hydrated skin will hold the spray tan better and result in a longer-lasting, more even tan.
During the Spray Tan
Once you arrive at your appointment, there are several steps you can take to ensure the best possible results:
Wear Loose, Dark Clothing
Wearing loose, dark clothing is the best consideration during your spray tan appointment. Tight clothing can rub or smudge the spray tan solution before it has a chance to fully develop, resulting in an uneven or patchy finish.
It is best to wear loose, dark clothing to avoid any rubbing or smudging and to ensure that the spray tan solution has the time it needs to fully develop and dry.
Protect Your Hair
Protecting your hair is essential to avoid any color transfer to your hair during the spray tan process. This can be easily achieved by wearing a shower cap or tying your hair back.
This will ensure that the spray tan solution does not come into contact with your hair, and will prevent any unwanted staining or discoloration.
Choose the Right Solution
Choosing the right spray tan solution is vital for achieving the best results. Different spray tan solutions offer different levels of color, so it is fundamental to choose a solution that is suitable for your skin type and desired level of color.
A professional spray tan artist will be able to advise you on the best solution for your needs, taking into account your skin type, tone, and desired level of color. They will also be able to recommend the best application technique for your needs, ensuring that you get the most natural and even results possible.
Post-Tan Care
After your spray tan appointment, it is pertinent to properly care for your skin to extend the life of your tan and avoid any unwanted streaks or fading. Here are some key steps to follow:
Wait to Shower
Waiting to shower after your spray tan appointment is crucial to ensure that the spray tan solution has enough time to fully develop. It is recommended to wait at least 8 hours after your appointment before showering, as this will allow the spray tan solution to settle into your skin and reach its full potential.
Showering too soon can cause the spray tan solution to wash off or fade, reducing the longevity of your spray tan.
Use Lukewarm Water
When showering, it is significant to use lukewarm water instead of hot water. Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils, causing the spray tan to fade more quickly. Lukewarm water is gentler on the skin and will help to preserve the longevity of your spray tan.
Avoid Exfoliating
Exfoliating your skin too soon after your spray tan appointment can cause the spray tan to fade or become patchy. It is best to avoid exfoliating for at least 24 hours after your appointment, as this will give the spray tan solution enough time to fully develop and adhere to your skin.
Moisturize
Regular moisturizing is essential for extending the life of your spray tan and maintaining a smooth, even appearance. By keeping your skin hydrated, you will help to prevent the spray tan solution from fading or becoming patchy.
It is recommended to use a light, non-abrasive moisturizer that is free of self-tanning agents to maintain the natural look of your spray tan.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, preparation is key to getting the best results from a spray tan. By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure that your spray tan is evenly applied and that the color is long-lasting. With proper preparation, you can achieve the best-looking tan you ever had.