The Complete Spray Tan Timeline: What to Do Before, During, and After Your Appointment

Written By Kit & Kellie .

A flawless spray tan doesn't start when you step into the tent. It starts days before your appointment. Proper prep and aftercare can make the difference between a tan that fades unevenly after a few days and one that stays beautiful for over a week (sometimes two weeks!)

Here's your complete spray tan timeline so you know exactly what to expect.

1 Week Before Your Appointment

Book your spray tan at least one week in advance, especially during busy seasons, before holidays, weddings, vacations, and special events. This helps ensure availability and gives you plenty of time to prepare your skin.

If you're tanning for a specific event, remember that your spray tan typically looks its absolute best about 24 hours after your appointment.

2-3 Days Before Your Appointment

This is when preparation begins.

Exfoliate Thoroughly

Remove dry skin and any leftover spray tan from previous appointments. Fresh, clean skin creates the smoothest canvas for an even application.

Pay special attention to:

  • Elbows

  • Knees

  • Ankles

  • Hands

  • Feet

Any remaining old tan can cause uneven fading and patchiness.

Shave or Wax

Complete all shaving and waxing at least 2-3 days before your appointment. Freshly shaved or waxed skin can be sensitive and may affect how the solution develops.

Stop Active Skincare Products

Discontinue retinols, chemical exfoliants, and strong active skincare products 2-3 days before your spray tan. These products increase skin turnover and can cause your tan to fade prematurely.

The Day of Your Appointment

The goal is simple: arrive with clean, product-free skin.

Avoid:

  • Lotions

  • Oils

  • Deodorants

  • Perfumes

  • Makeup on the body

  • Heavy soaps or moisturizing body washes

It's perfectly fine to shower before your appointment, but use as little product as possible. The cleaner your skin is, the better the tanning solution can develop.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Most spray tanning appointments take approximately 30 minutes from start to finish.

Your artist will discuss your desired color, skin type, and any special instructions to ensure your tan looks natural and customized to you.

Immediately After Your Spray Tan

Your tan is developing, so it's important to minimize anything that could interfere with the solution.

Wear:

  • Loose-fitting clothing

  • Dark-colored clothing

  • Open footwear when possible

Try to avoid:

  • Sweating

  • Exercise

  • Excessive movement

  • Tight clothing

  • Water exposure

Your artist will provide specific rinse instructions based on the solution used. Most rinse times fall between 3 and 10 hours.

Always follow your artist's recommendations.

Your First Rinse

This is one of the most important steps.

When it's time to rinse:

  • Use water only

  • Do not use soap

  • Do not scrub

  • Do not shampoo if possible

Remain in the shower until the water runs completely clear.

Many clients notice a significant amount of color washing away. Don't panic—this is usually the cosmetic bronzer, not your developed tan.

After your rinse:

  • Pat dry gently

  • Do not rub your skin

  • Do not apply lotion, oil, or any body products

Your tan will continue developing over the next several hours.

24 Hours After Your Spray Tan

This is typically when your tan reaches its peak color and looks its absolute best.

You may now:

  • Shower with soap

  • Resume your normal skincare routine (with some exceptions)

  • Begin moisturizing again

However:

  • Do not scrub your skin

  • Avoid exfoliating products

  • Avoid oil-heavy lotions

When selecting a moisturizer, choose one that is lightweight and hydrating. Products with oils listed high in the ingredient list may break down your tan more quickly.

If you're planning a wedding, vacation, photoshoot, or special event, this is generally the ideal day to show off your glow.

Days 2-5: Maintaining Your Tan

To maximize longevity:

  • Drink plenty of water

  • Moisturize daily

  • Use gentle body washes

  • Avoid harsh exfoliants

  • Limit long hot baths and soaking

Hydrated skin holds a spray tan better and helps it fade more evenly.

Days 5-10: The Fade-Out Phase

Around day five, you'll likely begin noticing gradual fading, especially in naturally dry areas such as:

  • Hands

  • Elbows

  • Knees

  • Ankles

This is completely normal.

As your tan starts to wear away, use a soft washcloth to gently buff areas where fading appears uneven. Light exfoliation can help the remaining color fade more naturally.

Avoid aggressively scrubbing your skin, as this can create patchy results.

Ready for Your Next Glow?

Before scheduling your next spray tan, make sure all traces of your previous tan have been removed. Starting with a clean canvas is one of the best ways to ensure a flawless result every time.

With proper preparation, aftercare, hydration, and moisturizing, your spray tan can look beautiful from day one through the final stages of fading.

Ready for your next glow? Book your appointment today and let us help you achieve a flawless, natural-looking tan that lasts.

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Kit & Kellie .