How to Prepare for a Spray Tan: 7 Tips for a Flawless, Long-Lasting Glow
Let's talk about something that can make or break your spray tan: the prep work, babe!
You can book the best spray tan artist, use the highest-quality tanning solution, and have the most customized application, but if your skin isn't properly prepared, your results might not be everything you hoped for.
At Glow Girl Tanning, we believe a beautiful, natural-looking spray tan is a team effort. We're here to handle the application, blending, and customization, but what you do before and after your appointment plays a huge role in how your tan develops, wears, and fades.
Whether you're booking your very first spray tan or you're a seasoned bronzed beauty, these seven spray tan preparation tips will help you get the most out of your appointment.
1. Exfoliate 24–48 Hours Before Your Spray Tan
If there's one thing we wish every client knew, it's that exfoliation is everything!
Your skin naturally sheds dead skin cells, and when those cells aren't removed before your appointment, your spray tan can develop unevenly or fade patchy.
We recommend exfoliating approximately 24–48 hours before your appointment using an exfoliating mitt or a gentle, oil-free exfoliant.
Pay extra attention to areas where dry skin tends to accumulate, including:
Elbows and knees
Ankles and feet
Hands and wrists
Any particularly dry or rough areas
Avoid heavy oil-based scrubs that can leave a residue on your skin.
Glow Girl Tip: Your goal is smooth, clean skin, not irritated skin! Skip aggressive scrubbing immediately before your appointment.
2. Shave or Wax Before Your Appointment, Not After
Planning to shave your legs or schedule a waxing appointment? Timing matters!
We recommend shaving at least 24 hours before your spray tan and waxing approximately 48 hours beforehand, provided your skin has calmed down.
Why?
Shaving and waxing too close to your appointment can leave your skin sensitive, and certain shaving products may create a barrier that interferes with your spray tan.
Waxing after your spray tan can also remove the color along with the hair, so it's best to take care of hair removal beforehand.
Glow Girl Tip: If you shave regularly, use a clean razor and avoid heavy shaving oils that may leave a film on your skin.
3. Arrive With Clean Skin — No Lotion, Oil, or Deodorant
We love a good skincare routine, but on spray tan day, less is more!
Before your appointment, your skin should be clean, dry, and free of products that could interfere with the tanning solution.
That includes:
Body lotion and body oils
Deodorant and antiperspirant
Perfume and fragrance sprays
Makeup and tinted moisturizers
Sunscreen
These products can create barriers between your skin and the spray tanning solution, potentially causing uneven development.
Glow Girl Tip: If you shower before your appointment, give your skin time to cool down and dry completely. Avoid taking a hot shower immediately before your spray tan.
4. Schedule Your Manicure, Pedicure, and Spa Treatments First
There's nothing worse than getting the perfect bronze only to have it disrupted by a last-minute beauty appointment.
If you're preparing for a wedding, vacation, photoshoot, or special event, we recommend completing your other beauty services before your spray tan.
This includes manicures, pedicures, waxing, facials, massages, and body treatments.
Why? Many of these services involve exfoliation, oils, soaking, or friction that can remove or disrupt your freshly applied tan.
Glow Girl Tip: Think of your spray tan as the finishing touch to your beauty routine!
5. Wear Loose, Dark Clothing to Your Spray Tan Appointment
Your outfit matters more than you might think!
After your spray tan, your skin needs time to develop without unnecessary rubbing, sweating, or moisture.
We recommend arriving with:
Loose-fitting, dark clothing
An oversized T-shirt or sweatshirt
Loose pants or a flowy dress
Easy-to-slip-on shoes or sandals
Avoid tight leggings, sports bras, jeans, and restrictive clothing immediately after your appointment.
Tight clothing can create friction against your developing spray tan, potentially leading to uneven areas.
Glow Girl Tip: Leave the white outfit at home, babe. Some spray tan solutions contain a temporary cosmetic bronzer that can transfer onto clothing before your first rinse.
6. Plan Your Workout Around Your Spray Tan
We love a gym girl, but your freshly sprayed skin needs a little time off!
Sweating before your initial rinse can interfere with how your spray tan develops.
We recommend scheduling your workout before your spray tan appointment and avoiding exercise, swimming, excessive sweating, and activities that expose your skin to moisture until after your recommended rinse time.
Your rinse instructions will depend on the solution selected for your skin and desired results.
At Glow Girl Tanning, we offer customized solutions, including rapid-developing options, so we'll walk you through exactly when to rinse.
Glow Girl Tip: Your spray tan appointment is the perfect excuse for a rest day. You're welcome!
7. Follow Your Spray Tan Aftercare Instructions
The prep work doesn't stop when you leave your appointment!
Proper spray tan aftercare is essential for maintaining an even, natural-looking glow.
After your appointment, we'll explain your recommended rinse time and how to care for your tan.
A few important things to remember:
Rinse at the recommended time based on your solution.
For your initial rinse, follow your artist's instructions, which typically include using lukewarm water without soap.
Pat your skin dry rather than aggressively rubbing with a towel.
Moisturize regularly after your initial rinse.
Avoid harsh exfoliants, prolonged hot baths, and excessive friction.
Remember that chlorine, frequent swimming, and certain skincare ingredients may cause your tan to fade faster.
With proper preparation and aftercare, most professional spray tans last approximately 5–10 days, depending on your skin type, lifestyle, and skincare routine.
When Should You Book a Spray Tan Before an Event?
One of the most common questions we receive is, "How far in advance should I get my spray tan?"
For weddings, vacations, family photos, and special events, we typically recommend booking your appointment one to two days beforehand.
This allows your tan time to develop and gives you an opportunity to complete your initial rinse before the big day.
If you're a bride or booking your first spray tan for an important event, we highly recommend scheduling a trial appointment in advance.
Why Choose a Custom Spray Tan at Glow Girl Tanning?
At Glow Girl Tanning, we don't believe in a one-shade-fits-all approach.
Every spray tan begins with a personalized consultation where we discuss your skin tone, desired color, upcoming events, and previous tanning experiences.
From there, we select a solution and application approach tailored to your goals.
We're not rushing you through a 15-minute appointment. We take our time carefully applying, blending, and drying your tan while making sure you feel comfortable throughout the entire experience.
Because beautiful results are important, but so is the experience you have getting there.
Where Can You Book Glow Girl Tanning in Richmond, VA?
Looking for a professional custom spray tan near Richmond, Virginia?
Glow Girl Tanning proudly offers personalized airbrush spray tanning at three Youthful Beginnings locations, our in home-studio, and mobile:
Ashland, VA
Youthful Beginnings Ashland
202-A England Street, Ashland, VA 23005
Goochland, VA
Youthful Beginnings Goochland
3064 River Road West, Suite A, Goochland, VA 23063
Glow Girl In-Home Studio - Sandy Hook, VA 23153
Short Pump / Glen Allen, VA
Youthful Beginnings Short Pump
10921 West Broad Street, Suite C-1, Glen Allen, VA 23060
We also offer mobile spray tanning throughout Short Pump, Goochland, and surrounding communities for clients who prefer the convenience of an at-home appointment.
Ready for Your Glow Girl Experience?
A flawless spray tan starts long before you step into your appointment, and we're here to help you every step of the way.
Whether you're preparing for a wedding, heading on vacation, celebrating a special occasion, or simply want to feel a little more confident in your skin, Glow Girl Tanning is ready to help you achieve your perfect bronze.
Ready to glow? Book your custom spray tan in Ashland, Goochland, Short Pump, or the greater Richmond area today!
Visit glowgirltanningrva.com to schedule your appointment.
Because life's better with a little glow. 🤍
