What to Do Before a Spray Tan (Complete First-Time Guide)
Quick Answer
Before a spray tan, exfoliate your skin, avoid lotions and oils, shave or wax at least 24 hours prior, and arrive with clean, dry skin. Proper preparation helps your spray tan develop evenly and last longer.
Following these simple preparation steps can help your spray tan develop more evenly, fade naturally, and last up to a week or longer with proper aftercare.
Spray Tan Preparation Checklist
Before Your Appointment
✔ Exfoliate 24 hours before
✔ Shave or wax at least 24 hours before
✔ Arrive with clean, dry skin
✔ Wear loose, dark clothing afterward
✔ Remove makeup and jewelry
Avoid Before Your Appointment
✘ Lotions
✘ Body oils
✘ Perfume
✘ Deodorant
✘ Tight clothing immediately afterward
Spray Tan Preparation Timeline
24 Hours Before Your Appointment
Exfoliate
Shave or wax
Moisturize if desired
The Day of Your Appointment
Skip lotions
Skip deodorant
Remove makeup
Wear loose clothing
Immediately After Your Spray Tan
Avoid sweating
Avoid swimming
Avoid tight clothing
Wait until your recommended rinse time
What to Do Before a Spray Tan
If it’s your first time getting a spray tan, knowing how to prepare can make a noticeable difference in your results.
At BlushTan, we customize every spray tan San Diego clients receive to match their skin tone and desired glow. But even the best application depends on proper preparation.
Preparing your skin properly is one of the easiest ways to achieve a smooth, even, and longer-lasting spray tan. From exfoliating and shaving to knowing what to wear after your appointment, each step helps your customized color develop more evenly and last longer.
Our certified technicians have helped thousands of San Diego clients prepare for weddings, vacations, graduations, photoshoots, and other special events, so we've seen firsthand how proper preparation leads to better results.
Exfoliate Before Your Spray Tan Appointment
Exfoliation is one of the most important steps before a spray tan.
Removing dead skin cells allows the tanning solution to absorb evenly into your skin, helping prevent patchiness and uneven fading.
We recommend:
Exfoliating 24 hours before your appointment
Using a gentle, non-oil-based scrub
Paying extra attention to dry areas like elbows, knees, and ankles
This step creates the perfect base for a smooth, even natural spray tan in San Diego.
Wondering how long your results will last? Read our guide on How Often Should You Get a Spray Tan? to learn how frequently most clients schedule appointments to maintain a natural-looking glow.
Is this your first spray tan?
If you're new to spray tanning, proper preparation is only part of the process. Knowing what happens during your appointment, how to choose the right shade, and what to expect afterward can help you feel much more confident before your visit.
Learn more in our guide: Best Spray Tan for First-Time Clients (What to Expect)
Shave or Wax Ahead of Time
We recommend shaving or waxing at least 24 hours before your spray tan appointment to allow your pores time to close and reduce the chance of irritation.
This allows your pores to close and helps prevent irritation or uneven development.
If done too close to your appointment, shaving or waxing can interfere with how the tanning solution settles on your skin.
Many clients ask whether they should shave before or after their appointment. The timing matters because shaving too soon after your spray tan can exfoliate your skin and cause your color to fade faster than expected.
Proper preparation is only half the process. Our guide on How to Make Your Spray Tan Last Longer shares expert aftercare tips that can help extend the life of your glow.
Avoid Lotions, Oils, and Perfume
On the day of your spray tan, your skin should be completely clean.
Products like:
Lotions
Oils
Perfume
Deodorant
can create a barrier that prevents the tanning solution from properly developing.
For best results, arrive with freshly washed, product-free skin.
While lotions should be avoided before your appointment, moisturizing afterward is one of the best ways to keep your skin hydrated and help your spray tan fade evenly. Using the right moisturizer can make a noticeable difference in how long your glow lasts.
Read more: Can You Moisturize After a Spray Tan?
Wear Loose, Comfortable Clothing
After your spray tan, your skin will still be developing.
Tight clothing can rub against your skin and cause uneven marks or streaking.
We recommend:
• Loose-fitting tops and bottoms
• Flip flops or open-toe shoes
• Dark-colored clothing in case a small amount of cosmetic bronzer transfers before your first rinse
• Avoid tight leggings, bras, socks, or anything that rubs against the skin
Although the cosmetic bronzer may transfer slightly before your first rinse, it typically washes out of most clothing and bedding. Wearing loose clothing simply helps your tan develop more evenly.
Skip Makeup and Jewelry
Makeup and jewelry can interfere with the application process.
Before your appointment:
Remove all makeup
Avoid wearing jewelry
Keep skin clean and bare
This ensures a smooth and even application from start to finish.
Plan Your Appointment and Development Time
Planning your appointment around your schedule is important.
Depending on your solution:
Express tans develop in 2–4 hours
Standard tans develop in 8–12 hours
Avoid scheduling workouts, swimming, or activities that cause sweating immediately after your appointment.
Your first rinse is one of the most important parts of achieving beautiful results. Showering too early can interrupt the development process, while waiting the recommended amount of time allows your color to fully develop.
Learn more: Can You Shower After a Spray Tan? What Happens If You Shower Too Soon
Ready for your appointment? Schedule your organic spray tan in San Diego or learn more about our custom airbrush spray tanning services to achieve a natural-looking glow customized to your skin tone.
Planning to work out after your appointment?
Sweating too soon can interfere with the tanning solution while it's still developing. Waiting the recommended amount of time helps your spray tan develop evenly and last longer.
Read: How Long Should You Wait to Work Out After a Spray Tan?
What If My Spray Tan Looks Uneven?
Even with proper preparation, some clients notice darker or lighter areas immediately after their appointment. In many cases, patchiness is caused by dry skin, skipped exfoliation, or improper aftercare—not the spray tan itself. Fortunately, these issues are often easy to prevent with proper preparation and maintenance.
Read: Why Your Spray Tan Looks Patchy (And How to Prevent It)
Wondering why more people are choosing organic-based spray tanning? Learn what makes organic spray tan solutions different from traditional formulas and why many San Diego clients prefer them for a healthy-looking, natural glow.
Choose a Professional Spray Tan Experience
Where you go matters just as much as how you prepare.
At BlushTan, every tan is customized using high-quality, organic-based solutions designed to deliver natural-looking results.
Our approach focuses on creating a personalized glow using skin-friendly ingredients and tailored color blending, ensuring each client leaves with a result that complements their natural tone.
Professional application helps ensure:
Even coverage
Natural color
Longer-lasting results
Experienced spray tan technicians can also customize the depth of your color based on your skin tone, upcoming event, and personal preferences. This personalized approach helps create a natural-looking glow that complements your complexion instead of appearing too dark or orange.
If this is your first appointment, you may also enjoy our Best Spray Tan for First-Time Clients guide, which explains exactly what to expect before, during, and after your appointment.
At BlushTan, our certified spray tan technicians have helped thousands of San Diego clients achieve natural-looking results for weddings, vacations, graduations, photoshoots, and everyday confidence. We're happy to answer any questions before your appointment so you know exactly what to expect.
Visit a BlushTan Location Near You
If you’re preparing for your first spray tan, working with experienced professionals can make all the difference.
We invite you to visit our Encinitas spray tan location, where our certified technicians guide you through every step of the process to ensure you feel comfortable and confident.
BlushTan proudly serves clients across San Diego, including La Jolla, Bankers Hill, and Encinitas.
Not all spray tans are the same. Learn why many clients prefer custom airbrush spray tanning over automated booths.
How to Make Your Spray Tan Last Longer
Preparing your skin before your appointment is only the first step toward beautiful results. The way you care for your skin afterward plays an equally important role in how long your spray tan lasts.
Daily moisturizing, avoiding harsh exfoliants, and following your technician's aftercare instructions can help your color fade evenly while extending the life of your glow.
Continue reading: How to Make Your Spray Tan Last Longer
Book Your Spray Tan in San Diego
Proper preparation is the key to achieving a flawless, long-lasting glow.
At BlushTan San Diego, we specialize in customized airbrush spray tanning designed to enhance your natural beauty with safe, organic-based solutions.
Book your spray tan appointment today
Find your nearest BlushTan location
FAQs
What should I avoid before a spray tan?
Avoid lotions, oils, deodorant, and makeup before your appointment to ensure even development.
How soon should I exfoliate before a spray tan?
Exfoliate about 24 hours before your appointment for best results.
Can I shave before a spray tan?
Yes, but shave at least 24 hours before your appointment to prevent irritation and uneven results.
What should I wear to a spray tan appointment?
Wear loose, dark clothing and avoid tight fabrics that could rub against your skin.
What should I not do before a spray tan?
Avoid applying lotions, oils, deodorant, makeup, perfume, or sunscreen before your appointment. These products can create a barrier between your skin and the tanning solution, leading to uneven development.
Can I shower before my spray tan appointment?
Yes. In fact, it's recommended that you shower before your appointment so your skin is clean and free of lotions, oils, deodorant, makeup, and perfume. Just be sure your skin is completely dry before your spray tan begins.
Can I wear a bra to my spray tan appointment?
You can, but many clients choose to wear loose, dark clothing or go without a bra immediately after their appointment to avoid rubbing while the tanning solution develops. Your technician will provide guidance based on your comfort level.
Can I use sunscreen before my spray tan?
No. Sunscreen, like lotions and oils, can create a barrier that prevents the tanning solution from developing evenly. Arrive with clean, product-free skin for the best results.