Spray Tan Prep

One Week Before Your Appointment

Discontinue using any retinol products or Dove products. Retinol is powerful enough to strip your tan, even days after use!

If you have other beauty appointments—such as waxing, manicures, pedicures, hair, or brow services—make sure to schedule them before your spray tan appointment. The spray tan should always be the final step.

The Night Before

It’s prep shower time! Start by shaving, as this ensures a smooth base for your tan.

Please, exfoliate your entire body from head to toe using an exfoliation mitt. A mitt is essential for achieving an even, long-lasting tan. Skipping this step or using the wrong exfoliation method may result in an uneven, fast-fading tan.

For Your Appointment

Arrive with a clean slate—no makeup, deodorant, perfume, or lotion on your skin. These can act as barriers to the spray tan solution and affect how your tan develops. If you're coming straight from work and can’t skip makeup or deodorant, let us know! We do provide makeup wipes, and baby wipes for a quick wipe down before your session!

Wear loose, dark clothing to your appointment, paired with sandals or slippers. Tight clothing like leggings, jeans, bras, or tennis shoes can cause your tan to develop unevenly.

Most clients choose to spray completely nude for the most seamless results, but if you prefer to wear underwear, be sure to bring a pair you’re comfortable tanning in. We also provide disposable thongs as well as hairnets.

Please note: Men must wear boxers or briefs during the entire appointment.

Post Tan Care

Immediately After Your Appointment

• The color you see immediately after your spray is the cosmetic bronzer and will rinse off, revealing your natural, even tan.

• Wear loose, dark clothing and avoid bras, jewelry, and anything tight. Keep your skin completely dry and avoid sweating until your first rinse.

• Avoid touching your skin, especially with your hands, to prevent transferring color. When changing clothes, keep your hands on the outside of garments.

First Rinse

• Timing is Key: You should follow the rinse time for your formula. Rinsing too early can affect the darkness of your tan.

• Rinse Only: Use water only—no soap or shaving during this rinse. Let the water run clear before stepping out, which usually takes 5–10 minutes.

For Accelerated Formulas: Your tan will appear light after rinsing, but don’t worry—it will continue to develop over the next 12 hours.

First Night

Always wear long sleeves and pants to bed on the first night, even if you’ve already rinsed. This prevents skin-to-skin contact, which can cause uneven marks. After the first night, you can sleep however you’d like!

After Your First Rinse

• Resume your normal routine: You can wear regular clothes, jewelry, and work out the day after your appointment.

• Shower as usual: Body wash and shaving are fine after the first rinse, but stick to spray-safe products to avoid premature fading or streaks. Drugstore body washes can cause uneven fading. We recommend products that are free of mineral oil and sulfates.

• Towel Drying: Always pat your skin dry—don’t rub—and keep showers short to help maintain your glow.

Tan Longevity & Fading

When you follow all prep and post-tan instructions and use only spray-safe products, your tan can last 7–12 days before fully fading. Keep in mind:

• Natural Fading: Your tan will lighten daily as your skin cells naturally turn over. It will be darkest for the first two days, with noticeable fading by the second week.

• Face & Neck Fading Faster: The face and neck fade quicker due to higher skin cell turnover, makeup application, and skincare routines.

Swimming & Chlorine Effects

Our solutions are highly resistant to water, making them ideal for vacations. However, swimming (especially in chlorinated pools) can accelerate fading. For tropical getaways, expect your tan to last around 5–8 days.

To minimize chlorine's impact:

• Apply a spray-safe moisturizer before and after swimming to create a protective barrier between your skin and the water.

Enjoy your Bare Sunless Studio glow, and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or for product recommendations! 🌞