Prep & Aftercare

How to Prep for a
Spray Tan

March 2026  ·  4 min read

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A great spray tan starts before you even walk through the door. The prep work you do in the 24–48 hours leading up to your appointment has a huge impact on how your tan looks, how evenly it develops, and how long it lasts.

Here's exactly what to do — and what to avoid — so you get the most out of your session at Bare & Bronzed LUXE.

1. Exfoliate the Day Before

Spray tan solution bonds to the outermost layer of your skin. If that layer is full of dead skin cells, your tan will fade unevenly and peel faster. Exfoliating 24 hours before your appointment removes that buildup and gives the solution a fresh, even surface to work with.

Pro tip: Skip any exfoliators that contain oils or butters. These leave a residue that can block the DHA solution from absorbing evenly.

2. Shave or Wax at Least 24 Hours Before

Shaving and waxing open your pores and can cause the tan to absorb unevenly, leading to a dotted or streaky appearance. Give your skin at least 24 hours to settle before your appointment.

3. Skip Moisturizer, Deodorant & Perfume Day Of

On the day of your appointment, come with clean, product-free skin. Lotions, deodorants, and perfumes create a barrier that prevents the solution from absorbing properly — and deodorant in particular can cause the underarm area to turn green.

4. Wear Loose, Dark Clothing to Your Appointment

After your spray tan is applied, the bronzer guide (the color you see right away) can transfer to clothing before you rinse. Wear loose, dark clothing that you don't mind potentially staining — think flowy dresses, joggers, or an oversized t-shirt. Avoid bras with underwire, tight waistbands, or socks that will press into your skin.

5. Come with Clean Skin

Shower and cleanse your skin the morning of your appointment using a gentle, soap-free body wash. Avoid anything heavily fragranced or with added oils. You want your skin to be clean, dry, and product-free when you arrive.

Good to know: At Bare & Bronzed LUXE, every service includes a pH prep spray applied before your tan to balance your skin's surface. This helps the solution absorb evenly — but your at-home prep still makes a big difference.

Ready to Glow?

Now that you know how to prep, you're set up for the best possible result. If you have any questions before your appointment, feel free to reach out — we're happy to help.

Bare & Bronzed LUXE · Shoreline, WA

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