PREP & CARE
At Studio Glow, we believe that achieving a flawless spray tan starts with proper skin preparation and thoughtful aftercare. Spray tanning is both a science and an art, and the best results come from a combination of professional technique and well-prepared skin.
Pre-care helps create the ideal canvas for your tan, allowing the solution to develop evenly and last longer. Post-care ensures that your glow fades naturally while keeping your skin healthy, hydrated, and radiant.
Below you’ll find our recommended preparation and aftercare guidelines to help you get the most out of your Studio Glow experience. Following these steps will ensure your tan develops beautifully and maintains that natural, sun-kissed finish for as long as possible.
pre care
Instructions for the Perfect Spray Tan
Exfoliate
24 hours before APPOINTMENT
Exfoliation is crucial for removing dead skin cells and creating an even surface for your tan.
Here’s how to do it properly:
Soak in a bath, sauna, or steamy shower for about 15–20 minutes before exfoliating. This softens the skin and allows exfoliation to be more effective.
Use a high quality exfoliating mitt or glove to remove dead skin cells. These provide much better exfoliation than loofahs or washcloths and help create a smooth canvas for your spray tan.
If using a body scrub, choose a sugar based scrub that is not oil based, as oils can create a barrier between your skin and the tanning solution.
Exfoliate your entire body, paying extra attention to rough areas such as knees, elbows, ankles, and wrists. This step is essential for achieving an even, natural looking tan.
shave & shower
Shave areas where you typically remove hair, such as legs, underarms, and bikini area approximately 24 hours before your spray tan appointment. This allows the pores to close and prevents irritation or uneven results.
If you must shower on the day of your appointment, please do so at least 4–5 hours before your appointment.
If you need to shower closer to your appointment time, use cooler water and finish with a cold rinse to help close the pores.
Avoid using bar soaps, high pH body washes, or oil based exfoliants, as these can interfere with the tanning solution adhering properly to the skin.
PRE TAN BEATY TREATMENTS
Please schedule manicures, pedicures, waxing, facials, and similar treatments at least 24 hours before your spray tan appointment.
These services often involve oils, lotions, or exfoliation that can create a barrier on the skin or remove your tan prematurely.
Performing these treatments before your spray tan ensures your skin is clean and properly prepared for the best results.
AVOID
Lotions, Makeup, perfume
& skincare products
For best results, please discontinue the use of retinol, retinoids, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and other active or exfoliating skincare products at least 72 hours prior to your appointment, as these products accelerate skin cell turnover and can cause your spray tan to develop unevenly or fade prematurely.
On the day of your appointment, please arrive with completely clean skin. Do not wear lotion, makeup, perfume, deodorant, body oil, sunscreen, or skincare products. These products can create a barrier between your skin and the spray tan solution and may result in uneven development.
If you have extremely dry areas or patches, please contact us prior to your appointment. In some cases we may recommend lightly moisturizing specific areas beforehand to ensure the most even result.
spray tan
during your appointment
color consulation
Your appointment begins with a personalized color consultation. Your artist will assess your skin tone, undertones, skin type, and any existing tan or pigmentation to determine the most appropriate tanning solution for you.
During this consultation, you will also have the opportunity to discuss your desired results. Whether you prefer a subtle sun-kissed glow or a deeper bronze, your artist will guide you toward the shade that will look most natural and flattering for your skin tone. We will also discuss your schedule and rinse timing if you are receiving a rapid development solution.
Based on your skin assessment and preferences, your artist will select the most suitable solution and customize the application to achieve your desired result.
tanning process
Once you are ready, you will step into the tanning area wearing minimal to no clothing or a disposable undergarment, depending on your preference. Male clients must wear undergarments during the service.
Your artist will apply the tanning solution using a professional airbrush spray gun to ensure an even, flawless application. During the process, you will be guided through a series of simple positions so that every area of the body is evenly covered.
The solution is applied in light, even passes to build the desired depth of color while maintaining a natural finish.
If you are having professional makeup applied for an event or wedding, it is recommended to consult with your makeup artist beforehand to determine whether your face should be sprayed or left for makeup bronzing.
After the application is complete, your artist will use warm air to help accelerate the drying process and will finish the service with a setting powder to ensure you feel comfortable before getting dressed.
The entire appointment typically takes about 20–30 minutes.
post care
maintaining the perfect spray tan
wear loose,
dark, long-sleeve shirts & pants
After your appointment, wear loose, dark clothing such as long sleeve shirts, sweatpants, loose dresses, or oversized tops. Loose clothing helps minimize friction that can disrupt the developing tan, while darker colors help prevent visible transfer from the cosmetic bronzer.
Avoid tight clothing, bras, leggings, or anything that may rub against the skin while your tan is developing, as friction can lead to uneven results.
Footwear is also important. Whenever possible, wear loose fitting shoes such as slides, sandals, flip flops, or slippers after your appointment. Avoid tight socks, sneakers, boots, or shoes that rub against the ankles or tops of the feet, as these can disrupt the developing tan.
let your
tan develop
Your spray tan needs time to fully develop. Your artist will recommend the appropriate rinse time based on the solution used and your desired depth of color.
While your tan is developing, you will notice a bronzer on the surface of your skin. This bronzer is purely cosmetic and helps guide the application. It will wash off during your first rinse. Because of this bronzer, your tan may appear darker than your final result. This is completely normal.
During the development period, avoid activities that may cause sweating or water exposure. Exercise, rain, swimming, and excessive heat can interfere with the development process and may result in uneven color. It is also best to minimize skin-on-skin contact, such as crossing your legs or resting your arms tightly against your body.
rinse & shower
Your first shower after a spray tan is simply a rinse.
Use lukewarm water only and do not use soap, shampoo, or body wash during this initial rinse. As the bronzer rinses off, you will see color washing down the drain. This is normal and does not mean your tan is disappearing. Continue rinsing until the water runs mostly clear.
After rinsing, gently pat your skin dry with a towel. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the skin.
Your first regular shower with soap should take place approximately 24 hours after your appointment. Use a gentle, pH balanced body wash and cleanse using your hands or a soft washcloth. Avoid harsh scrubbing or exfoliating.
After showering, gently pat dry and apply a hydrating lotion to keep your skin moisturized and help extend the life of your tan.
be gentle & moisturize
Proper hydration is key to maintaining a long lasting, even spray tan.
Moisturize your skin daily using a gentle, alcohol-free lotion. Well hydrated skin helps your tan fade more evenly and naturally. Applying lotion immediately after showering and continuing to moisturize daily will help extend the life of your tan.
When selecting skincare products while you have a spray tan, choose products that are gentle and hydrating. Avoid products containing exfoliating acids, retinol, or harsh ingredients that may cause your tan to fade prematurely.
If you have questions about products that are safe for your spray tan, your Studio Glow artist will be happy to provide recommendations.