How to Prepare for a Spray Tan: The Ultimate Before & After Guide
Getting a spray tan is one of the easiest ways to look and feel your best, but the secret to a flawless, long-lasting result isn't just in the application. How you prepare your skin before and care for it after makes all the difference.
At Body Olive, Perth's bespoke spray tanning studio in Innaloo, we want every client to walk away with a glow that looks natural, lasts longer, and fades evenly. Here's everything you need to know.
Before Your Spray Tan
1. Exfoliate 24 Hours Before The most important step. Use an exfoliation mitt or gentle scrub to remove dead skin cells, paying extra attention to dry areas like knees, elbows, ankles, and wrists. Smooth skin = even tan. Avoid oil-based exfoliants as these can create a barrier that prevents the tan from developing properly.
2. Shave or Wax at Least 24 Hours Prior Shaving or waxing opens the hair follicles, which can cause the tan to absorb unevenly and result in a dotted appearance. Always do this at least 24 hours before your appointment.
3. Arrive with Clean, Product-Free Skin Come to your appointment with no moisturiser, deodorant, perfume, or makeup on your skin. Any product residue can act as a barrier and affect how evenly your tan develops.
4. Wear Loose, Dark Clothing After your session, your tan needs time to develop without being rubbed or disrupted. Wear loose, dark clothing to your appointment so you can leave comfortably without worrying about transfer.
After Your Spray Tan
1. Avoid Water for the Development Period This is crucial. Avoid showering, sweating, or getting wet during your tan's development window. Your technician will advise you on the exact time based on your custom solution.
2. Moisturise Daily Once your tan has developed and you've had your first rinse, moisturising daily is the key to making it last. Hydrated skin holds colour longer and fades more evenly. Avoid oil-based moisturisers as these can break down the tan faster.
3. Pat, Don't Rub When drying off after a shower, always pat your skin gently with a towel rather than rubbing.
4. Avoid Long Hot Showers Keep showers lukewarm and short as extensive hot showers can fade your tan prematurely.
5. Exfoliate to Fade Evenly When your tan starts to fade after 7–10 days, use your exfoliation mitt to help it fade gracefully and evenly rather than patchily.
Book Your Custom Spray Tan in Perth
At Body Olive in Innaloo, Perth, every spray tan is hand-mixed specifically for you, your skin tone, your undertone, your lifestyle. No two tans are the same!
Ready to glow? Book your appointment today.
