Your Glow-Up Guide to Spray Tanning: Benefits, Prep, and Aftercare

Want to rock that sun-kissed glow without baking in the sun or risking UV damage? Spray tanning is the secret weapon for looking effortlessly radiant and confident. Whether you’re new to it or just need a refresher, here’s everything you need to know—from why it’s amazing to how to prep and care for your tan.

Why Spray Tanning is Totally Worth It?

First things first, let’s talk about why spray tanning is so awesome.

1. It’s Safe for Your Skin. No harmful UV rays here! Spray tans let you skip the sunburns and wrinkles while still giving you that “just back from the beach” vibe.
2. Your Perfect Shade Awaits. Whether you want a subtle glow or a deep bronze, you can pick a shade that’s perfect for you. Most salons offer lots of options to match your skin tone.
3. Feel Like a Million Bucks. There’s something magical about a tan—it makes your skin look smooth, even, and radiant. Instant confidence boost? Yes, please!
4. Fast and Convenient. Got 15 minutes? That’s all it takes to get a flawless tan that’ll last for days. No hours in the sun, no fuss.
5. Bye-Bye Streaks. Professional spray tans give you even coverage, so you’ll look naturally glowing instead of patchy or streaky.

How to Prep for Your Spray Tan

Good prep = flawless results. Here’s how to get your skin ready:

1. Scrub-a-Dub-Dub! Exfoliate your skin the day before your appointment. Use a gentle scrub to buff away dead skin cells, especially on elbows, knees, and ankles. Smooth skin helps your tan go on evenly.
2. Shave or Wax Early. Take care of any shaving or waxing at least 24 hours beforehand. This gives your skin time to calm down before the tan.
3. Skip the Lotions and Deodorants. On the day of your tan, avoid wearing lotion, deodorant, or makeup. They can create a barrier and mess with the tanning solution.
4. Wear Loose, Dark Clothes. After your tan, you’ll want comfy, loose-fitting clothes. Tight outfits can smudge the tan while it’s setting. Plus, darker colors hide any product transfer.
5. Speck with Your Technician. Don’t be shy! Tell your technician what kind of look you’re going for, and they’ll help you get the perfect shade.

Aftercare: Keep That Glow Going

Your spray tan doesn’t stop at the salon door. These tips will keep your tan looking fresh and fabulous:

1. Wait to Shower. Resist the urge to shower for 6–8 hours after your tan (or longer if the product recommends it). This gives the color time to develop fully.
2. Avoid Water and Sweat. For those first few hours, keep your skin dry. No swimming, workouts, or rain showers!
3. Moisturize Like a Pro. Hydrated skin = happy tan. Use a gentle, alcohol-free lotion every day to keep your glow lasting longer.
4. Pat, Don’t Rub. After showering, pat your skin dry instead of rubbing with a towel. This helps prevent your tan from fading unevenly.
5. Use Tan-Friendly Products. Switch to sulfate-free and oil-free body washes to avoid stripping your tan too soon.
6. Skip the Scrubs. Hold off on exfoliating or shaving for as long as you can to keep your tan even and intact.
7. Plan Your Touch-Ups. Love your glow? Book a follow-up session every 7–10 days to stay bronzed and beautiful.

Ready to Glow?

Spray tanning is the easiest, safest way to get that gorgeous glow you’ve been dreaming of. With a little prep and some TLC after your session, you’ll be turning heads wherever you go.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your session, follow these tips, and get ready to shine like the star you are! ✨