A gorgeous, even, long lasting glow doesn’t start in the spray tent, it starts in your bathroom 24 hours before your appointment.
If you’ve ever had a spray tan turn out a little patchy, streaky, or fade too fast, we’re willing to bet the prep wasn’t quite right. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! The truth is, how you prep your skin before your spray tan is just as important as the solution or equipment used.
So whether it’s your first sunless session or you’re a glow getter who’s been tanning for years, here’s your step by step guide to pre tan perfection, with all the whys behind each step so you know exactly what’s going on
✅ 24 to 48 Hours Before: Exfoliation Nation
Step 1: Exfoliate! Like, Really Exfoliate
Why: DHA (the active ingredient in sunless solution) reacts with dead skin cells. If your skin is dry, flaky, or uneven, your tan will cling to those patches, and that is how you get streaks, dark elbows, and that “snake skin” fades.
How to do it right:
- Use a dry brush or oil free exfoliating scrub 24 to 48 hours before your appointment.
- Pay extra attention to elbows, knees, ankles, and wrists, these areas love to hoard dead skin.
- Avoid oil based scrubs! Oils leave a barrier that can block the tanning solution from absorbing properly.
🛍️ Pro tip: Offer your clients an exfoliating mitt or recommend a specific prep product in your retail lineup.
✅ 24 Hours Before: Hair Removal Timing
Step 2: Shave or Wax (But Not Too Late!)
Why: Shaving and waxing both open up pores. If done too close to your spray tan, the solution can settle into open follicles and create a “dotty” appearance, especially on legs.
How to do it right:
- Shave or wax at least 24 hours before your tan. This gives your skin time to calm down and your pores time to close.
If shaving the day off is absolutely necessary, use cold water to rinse your skin afterward and avoid using shaving creams with heavy moisturizers or oils.
✅ The Night Before: Hydrate Smart
Step 3: Moisturize Strategically
Why: While you don’t want heavy lotions blocking your tan, dry skin can lead to patchy, uneven absorption.
How to do it right:
- Moisturize the night before your tan, but use a light, oil free moisturizer.
- Focus on areas prone to dryness: hands, feet, elbows, and knees.
- Do not moisturize the day of your tan. Moisture on the skin can act as a barrier between your skin and the solution.
✅ The Day Of: Clean, Clear & Product Free
Step 4: Skip Skincare Products
Why: Deodorant, perfume, makeup, and even some lotions can interfere with solution absorption or cause discoloration (like green underarms, yikes!).
How to do it right:
- Come to your appointment with clean, bare skin, no deodorant, makeup, perfume, or body lotion.
If needed, shower with a mild, sulfate-free body wash earlier in the day, and avoid using bar soaps that leave a film on the skin.
Right Before: Dress for Glow Success
Step 5: Wear the Right Outfit
Why: Tight clothing can rub off fresh tan and create uneven marks or streaks while the tan develops.
How to do it right:
- Wear loose, dark clothing to your appointment (think: oversized tee, maxi dress, cotton joggers).
- Go braless if possible, or opt for a strapless bandeau.
- Bring flip-flops instead of sneakers or boots to let your feet breathe.
Bonus tip: If you sweat easily or it’s hot out, bring a towel to place on your car seat post-appointment to prevent transfer.
Bonus: Special Occasion Prep Timeline
If your tan is for a big event (wedding, photoshoot, vacay), the best plan is:
- Spray tan 2 days before the event. This gives the tan time to fully develop and settle in.
- Do all waxing, shaving, and exfoliating at least 24–48 hours before the spray tan appointment.
Use tan-friendly moisturizers daily after the tan to keep your glow going strong.
Final Thoughts: Prep = Power
A great tan starts with great skin prep. By following these steps, you’ll ensure:
- A smooth, streak free application
- Even development
- Longer lasting glow
- A fade that’s natural (not patchy)
As tanning pros, we love delivering flawless results, but we also love when clients show up prepped and ready to glow. It makes our job easier and your results even more radiant.
We created a checklist just for you! Check out our spray tan checklist directly from the Apollo UV Sunless Tanning Team.
Ready to Glow?
If you’re a spray tan artist or salon owner looking to give your clients the best tan ever, don’t forget that flawless results start with professional equipment too.
Explore APOLLO Sunless HVLP Systems to get started on your spray tanning journey. We can help you prep like a tanning pro, check out some more spray taning tips here.
