HOw to prep for your tan:

Prepping your skin before a spray tan helps ensure a smoother application, better color development, and longer-lasting results. It's an essential step in achieving a natural-looking and even tan.

1. Prepare Your Skin: Exfoliate and shave at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. This helps remove dead skin cells and ensures a more even tan application. Avoid using any oil-based products on your skin before your appointment also, as they can create a barrier to the tanning solution. Opt for water-based products instead.

2. Arrive Clean: Be sure to arrive to your appointment with clean, dry skin. This meaning shower and remove any makeup, deodorant, or other skincare products from your skin before the appointment. These can also create barriers to the tanning solution.

3. Wear Appropriate Clothing: Wear loose, dark-colored clothing to your appointment. Tight clothing or undergarments can rub off the tanning solution, and light-colored clothing may become stained.

4. Plan Ahead: If you need to wax or get any sort of facial treatment, do so at least 3 days before your appointment. This allows any minor skin irritation to settle before the tan is applied.

5. Follow Specific Instructions: Your spray tan technician may have specific instructions or recommendations based on the type of spray tan solution they use or any personal considerations. Be sure to follow their guidance for the best results.

By following these prep instructions, you can help ensure that your spray tan goes smoothly and that you achieve the best possible results.

How to care for your tan:

After getting a spray tan, it's important to follow proper aftercare instructions to maintain the tan's longevity and ensure even fading. Here are some common aftercare tips:

1. Wait Before Showering: Most spray tan solutions require several hours to develop to the appropriate color. Follow the instructions provided by your technician regarding when it's safe to shower. Typically, it's recommended to wait at least 8-12 hours after the spray tan application before showering.

2. Avoid Water Activities: After your spray tan, avoid activities that involve water, such as swimming or excessive sweating, until after your first shower. Water can cause streaking and uneven fading of the tan.

3. Pat Dry: When you do shower, use lukewarm water and gently pat your skin dry with a towel. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing, as this can cause the tan to fade unevenly.

4. Moisturize: Keeping your skin hydrated is essential for maintaining your spray tan. Use a gentle, hydrating moisturizer daily to help prolong the tan and prevent it from drying out, which can lead to patchiness and uneven fading.

5. Avoid Exfoliation: Refrain from using exfoliating scrubs, loofahs, or harsh body washes for the duration of your spray tan. These can strip away the tan more quickly.

6. Avoid Oil-Based Products: Oil-based skincare products can break down the tan more quickly. Opt for water-based moisturizers and body washes instead.

7. Avoid Chlorine and Saltwater: Chlorine and saltwater can also cause your tan to fade more quickly, so avoid swimming pools and the ocean until you're ready to exfoliate the tan off.

8. Touch-Up if Necessary: Depending on your desired tan level and how your skin reacts, you may need to touch up certain areas with a gradual tanning lotion or spray to maintain an even appearance as the tan fades.

By following these aftercare instructions, you can help prolong the life of your spray tan and ensure that it fades evenly.