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Preparing for Your Spray Tan Appointment

Preparing for Your Spray Tan Appointment: A Complete Guide to Achieving a Flawless Glow

Getting a spray tan is a great way to achieve a natural-looking, sun-kissed glow without the harmful effects of UV rays. However, to get the best possible results, it's essential to properly prepare for your spray tan appointment. Proper preparation ensures an even, streak-free tan that lasts longer and fades gracefully. At 360 Tans in Austin, we want to make sure you walk out of our salon looking and feeling your best. Follow this comprehensive guide on how to prepare for your spray tan appointment and enjoy a flawless tan every time!



Preparing for Your Spray Tan Appointment
Preparing for Your Spray Tan Appointment


Why Proper Preparation is Key to a Perfect Spray Tan

Before you head to your spray tan appointment, it’s important to understand that preparation is crucial for achieving that gorgeous, even glow. Properly prepping your skin helps the tanning solution adhere better and results in a more natural finish. If you skip this step, your tan may not last as long or develop unevenly, leaving you with streaks or blotchy areas.


At 360 Tans, we use high-quality spray tan solutions that are designed to give you a flawless, sun-kissed look, but how you prepare your skin plays a significant role in the final result.


Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing for Your Spray Tan Appointment

1. Exfoliate Your Skin 24–48 Hours Before Your Appointment

Exfoliation is key to removing dead skin cells, which can prevent the tanning solution from adhering evenly. The best time to exfoliate is 24 to 48 hours before your appointment. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or a loofah to smooth out your skin, focusing on rough spots like your elbows, knees, and ankles. These areas tend to absorb more product, and exfoliating them helps prevent a patchy tan.

Avoid exfoliating on the same day as your spray tan appointment, as this can cause irritation and lead to an uneven tan.

2. Shave or Wax Before Your Appointment

Shaving or waxing before your spray tan appointment ensures that your skin is smooth and free of hair, allowing the tanning solution to go on evenly. Be sure to do this at least 24 hours before your session to avoid skin irritation. Shaving or waxing the night of your appointment may leave tiny pores open, which can absorb the tanning solution and lead to uneven results.

If you’re unsure about when to shave, we recommend doing so the day before your appointment to allow your skin time to calm down and be ready for the tan.

3. Avoid Moisturizers, Lotions, or Oils on the Day of Your Appointment

On the day of your spray tan, make sure your skin is clean and free from any lotions, oils, or perfumes. These products can create a barrier on your skin, preventing the tanning solution from adhering properly. For best results, shower and wash your skin thoroughly, but do not apply any moisturizers afterward. This will allow the spray tan solution to absorb evenly and give you that perfect glow.

If you have sensitive skin, try to use a fragrance-free body wash to avoid irritation.

4. Wear Loose, Dark Clothing to Your Appointment

After your spray tan, it’s important to avoid tight clothing that could rub against your skin and cause the tan to streak or smudge. Wear loose, dark clothing to your appointment to allow the tan to develop without interference. Dark clothes are ideal because the tanning solution may transfer slightly onto your clothing as it develops. Light-colored clothes could show these marks, but dark clothes will keep the marks hidden.

Also, avoid wearing tight shoes or accessories that could rub against your skin, especially around your ankles, wrists, or waist.

5. Arrive Without Makeup or Jewelry

For the best results, come to your spray tan appointment with a fresh face—this means no makeup, deodorant, or jewelry. Makeup and deodorant can block the spray tan solution from adhering properly, leading to uneven patches or streaks on your face or body. Similarly, jewelry can cause indentations in the tan or rub off the solution.

If you prefer to wear makeup, you can remove it at the salon before your spray tan. We recommend coming in with a clean, fresh face to make the process quicker and smoother.

6. Ask About the Best Shade for Your Skin Tone

When you arrive at 360 Tans, our experienced technicians will discuss your desired shade and help you choose the perfect spray tan solution for your skin tone. Whether you prefer a light, sun-kissed glow or a deeper, bronzed look, our professionals will ensure you achieve the most natural and flattering color. It’s always a good idea to consult with your technician beforehand to determine the best shade for your needs.

If you're unsure about the shade, don't worry—our team is here to help!

7. Prepare for Aftercare: No Water, Sweat, or Friction

After your spray tan, you'll need to wait a few hours for the tan to fully develop. During this time, avoid water, sweat, and friction on your skin. We recommend waiting at least 6–8 hours before showering to allow the tan to develop properly. When you do shower, avoid using hot water and opt for a gentle, fragrance-free body wash.

For the best results, don’t engage in activities that could cause sweating or friction (like exercising or rubbing your skin) during the first few hours after your appointment.


What to Expect During Your Spray Tan Appointment

When you arrive for your spray tan appointment at 360 Tans, you can expect a professional and comfortable experience. Our trained technicians will guide you through the process, from selecting your ideal shade to applying the tan evenly and carefully. We take the time to ensure that every inch of your skin is treated properly, leaving you with a flawless, sun-kissed glow.


Conclusion: Get Ready for Your Best Tan Ever

Proper preparation is key to achieving the perfect spray tan that lasts longer and fades beautifully. By following these simple steps, you’ll be on your way to a flawless, natural-looking tan that will have you glowing all season long.


At 360 Tans, we are committed to providing our clients with the best spray tan experience possible. From our high-quality tanning solutions to our expert technicians, we ensure that every spray tan appointment leaves you looking and feeling your best.

To book your spray tan appointment today, visit www.austin360tans.com and get ready to glow!



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Cancellations and Rescheduling: Please note that we do require 24 hours notice for appointment cancellations and rescheduling. Any appointments canceled over the time requirements or those who do not show will be charged 100% of the service fee or a service credit will be redeemed. Late Arrivals: We regret that late arrivals will not receive an extension of scheduled service times and will be responsible for full-service fees. We book our appointments in 5-10 minute increments. For this reason we ask every client show up on time to avoid having to reschedule. 

The content on this website, blog, educational materials, and promotional newsletters is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. 360 Tans is not liable for any medical claims. Our services are strictly cosmetic, and results may vary. We recommend consulting with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. We do not guarantee specific outcomes or imply that our services diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition.

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