How to Prepare for Your First Spray Tan

This post, How to Prepare for Your First Spray Tan, is sponsored by Palm Beach Tan. Thank you for supporting the brands that help make Running in Heels possible!

I have to admit, I was really late to the game here. I’ve always loved the way I look when I’m tan, but always thought I had to melt away outside for hours to get bronzed. I heard about spray tanning but until I tried it myself I had no idea how amazing it could be! It’s a fairly simple process but I still had no idea what to expect my first time. With this post, I hope I can help you prepare for your first spray tan.

How to Prepare for Your First Spray Tan

What To Do Before A Spray Tan

Before any spray tan, there are a few important steps you need to take to ensure your tan stays for as long as possible!

• Exfoliate. Shower at least 2-4 hours before your appointment and exfoliate your whole body. I love this Palm Beach Tan Black Label facial scrub as well. This helps remove dead skin cells, makeup, and oils that may reduce the time your spray tan stays on.
• Shave. You’ll also want to shave ahead of time since shaving after your spray tan will reduce the time your tan looks its best. Later on, limit your shaving to keep your tan longer.
• No products. When getting ready to go, do not put on any deodorant, lotions, perfumes, or make-up, and especially make sure you are oil-free. Nothing that will create a barrier between your skin and the spray tan.
• Use Pre-Session Primer. There are acceptable specific pre-session sprays or lotions to help enhance the tan, I use Sunless Black Label Primer by Palm Beach Tan. I recommend consulting with the front desk and getting them directly from your salon.

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During A Spray Tan

What To Do When You Arrive

When you get to the salon you’ll be asked what you want to do. If you aren’t familiar with the different types of systems and tans, you can check out the descriptions here. I also asked what they recommended based on my package, and the tanning experts shared the best recommendation for me. I chose the Versa Pro System, sprayed on clear in medium for my first spray tan. Later on, I switched to dark for an even darker bronze.

What To Do Immediately Before You Spray

Use a hair tie to hold up your hair, if you forget Palm Beach Tan has some! You’ll be provided with a hair cap, nose plug, and goggles. Use chapstick or the provided lip spread on your lips and rub the blending cream onto the tops of your feet and hands. Review your spray positions on the machine, step inside, and press go!

The process only takes about five minutes, so when you’re done just step outside, get dressed, and head home!

What To Wear During A Spray Tan

When heading out to a spray tan be sure to wear loose-fitting clothes. This way they won’t rub off the tan. I like to wear old long-sleeved tees and dark Nike shorts or sweatpants depending on the season that won’t matter if there is some transfer. However, I haven’t had any to speak of, it’s just a precaution. I also put a towel in my car to sit on when I leave. Underneath, wear a pair of dark-colored underwear and no bra. Typically I just head home after a spray and go to bed. You should not be planning any activities after you get a spray tan.

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What To Do After A Spray Tan

If you go at night, make sure you have old sheets on the bed and sleep in long pants and long sleeves. If you go during the daytime make sure you are wearing long pants or put a towel down before you sit on your furniture, especially anything light-colored.

Your tan will fully develop in 4-6 hours. During this time, try to avoid contact with water and don’t use products like lotions or sprays. Do wash your hands to reduce buildup in the creases of your knuckles and any callouses. If you used the blending cream correctly you shouldn’t have any issues, but washing them will also help eliminate any streaks. I made this mistake my first time, so don’t worry, it happens!

Maintaining Your Spray Tan

Make sure you don’t shower, sweat, or do anything to get wet in the first 4-6 hours. Try to schedule your spray tan at least 24 hours ahead of any event.

I use Palm Beach Tan Black Label Sunless body wash and lotion daily to maintain my tan for as long as possible. You will need to keep your skin moisturized. I also love the tan-extending mousse as well! Your spray tan should last about 7 days, I’ve had mine last up to 10! I go back about once per week to maintain a good bronze!

If you’re looking for a good place to tan, Palm Beach Tan has locations all over the country. They have 3 different spray tan systems to choose from, and a fantastic staff.

How Long Does A Spray Tan Last

In my experience, spray tans tend to last about seven days, but if you follow these steps before and after, it could look great for up to ten days!

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