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 in order to get bronzed. I had heard about spray tanning but until I tried it myself I had no idea how amazing they 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

Before

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 beforehand and exfoliate your whole body. This helps remove dead skin cells, make up, and oils that wouldn’t add providing a

Shave. You’ll also want to shave since shaving after your spray tan will remove your tan quicker. 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. Nothing that will put a layer between your skin and the spray tan.

Use Pre-Session Spray. There are acceptable specific pre-session sprays or lotions to help enhance the tan, I use Sunless pre-session spray by Palm Beach Tan. I recommend consulting with the front desk and getting them directly from the salon.

What to wear. Wear loose fitting clothes that won’t rub off the tan. I wear old tees and dark Nike shorts that I don’t mind any rub off. (However, I haven’t had any!) I also put a towel in my car to sit on when I leave. Underneath I wear a pair of old underwear and no bra.

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During

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 she told me her personal favorite. Per her recommendation, 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.

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 the 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 on home!

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After

What to do post-spray tan. If you go at night, make sure you have old sheets on the bed and sleep in long pants and long sleeves. I go during the daytime (and it’s summer) so I wear shorts and a loose tee. You tan will develop in 4-6 hours. In this time try to avoid contact with water and don’t use products like lotions or sprays. Do wash your hands. If you used the blending cream correctly you shouldn’t have any issues, but washing them will help eliminate any streaks. I made this mistake my first time, so don’t worry, it happens!

Maintaining you tan. I use Sunless body wash and lotion daily to maintain my tan for as long as possible, another Palm beach Tan product. It 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.

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