How to Prep for Spray Tan: Professional Tips for Even, Long-Lasting Colour

Greta Engizer
Jun 18
4 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

After perfecting thousands of spray tans, I've learnt that the secret to that gorgeous, streak-free bronze isn't just in the application—it's in the prep work. Follow my timeline, and you'll walk out looking like a golden goddess!

Why Prep Actually Matters

Think of your skin like a canvas—how you prep affects the final result. Just like an artist wouldn't paint on a rough, dirty surface, you shouldn't apply spray tan to unprepared skin.

Properly prepared skin allows the DHA (that's the magic ingredient in spray tan solution) to absorb evenly and develop into that beautiful, natural-looking colour. When your skin is smooth, clean, and properly pH-balanced, the DHA reacts uniformly with your skin's amino acids, creating that gorgeous bronze we're all after.

Do it right and you'll glow for 7–10 days without streaks, patches, or that dreaded orange tint that screams "fake tan." Your colour will fade gracefully and evenly, leaving you looking sun-kissed rather than obviously tanned.

Skip the prep? You'll end up with uneven colour that fades within 3-4 days. Worse yet, you might get dark patches on rough areas like elbows and knees, whilst other spots barely take any colour at all. The result? A patchy, obviously fake look that has you reaching for long sleeves instead of showing off your glow.

Trust me, I've seen it all! From clients who thought they could skip exfoliation to those who showed up slathered in moisturiser—the prep shortcuts never pay off, but the clients who follow my protocol? They're the ones getting compliments for weeks and booking their next appointment before their tan even starts to fade.

2 Days Before Your Appointment

Shave or wax early (not on the day!) – Hair removal opens your pores temporarily, and you want them to settle before your tan. This prevents irritation and dark spots where your pores are still open.

Moisturise with oil-free lotion to soften skin – Focus on areas that tend to be drier like elbows, knees, and heels. Well-hydrated skin takes colour more evenly and holds it longer.

Skip harsh products like retinol, AHA/BHA acids, or strong exfoliants – These can cause your skin to be overly sensitive and may lead to uneven colour development or faster fading.

1 Day Before Your Tan

Exfoliate like your glow depends on it! Focus on elbows, knees, ankles, and hands – these areas naturally grab more colour. Dead skin cells = patchy tan, so buff them away for smooth, even results.

Use a mitt + sugar scrub combo – I swear by this method! The sugar gently removes dead skin whilst the mitt ensures you don't miss any spots. Work in circular motions, but don't scrub so hard you irritate your skin.

Watch my tutorial video for step-by-step technique – I show you exactly how much pressure to use, which direction to scrub, and my secret "towel test" to make sure you've exfoliated enough.

On The Day of Your Tan

Quick shower with pH-balanced wash – This removes any lingering product residue and ensures your skin's pH is perfect for tan absorption. Keep it lukewarm—hot water can irritate freshly prepped skin.

No lotions, deodorant, or makeup – I know going deodorant-free feels weird, but aluminum can actually cause green tinting (yes, really!). Any barrier on your skin will prevent even absorption.

Wear loose, dark clothes + bring flip-flops – Tight clothes can rub off fresh tan, and dark colors won't show any transfer. Those flip-flops will be your best friend for the next 8 hours!

My Pro Prep Tips (The Game-Changers!)

Drink lots of water three days before —hydrated skin = longer tan. When your skin is well-hydrated from the inside out, it holds color better and fades more evenly. I'm talking at least 8 glasses a day!

Use barrier cream on palms, cuticles, scars, and tattoos – These areas can over-absorb and end up too dark. A tiny dab of petroleum jelly or barrier cream prevents this without affecting the rest of your tan.

Use pH-balancing toner on hands/feet/face about an hour before your appointment – This creates the ideal environment for DHA absorption and helps prevent those areas from going too dark or looking patchy.

Temperature check – Arrive at room temperature! If you're too hot from rushing or too cold from AC, it affects how the solution applies and develops.

Want all my insider secrets and the science behind perfect spray tans? Grab my spray tanning eBook for the complete guide that covers everything from skin types to maintenance tips.

Need a flawless at-home top-up between appointments? My Velvet Mousse Luxury is formulated specifically to work with professional spray tans—perfect for keeping your glow fresh and extending your tan's life by days.

Ready to Glow Like Never Before?

Book your tan, follow this prep religiously, and you'll see the difference immediately. I've been perfecting this process for years, and when my clients follow these steps, they get compliments for weeks.

The difference between a good spray tan and an absolutely stunning one really does come down to those crucial prep hours before your appointment.

I've had clients tell me their friends thought they'd been vacationing in the Bahamas, others say their tan looked so natural that even their hairdresser couldn't tell it wasn't from the sun. That's the power of proper preparation combined with professional application—it creates results that look effortless and expensive.

The best part? Once you nail this prep routine, every future spray tan will be easier and better. Your skin will develop a "tan memory," taking color more evenly each time, and you'll know exactly what works for your unique skin type.

Trust me—your skin (and your selfies) will thank you! You'll feel confident stepping out in anything from sundresses to swimwear, knowing your glow looks absolutely flawless from every angle.

Ready to become a spray tan prep pro? Your golden goddess transformation starts with these simple steps.