Your First Spray Tan? Here's Everything You Need to Know Before Your Appointment
Whether you're getting ready for a wedding, vacation, photoshoot, or simply want that confidence-boosting glow, your first spray tan doesn't have to be intimidating. If you're wondering what to expect, how to prepare, or whether you'll turn orange (spoiler alert: you won't), this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Why Choose a Professional Spray Tan?
A professional spray tan is one of the safest and quickest ways to achieve a natural-looking bronze without exposing your skin to harmful UV rays.
Unlike many at-home tanning products, a customized spray tan is tailored to your skin tone, desired color, and upcoming event. The goal isn't to make you look dramatically darker—it's to enhance your natural complexion with a healthy, sun-kissed glow.
The best part? You'll leave feeling refreshed, confident, and camera-ready.
Things to Do Before Your Appointment
A beautiful spray tan starts with proper preparation.
Exfoliate 24 Hours Before
Removing dead skin cells creates an even canvas for your tan to develop. Focus on rough areas like:ElbowsKneesAnklesHandsFeet
Avoid exfoliating immediately before your appointment, as freshly irritated skin can affect how the solution develops resulting in uneven and patchy results.Shave or Wax Ahead of Time
If you shave or wax, do so at least 24 hours before your appointment. This gives your pores time to close and helps prevent uneven absorption.Skip Lotions, Oils, Deodorant, & Makeup
Arrive with clean, dry skin.
On the day of your appointment, avoid:
Moisturizer
Body oil
Perfume
Makeup
Deodorant
These products create a barrier that can interfere with the tanning solution. If you forget? Ask us for makeup remover wipes, and our rough draft exfoliating wipes. These will prep your skin to eliminate some of the barrier issues. Showing up with deodorant can result in GREEN armpits, that’s not attractive, but rest assured it will go away after a few rinses.
Wear Loose, Dark Clothing
After your spray tan, you'll want comfortable clothing that won't rub against your skin while the tan develops. It's all about channeling your inner Adam Sandler! Great options include:Oversized t-shirtsLoose dressesSweatpants, baggy shorts.Flip-flops or sandals
Tight leggings, bras, socks, and jeans can leave unwanted marks before your first rinse.During Your Appointment
If you've never had a spray tan before, you might be surprised by how quick and comfortable the process is.Your appointment typically takes around 15–30 minutes from start to finish.You'll receive guidance throughout the session, including simple posing instructions that help ensure even coverage from head to toe.Many first-time clients worry about feeling awkward, but professionalism and your comfort are always the priority. The appointment is private, efficient, and designed to make you feel at ease.The tanning solution is applied as a fine mist and dries within minutes.After Your Appointment
This is where the magic happens.Your spray tan continues developing over the next several hours, so following your aftercare instructions is essential.Wait Before Showering
Depending on your tanning solution, you'll rinse after the recommended development time provided during your appointment.Your first shower should be a quick rinse with lukewarm water—no soap or scrubbing.Don't be alarmed if you see color washing away. That's simply the cosmetic bronzer. Your developed tan will remain underneath.Moisturize Every Day
Hydrated skin helps your tan fade evenly and last longer.Using a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer daily is one of the easiest ways to extend your results.Avoid These for the First Day
For the best outcome, avoid:Heavy sweatingSwimmingHot tubsLong hot showersExfoliating products
Giving your tan time to fully develop will reward you with a longer-lasting glow.A Few Extra Tips for First-Timers
✨ Schedule your spray tan 1–2 days before your event for the most natural finish.✨ Plan manicures, pedicures, waxing, and facials before your spray tan whenever possible.✨ Drink plenty of water and keep your skin hydrated.✨ Don't panic if you look a little darker immediately after your appointment—that initial bronzer rinses away, revealing your true developed color.Frequently Asked Questions
"Will I Turn Orange?"
No.Modern professional spray tanning solutions are formulated to create natural-looking results. Your shade is selected based on your skin tone and desired outcome—not a one-color-fits-all formula."Will It Stain My Clothes?"
The cosmetic bronzer can transfer slightly before your first rinse, which is why dark clothing is recommended. Our solutions are water-soluble and should not stain, but it's better to air on the side of caution.
Still nervous? Ask us about our Bronzer Free / Clear Solutions.Once you've rinsed and the tan has fully developed, it should not transfer under normal circumstances. Any transfer you see over the next 7-12 days is your dead skin naturally shedding you just notice it more because of the tan. "How Long Will My Spray Tan Last?"
Most professional spray tans last 7–12 days, depending on:Your skincare routineHow often you showerYour activity levelDaily moisturizing
Proper aftercare can make a noticeable difference."Can I Exercise?"
The short answer is yes—but timing matters.Your spray tan needs time to fully develop. During the development period, excessive sweating can interfere with the tanning solution before it has finished processing, which may lead to uneven color or lighter areas.That's why I generally recommend waiting until after your first rinse before doing any intense workouts, hot yoga, sauna sessions, or activities that cause heavy sweating.Need to Work Out Sooner?
If you have a busy schedule, I offer a DMI (Double Moisture Instant) Spray Tan upgrade.This premium solution develops much faster than a traditional spray tan, allowing you to rinse sooner while still achieving a beautiful, natural-looking result. It's a great option for clients who can't wait 8–12 hours before showering.For Athletes & Active Lifestyles
Love the gym? Training for an event? Heading to a music festival or a hot vacation?Ask about my Endurance Sweat-Proof Solution Upgrade.This advanced formula is designed for clients with active lifestyles and provides added resistance to sweat and moisture once your tan has fully developed. While proper aftercare is still important, it's an excellent choice for anyone who wants extra confidence during workouts, outdoor activities, or long, active days.Not sure which solution is right for you? I'll help you choose the best option based on your schedule, lifestyle, and desired results before we begin your appointment."Is Spray Tanning Safe?"
Professional spray tanning offers a sunless alternative to achieving a bronzed look without UV exposure. While avoiding UV rays is a major benefit, it's still important to follow your technician's guidance and continue protecting your skin with sunscreen whenever you're outdoors. “Can I Get a Spray Tan While Pregnant or Breastfeeding?“
This is one of the most common questions I receive, and the answer depends on your stage of pregnancy and your comfort level.During Pregnancy
At Kosmetics, we do not perform spray tans during the first trimester. While there isn't strong evidence showing that spray tanning is harmful during pregnancy, the first trimester is a critical stage of fetal development, and I choose to take a cautious approach for the health and peace of mind of both mom and baby.After the first trimester, many expecting mothers choose to receive professional spray tans for maternity photos, baby showers, weddings, vacations, or other special occasions. If you're pregnant, I always recommend discussing any beauty service with your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns.While Breastfeeding
Professional spray tanning is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding because the active tanning ingredient (DHA) works by reacting with the outermost layer of dead skin cells and is not known to be absorbed into the bloodstream in significant amounts when applied externally.To provide extra peace of mind, I can:Use disposable nipple covers during your appointment to prevent the tanning solution from contacting the nipple and areola.Recommend Rapid Tan solutions, allowing you to rinse sooner and easily plan your appointment around your baby's feeding schedule.
Many breastfeeding moms find that a rapid-developing solution makes it simple to get their glow while minimizing any disruption to their routine.If you're pregnant or nursing and have questions before your appointment, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm always happy to discuss your options and help you choose the solution that's right for you.Your Spray Tan Success Kit
A beautiful spray tan doesn't end when you leave the studio. Proper preparation and aftercare make all the difference in how your tan develops, how natural it looks, and how long it lasts.
To make things easy, I've put together two resources to help you get the most out of your appointment.
📋 Download My Complete Spray Tan Prep & Care Guide
Want a simple checklist you can save to your phone or print at home?My Spray Tan Prep & Care Guide walks you through exactly what to do:Before your appointmentImmediately after your appointmentDuring your first showerHow to care for your tan every dayTips for making your glow last as long as possible
👉 Download the complete Prep & Care Guide here.
🛍️ Shop My Favorite Spray Tan Essentials
The products you use after your appointment can have a huge impact on how your tan fades.I've put together a collection of my favorite client-approved products, including:Gentle, sulfate-free body washHydrating moisturizersTan-friendly exfoliating mittsBody care essentialsOther products I personally recommend for extending the life of your spray tan
