Spray Tanning Guide – Everything You Need to Know

Fatima Gomez
Oct 8
4 min read

A spray tan is one of the fastest ways to achieve a flawless, sun-kissed glow without sun damage. At Lore Beauty, we want you to enjoy the best results from your treatment, so we’ve put together a complete guide on how to prepare, what to wear, what to expect during your appointment, and how to care for your tan afterwards.

🌟 Before Your Spray Tan: Preparation is Key

The better you prepare your skin, the longer your tan will last and the more even it will look. Ideally, begin prep 24–48 hours before your appointment:

Exfoliate: Use a gentle body scrub, exfoliating mitt, or dry brush to remove dead skin cells. Pay extra attention to dry areas such as elbows, knees, ankles, and wrists.
Shave or Wax: Complete hair removal at least 24 hours before your tan to avoid irritation and patchiness.
Moisturise (the day before, not the day of): Apply a hydrating, oil-free moisturiser the night before your tan to create a smooth base. Avoid moisturisers, oils, deodorants, and perfumes on the day of your treatment as they can create a barrier.
Clothing Prep: Pack or wear loose, dark clothing to your appointment – tight clothing and bras can cause rub marks or streaking.
Please avoid booking a spray tan right after a hair colour, tinting, or brow lamination appointment.

Fresh colour and laminations can react with tanning solutions, leading to unwanted staining or uneven results.

It’s best to wait at least 24–48 hours before your tan to keep your colour fresh and your glow flawless 🤎

💡 Pro Tip: If you have light or porous nails, apply clear polish to prevent staining.

👗 What to Wear to Your Appointment

Spray tanning is quick and discreet, and you’ll be given privacy to change before your session.What you wear during the tan depends on your comfort level:

Disposable G-string: Provided if you’d like minimal tan lines.
Dark Swimwear or dark underwear: If you prefer coverage, just note these will create a barrier so the parts covered will NOT be tanned.
Go nude for the best results! If we’re spraying you from head to toe, we recommend going without clothing to achieve a flawless, all-over natural finish. This ensures your spray tan looks seamless and even – perfect for any occasion or special event.
Loose Clothing: Bring along a loose dress, oversized tee, thongs for feet or flowy pants for after your session. Avoid jeans, leggings, socks, or sneakers that could rub against the fresh tan.

✨ What to Expect During Your Spray Tan

Your treatment will be tailored to your desired depth of colour and skin tone:

Consultation: I will discuss the shade you’d like and select a formula to suit your skin.
Barrier Application: A light barrier cream will be applied to dry areas (hands, feet, elbows, knees) to prevent over-absorption.
Spray Application: The tan will be evenly misted over your body using a professional spray gun. The process is quick – usually 10–15 minutes.
Drying Time: You’ll be dried with warm air to reduce stickiness. The tan may feel slightly tacky at first, but this will fade.
Development: Depending on the solution used, your tan will need 1–8 hours to develop before showering. Rapid tans can be rinsed earlier – I will guide you. The longer you leave it the darker the tan will be.

PLEASE NOTE: The colour you see immediately after your spray tan is not your final result. The solution contains temporary bronzers that guide application – your true shade will be revealed a few hours after you've rinsed.

🌿 Aftercare & Post-Treatment Tips

Your aftercare routine will determine how natural and long-lasting your glow looks.

First 24 Hours:

Avoid showering, swimming, sweating, or applying products until your tan has developed.
Do not touch your skin with wet hands – water can cause streaks.
Wear loose clothing and avoid sitting on light fabrics.

After Your First Shower:

Use cool to lukewarm water for the first rinse – avoid hot showers.
Do not use soap, body wash, or shampoo in this first rinse. Simply allow the bronzer to wash away until the water runs clear.
Pat dry with a towel instead of rubbing.

Maintaining Your Tan:

Moisturise daily with an oil-free, hydrating lotion to prolong your glow.
Avoid products with AHAs, BHAs, or retinol, as these will fade the tan faster.
Limit long hot baths, spas, or swimming in chlorinated pools.
Exfoliate gently once your tan starts to fade to help it come off evenly.

Longevity:With the right care, your spray tan will usually last 7–10 days, fading naturally as your skin renews.

💛 Why Choose a Professional Spray Tan?

Safe: No UV exposure, no sun damage.
Customised: Colour depth tailored to your skin tone and preference.
Quick & Effective: A streak-free tan in under 15 minutes.
Confidence Boost: Even coverage that enhances your natural glow.

At Lore Beauty, we’re dedicated to making your spray tanning experience comfortable and professional, leaving you with a radiant, natural-looking glow. We appreciate your patience as we continue to refine and perfect our techniques.