Before Your Spray Tan
Where possible, always shave or wax at least 24 hours prior to a spray tan appointment, as hair removal after a spray tan will remove the colour.
Exfoliate from head to toe and pay close attention to your knees, elbows and ankles. Follow the exfoliation with moisturiser and body lotion so your skin is prepared.
If you tint your eyebrows or lashes, you should do it the day before (or the day after) so the tint doesn’t interfere with your tan. You don’t want weird coloured eyebrows on top of your perfect tan!
It is better if you have nail polish on before your tan, even if it is just a clear coat as it helps to prevent your nails from staining. If you have acrylic nails or a gel manicure on before your spray tan appointment, the spray tan will NOT ruin your nails.
On The Day
Avoid using deodorant before your spray tan appointment as it will provide a barrier to the spray tan's absorption.
Try not to apply moisturiser prior to having a spray tan as it will interrupt the absorption of the spray tan. Remove your make-up before your appointment.
Wear dark, loose clothing and thongs (no socks, stockings, shoes or tight sneakers) to and from a spray tan appointment to avoid staining on lighter-coloured clothes or rubbing your tan off in places. An old comfy tracksuit is ideal!
Under your clothes wear a g-string or swimsuit that you don't mind getting stained. Anne-Maree has some disposable g-strings if you like, simply request one. Of course, if you want a full body tan, just let us know. Full body tans are not available for men – guys, you must wear a g-string or if you must, a sock, if you want to avoid tan lines.
Let us know about of any dry skin areas, broken or cracked skin, abrasions and allergies.
Please don’t wear jewellery to your appointment as you won’t be able to put it back on for some time after!
After You've Been Starr Tanned
Try not to get wet for 2 hours after your spray tan. So if it is raining the day of your appointment, make sure you bring a large enough umbrella to cover you, or a loose poncho to cover up.
Showering - Your level of colour depth and skin type will also determine how long it will be before you should bathe or shower so make sure you find out how long you should wait. When you do please don’t use soap or scrubs on the first day and keep your water warm, not hot.
Try to avoid the following activities for at least 12 hours after your tan:
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gym work or sports that will cause excessive perspiration
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swimming (both salt water and chlorinated)
If you’re on holidays and will be swimming over the following days we recommend using a Tan Extender – talk to Anne-Maree about how to prolong your tan.
Moisture! It’s important to keep your skin moisturised after your spray tan to increase the longevity of the tan. A good body lotion will also help you to avoid the tan wearing off in patches due to dry skin spots.
When it’s time to shower (ask Anne-Maree how long you should wait) you’ll notice some bronzer washes away – this is perfectly normal. After your shower pat your skin dry (no rubbing!) with a soft towel.
For best results use gels or lotions in the shower instead of scrubs, oils, bar soaps or foams for at least 3 days after your tan (the longer the better really).
Try to limit the amount you shave after your spray tan, as shaving is a form of exfoliation.
If you choose to sleep in your airbrush tan make sure you cover your bed with dark sheets or towels so that the bronzer does not stain your regular sheets. Sleeping in long loose baggy pants and a big baggy t-shirt is best.
Remember to continue using an SPF sunscreen as your tan will not give you added protection from the sun.
Tanning For Special Events
If you are having a spray tan for a special occasion, it is best to be sprayed one to two days before the big day to make sure that you're happy with your colour and also to get used to your new colour.
If you’re having a tan and will also be using a make-up artist it might be a good idea to seek their advice about colour or bring them along to your colour consultation or tanning session as your foundation colour may change.
Having a pedicure or manicure as well? It’s a good idea to have them before you have your spray tan.