Prep + aftercare
Our secret to perfect spray tans? Reading this page. From when to shave to what to wear, we’ve outlined exactly how to prep, care, and maintain so you can keep your tan flawless and your skin happy.
1. Day Before
Exfoliate and moisturize 24 hours before your tan.
Smooth skin = flawless finish. Exfoliate with a mitt or towel, choose a hydrating moisturizer like the Sjolie Daily Moisturizer, and give some extra love to dry spots like elbows, ankles, and knees.
Book any nail or spa appointments at least a day before your tan.
Spray tans should be the last stop on your beauty to-do list. After your appointment we’ll remove any tanning product from your nails so they’ll look fresh from the salon.
Shave or wax at least 48 hours before your appointment.
Skip the moisture strip razors, they can leave a residue. Shop our favorite razor here.
Avoid bar soaps or cream based body washes.
They can leave behind residues that might affect your tan. Opt for a clear, gentle body wash—something that rinses clean without heavy moisturizers or oils. Ideally, you don’t feel any product on your skin after your shower.
Avoid showering the day leading up to your appointment. If you have to shower, do so at least 4 hours before your appointment. Use a clear, gentle, sulfate-free body wash, and skip any shaving.
2. Day-of
Skip lotions, oils, deodorants, perfumes, and makeup.
Come to your appointment with clean, dry skin—nothing added. If you need to rinse off any products, skip the body wash and stick with water.
Wear dark, loose-fitting clothing and roomy or open-toed shoes.
Tight clothes and shoes can rub your tan while it’s still developing, causing streaks or lines. Think breezy, not bodycon!
3. During your Tan
We’ll start with a thorough consultation.
Your artist will chat with you about ideal color, upcoming events, your skin tone, solution types, and what’s worked (or hasn’t) in the past.
Undress to your comfort level.
It’s up to you! Totally nude, undies, bikinis, pasties, we’ve seen it all (literally), and have free disposable coverage options in the studio.
Barrier cream will be applied to certain areas.
This ensures your color will be consistent even in your driest spots like hands, ankles, and elbows.
The full appointment usually takes about 15–30 minutes.
Your artist will guide you through a few different positions while they customize your application.
We’ll give you post-tan instructions before you leave.
Your artist will remind you when to rinse, how to care for your tan, and what to avoid. You'll also get a take-home card if you need a refresher.
4. Aftercare
Stay dry until your rinse.
Your NudeFX artist will tell you when to rinse based on your skin tone and goals. No sweating, showering, or getting wet until then. (Yes, that includes hand washing and overly affectionate pets.)
Rinse with lukewarm water.
No soap! Your bronzer washing down the drain is totally normal. It’s just the surface color, not your actual tan.
Don’t moisturize until your color is fully developed.
After your rinse, your tan will keep developing for up to 24 hours. Once it’s set, use a fragrance-free, oil-free moisturizer to lock in your color without stripping it, and use a tan extender to maintain your color for as long as possible.