Top 10 Spray Tan Mistakes To Avoid

A professional spray tan is one of the safest and quickest ways to achieve a beautiful sun-kissed glow—without exposing your skin to harmful UV rays. But getting flawless results isn't just about the spray itself. How you prepare before your appointment and care for your skin afterward can make all the difference.

Whether it's your first spray tan or you're a regular, avoiding these common mistakes will help you enjoy a smoother, longer-lasting, and more natural-looking tan.

1. Don't Apply a New Tan Over an Old One

Applying a fresh spray tan over leftover patches from a previous tan often leads to uneven color. Before your appointment, remove any remaining self-tanner and gently exfoliate your skin to create a clean, even surface.

2. Moisturize the Right Areas

Dry areas such as your hands, elbows, knees, ankles, and feet tend to absorb more tanning solution. Apply a light, oil-free moisturizer to these areas before your appointment, but avoid moisturizing your entire body immediately beforehand, as it can prevent the tan from developing evenly.

3. Exfoliate Before Your Appointment

Exfoliation is one of the most important steps in achieving an even spray tan. Gently exfoliate your body 24–48 hours before your appointment to remove dead skin cells and create the perfect canvas for your tan.

Pay extra attention to:

• Elbows

• Knees

• Ankles

• Hands

• Feet

• Dry patches

4. Schedule Hair Removal Properly

Hair removal should be completed before your spray tan.

Recommended timing:

• Shave: 24 hours before

• Wax: 48 hours before

• Laser treatments: 4–5 days before

This allows your pores to close and helps prevent dark spots around hair follicles.

5. Skip Oils, Perfumes, and Makeup

On the day of your appointment, arrive with clean skin.

Avoid:

• Perfume

• Body oils

• Heavy lotions

• Makeup

• Deodorant (if possible)

These products can create a barrier that prevents the tanning solution from developing evenly.

6. Choose the Right Shade

A darker tan isn't always better. The most natural results come from selecting a shade that complements your skin tone.

If you're unsure, bring inspiration photos and discuss your desired look with your spray tan artist.

7. Follow Your Artist's Positioning Instructions

Your spray tan artist may ask you to bend, turn, or lift your arms during the session. These poses help ensure every area is evenly covered and prevent lighter spots in hard-to-reach areas.

8. Wear Loose Clothing

After your appointment, loose-fitting clothing is your best friend.

Choose items like:

• Oversized t-shirts

• Sweatpants

• Loose dresses

• Flip-flops

Avoid tight leggings, bras, socks, or anything that may rub against your developing tan.

9. Wait Before Showering or Exercising

Your spray tan needs time to fully develop.

General guidelines:

• Standard spray tan: Wait 8–12 hours before showering.

• Rapid spray tan: Follow your technician's instructions, usually 2–5 hours.

Avoid sweating, swimming, or getting caught in heavy rain during the development period.

10. Use Tan-Friendly Skincare

Keeping your skin hydrated helps extend the life of your spray tan, but not all products are created equal.

For the longest-lasting results:

• Use oil-free moisturizers.

• Avoid harsh exfoliants.

• Limit products containing heavy oils.

• Consider a gradual tanning lotion to maintain your color between appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I moisturize before a spray tan?

Yes—but only on dry areas like your hands, feet, knees, elbows, and ankles. Avoid applying lotion all over your body immediately before your appointment.

How should I prepare for a spray tan?

• Exfoliate 24–48 hours beforehand.

• Complete shaving or waxing in advance.

• Arrive with clean, dry skin.

• Skip oils, lotions, deodorant, and makeup.

How long should I wait before showering?

Most standard spray tans require 8–12 hours before rinsing, while rapid tans may only require a few hours. Always follow the instructions provided by your spray tan technician.

How can I make my spray tan last longer?

Moisturize daily with an oil-free lotion, avoid long hot showers, gently pat your skin dry after bathing, and avoid harsh exfoliating products until you're ready to remove your tan.

Get the Best Spray Tan Every Time

A little preparation goes a long way. By exfoliating, moisturizing the right areas, wearing loose clothing, and following proper aftercare, you'll enjoy a smoother, more even spray tan that lasts longer and fades naturally. Whether you're getting ready for vacation, a wedding, or simply want a healthy-looking glow, following these tips will help you get the most out of every spray tan appointment.