If you wax, do it at least 3–5 days before your appointment. If you shave, aim for 24 hours before at minimum. This gives your pores time to close and your skin time to calm down. Waxing or shaving after your tan will strip color along with hair.
This is the most important prep step. Use a physical exfoliating scrub or mitt in the shower to remove dead skin cells, old self-tanner, and dry patches. Focus on rough areas like elbows, knees, ankles, and wrists. Do not use oil-based scrubs — they leave a residue that blocks the solution. Drugstore picks: an exfoliating body scrub (sugar or salt based), or an exfoliating glove.
Apply a light, oil-free moisturizer to extra dry areas — elbows, knees, ankles, and hands. These areas absorb more solution and can go darker or patchy without proper hydration. Don't overdo it — just a light layer the night before is perfect. Do not moisturize the morning of your appointment.
Shower before your appointment but do not apply anything afterward — no lotion, no deodorant, no perfume, no makeup, no oils. Arrive with completely clean, dry, product-free skin. These products create a barrier that prevents the solution from absorbing evenly. If you wear makeup, bring a wipe to remove it before your service.
Wear or bring loose, dark clothing to your appointment — the solution can transfer to light fabrics during development. Avoid tight waistbands, bras with underwire, and socks immediately after. Flip flops are ideal for footwear. Loose-fitting dark sweats or a flowy dress are perfect.
- Exfoliate 24–48 hours before
- Shave at least 24 hours before
- Shower right before your appointment
- Arrive with completely bare, dry skin
- Wear loose, dark clothing
- Bring flip flops
- Stay hydrated — drink water!
- Tell us about any skin concerns
- Apply lotion or oil day-of
- Wear deodorant or perfume
- Wax within 24 hours of your tan
- Use oil-based exfoliants
- Wear tight or light-colored clothing
- Apply makeup before arriving
- Have a sunburn or open skin
- Skip the exfoliation step!
After your session, avoid water, sweat, rain, and humidity for at least 8 hours (or your recommended development time). Avoid tight clothing and bra straps — they can cause streaking during development. Stay cool and dry. If you sweat, pat dry — never rub.
Rapid Tan: Rinse after 2–4 hours for a lighter result, or up to 6 hours for deeper color.
Classic Tan: Develop overnight — 8–10 hours is ideal. Sleep in loose, dark clothing.
Do not work out, swim, bathe, or do anything that causes sweating during this window.
When your development time is up, rinse with lukewarm water only — no soap, no loofahs, no washcloths. You'll see brown bronzer wash off — that's normal! Your tan is still developing underneath. Pat your skin dry gently with a dark towel. Your color will continue to deepen over the next several hours.
Starting the day after your tan, moisturize every single day — morning and night if possible. Hydrated skin holds color longer and fades more evenly. Use a gentle, oil-free, fragrance-free moisturizer. Avoid products with AHAs, BHAs, retinol, or exfoliating acids — these will strip your tan faster.
Take shorter, cooler showers when possible — hot water opens pores and strips color faster. Avoid long soaks in baths, hot tubs, or pools. Pat dry instead of rubbing. Avoid exfoliating products and loofahs until you're ready to prep for your next tan. Your tan naturally fades in 7–10 days.
- Stay dry for your full development time
- Rinse with lukewarm water only (first rinse)
- Pat skin dry — never rub
- Moisturize every day
- Wear loose, dark clothing while developing
- Take cool, short showers
- Use gentle, fragrance-free products
- Book your next session before you fade!
- Get wet before your development is done
- Use soap or scrub on your first rinse
- Work out or sweat during development
- Sit in hot tubs, pools, or long baths
- Use exfoliating products or loofahs
- Use products with AHAs, BHAs, or retinol
- Rub your skin with a towel
- Forget to moisturize!
You don't need to spend a lot to maintain your glow. These are simple, affordable product types available at any drugstore — Target, Walmart, Walgreens, or Amazon. Look for these qualities when shopping rather than specific brands.
Look for a water-based scrub with no added oils. Use 24–48 hours before your appointment. Avoid anything labeled "moisturizing scrub."
A dry or wet exfoliating glove is one of the best tools for removing dead skin evenly. Find them in the beauty aisle for a few dollars.
Use a sharp, clean razor at least 24 hours before your appointment. A dull razor drags and irritates skin, which affects how the solution absorbs.
Apply the night before to dry areas only — elbows, knees, ankles, hands. Look for "oil-free" on the label. Do not apply the morning of your tan.
Apply a thin layer to eyebrows, hairline, palms, and between fingers before your session to act as a barrier in those areas.
Not a product, but essential! Bring or wear loose, dark-colored clothing and flip flops to your appointment. Tight clothing causes streaking.
Your most important aftercare product. Look for something gentle and hydrating — free of AHAs, BHAs, and retinol. Apply daily, ideally twice a day. Unscented Lubriderm, Cetaphil, or Aveeno are great options.
Harsh soaps and sulfates strip your tan fast. Switch to a gentle, creamy body wash during the life of your tan. Look for "sulfate-free" or "gentle" on the label.
When you're ready to prep for your NEXT tan, a body oil or coconut oil helps break down and even out fading. Use it right before you exfoliate.
A light hydrating mist throughout the day helps keep skin supple between lotion applications, especially in dry climates.
Protect your glow! UV exposure breaks down your tan faster. Apply SPF daily if you're spending time outdoors. Look for a lightweight, non-greasy formula.
During your development window, sleep on dark sheets or throw a dark towel over your pillow. Some bronzer transfer is normal — don't ruin your good linens!