How to Prep for a Spray Tan

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I have mentioned on more than one occasion that I am super pale. Like walk outside and burst into flames pale. Summer time for me means spray tans and self-tanners because I am physically incapable of getting any sun.


Unfortunately, this also means lots of prep work. It’s no easy feat getting ready for a spray tan, but at this point in my life, I consider myself an expert. Here is how I prep for a spray tan:


Step 1: Wax any unwanted hair. 

I use Sally Hansen. I particularly like the Sally Hansen Wax Strip Kit for face to remove any blonde hairs that  might change color in the spray tan booth. It removes unwanted hair for up to 8 weeks. This product is awesome because it removes short and fine hair which is really hard to do. 


I also really like the Ouch-Relief Stripless Hard Wax Kit for unwanted hair in my bikini or underarm area. This kit is great because it comes with the Ouch-Relief Numbing Wipes which are really helpful, especially in that bikini area.

You can find Sally Hansen at most retailers. I (obviously) love Target, so I purchase my products there. They can be found in the women’s shaving aisle. You can also check out all of the Sally Hansen waxing products here. And if you’re new to home waxing here are some awesome videos and information.

Step 2: Exfoliate.

Exfoliating is so important in spray tanning. You have to remove any dead skin so that you have a smooth surface for the solution to stick.  I use a exfoliating scrub and a loofa or a nylon wash cloth all over my body, particularly around my ankles, knees, cleavage area and elbows.

Step 3: Avoid creams, lotions, deodorant.
On the day of your spray tan, avoid all lotion, deodorant, and cream based products. Make sure to use a non-oil soap if you shower before you go. Remove all make-up before you get in the booth. Basically you need to be completely product-free. You want the solution to stick to your skin, not your product.

Step 4: Paint a clear coat on your nails.
The salon will provide a lotion to coat your nails so they don’t stain, but I like to take it one step further and paint a clear coat on my finger and toe nails. Funny story: I once was getting a pedicure and the women at the nail salon were talking very quickly back and forth to each other about my feet. Finally they asked if I had a fungus, and I had to explain my toe nails were yellow because of the spray tan. Needless to say, after that I don’t like to risk and staining on my fingers and toes.

Step 5: Tie up your hair and use a hair net.
I have never gotten spray tan in my hair. I don’t really want to find out what happens if you tan your hair. I’m assuming it washes right out, but since you can’t shower for at least 8 hours, I don’t want to risk it. Tie your hair up.

Step 6: Bring baggy dark clothes.
Stephen calls my post-tanning outfit my “hospital gown,” but that’s really what it looks like. A dark hospital gown. You need really dark, baggy clothes to wear home and lounge around in for the day while you wait for your tan to set. If you are getting your spray tan at night, it’s ideal to wear whatever clothes you are going to sleep in home. I would also recommend buying a set of sheets for post-tanning nights because I have totally ruined a set before.


Do you have any spray tan or self-tanner horror stories?