Spray Tan Prep Guide
For a natural-looking glow that actually looks like you
If you’ve never had a spray tan before, or you’ve had a bad one in the past, you’re in the right place.
At Botanical Glow by Virginia, I specialize in natural-looking, custom spray tans in Riverside, Jacksonville. Your tan is not one-size-fits-all. It is chosen based on your skin tone, undertone, comfort level, schedule, and the look you actually want.
The goal is not orange.
The goal is not “as dark as possible.”
The goal is for your skin to look warmer, smoother, more even, and believable on you.
Nervous about looking orange?
You are not the only one.
A lot of first-time clients worry they’ll look orange, too dark, fake, streaky, or completely unlike themselves. Most of that fear comes from old-school spray tans, bad self-tanner experiences, or scary before-and-after photos online.
A good spray tan should not look like a spray tan sitting on top of your skin.
Orange or unnatural-looking tans usually happen when:
- The color is too dark for someone’s natural skin tone
- The tan is left on too long
- Skin tends to be more on the dry side and just needs additional hydration before the spray tan
That is why your consultation matters.
Before I spray you, we’ll talk through your skin tone, desired result, rinse time, comfort level, and any concerns you have. If you’re nervous, we can start soft and natural.
You can always go darker next time.
First-time client? Start soft.
The goal is for people to think:
“You look really good.”
Not:
“Did you get a spray tan?”
You do not need to know what shade to choose
You do not need to walk in knowing your perfect color, formula, or rinse time. That is part of the appointment.
Before your spray tan, we’ll talk about:
- Your natural skin tone
- How your skin usually tans in the sun
- Whether you want subtle or noticeable color
- Whether your tan is for everyday confidence, photos, vacation, or an event
- What you absolutely do not want
- Your schedule for the rest of the day
- Whether you have had a bad spray tan or self-tanner experience before
Then I’ll help choose the option that makes the most sense for your skin and comfort level.
How to prep for your spray tan
24 hours before your appointment
Shave or wax ahead of time
Shave at least 24 hours before your appointment if possible.
Waxing should be done 24 to 48 hours before your tan so your skin has time to calm down.
Try not to shave right before your appointment. Freshly shaved skin can be more sensitive, and open pores may cause the tan to settle unevenly.
Moisturize dry areas the night before
If your skin is dry, moisturize the night before your appointment.
Do not apply lotion the day of your appointment unless I specifically tell you to.
Exfoliate well
Exfoliate your skin 24 hours before your appointment.
Use a physical exfoliant and exfoliating mitt. The goal is to remove old dead skin and leftover product so the spray tan can apply evenly.
Avoid using an oily scrub right before your appointment because oil can leave a barrier on the skin.
Day-of appointment prep
Come with clean, product-free skin
For best results, arrive with skin that is clean and free of:
- Lotion
- Body oil
- Deodorant
- Makeup
- Perfume
- Sunscreen
- Sweat
- Heavy skincare products
These products can create a barrier and may affect how your tan develops.
Skip deodorant if you can
Deodorant can sometimes react with spray tan solution and cause discoloration under the arms.
If you need to wear it earlier in the day, gently remove it before your appointment.
Wear dark, loose clothing
After your appointment, wear dark, loose, long-sleeved clothing to avoid rubbing or transfer. Unlike at the hair salon, I send you home to rinse so you're "active" until you rinse and what it touches, it tans.
Best options:
- Oversized long-sleeved t-shirt or sweatshirt
- Loose sweatpants
- Dark pajamas
- Slides or loose sandals
Avoid tight leggings, jeans, sports bras, tight waistbands, and socks immediately after your tan if possible.
Plan around sweating, water, and rain
After your tan, avoid:
- Sweating
- Showering before your rinse time
- Getting caught in rain
- Washing dishes
- Working out
- Swimming
- Applying lotion or products
- Tight clothing
Your rinse time will be customized at your appointment.
After your spray tan
Follow your custom rinse time
Your rinse time will be based on your solution, skin tone, desired result, and schedule.
When it is time to rinse:
- Use lukewarm water
- Do not use soap during the first rinse unless instructed
- Rinse until the water runs mostly clear
- Pat dry with a towel
- Do not scrub
Your bronzer may rinse off, but your actual tan will continue to settle.
Moisturize daily
Moisturized skin helps your tan last longer and fade more evenly.
Use a spray-tan-safe moisturizer daily after your first rinse.
Avoid products with heavy exfoliating acids, retinol, acne body washes, harsh scrubs, and oils that may break down your tan faster.
Avoid exfoliating until you are ready to remove it
To extend your tan, avoid:
- Scrubbing
- Long hot baths
- Heavy sweating
- Chlorine
- Shaving aggressively
- Strong exfoliating skincare
- Tight clothing that rubs repeatedly
When you are ready to remove your tan, then exfoliation is helpful.
Quick prep checklist
24 hours before
To extend your tan, avoid:
- Scrubbing
- Long hot baths
- Heavy sweating
- Chlorine
- Shaving aggressively
- Strong exfoliating skincare
- Tight clothing that rubs repeatedly
When you are ready to remove your tan, then exfoliation is helpful.
Day of appointment
- Come with clean skin
- Skip lotion, deodorant, makeup, perfume, and oils
- Wear dark, loose clothing
- Bring loose shoes or slides
- Avoid sweating before and after your appointment
After your appointment
- Stay dry until your rinse time
- Avoid tight clothing
- Rinse at your custom time
- Pat dry
- Moisturize daily
- Follow aftercare for the best fade
Still nervous?
That is completely normal.
You do not have to pretend you are confident if you are not. Just tell me what you’re worried about before your appointment.
You can say:
“I want to look natural, not super dark.”
Or:
“I had a bad spray tan before and I’m nervous.”
That is helpful information, not a problem.
Ready for a natural-looking glow?
If you are new to spray tanning or nervous about your color, book The Signature Glow and let me know you want a soft, natural result.
Have a question before booking?
Most prep, color, rinse, and aftercare questions are answered on this page and in the FAQ.
Still unsure? Send me a DM on Instagram at @botanicalglowbyvirginia and I’ll point you in the right direction.