Bristol Makeup & Beauty Blog

Your Ultimate Spray Tan Guide: Prep, Aftercare & Long-Lasting Results

Jax • 17 February 2022

I use rapid Tans so you are in control- Shower in 1 Hour for a natural tan or leave on for longer for deeper, darker results.


  • Rinse with lukewarm water only for 45 seconds.
  • Do not use soap or scrubs. Following your first shower, your tan will continue to deepen in colour over the next 24 hours.
  • Regular showering may be taken 8-16 hours after application. Results should last 5-10 days without patchiness if well maintained.

Before your spray tan:

  • Do not shave 24 hours before your treatment, or 48 hours if waxing. This time allows pores to close properly and prevents tell-tale dotting that can appear after your tan's application.
  • Exfoliate regularly on the run-up to your tan, including the day before, paying particular attention to elbows, knees, ankles and any stubborn, dry areas.
  • Apply moisturiser the night before to keep your skin super smooth and replace any moisture lost from hair removal or exfoliation.
  • Rinse off all products, oils, moisturisers, including makeup and deodorant or perfume.
  • If eyelash/brow tinting, this must be done 48 hours before or after as the tan can react with the peroxide.

Immediately after your spray tan
(for the duration of development time, which will be confirmed depending on how dark you would like your tan)


  • Do not wear tight clothing, opting for dark, loose clothing instead (a onesie is perfect!)
  • Do not get your skin wet, including washing your hands, babies dribbling on you, going out in the rain or spilling tea/ wine on yourself!
  • Do not sweat, exercise or swim.
  • Do not shave for at least 12 hours
  • Avoid applying any products such as makeup, moisturiser or deodorant, as they will dilute the tan while it's soaking into your skin.
  • When you're ready for your first shower, Rinse with lukewarm water only for 45 seconds, it is quite normal to see some colour come off at first. Following your first shower, your tan will continue to deepen in colour over the next 24 hours. Regular showering may be taken 8-16 hours after application
  • A rapid tan development time is up to 4 hours depending on the colour you would like to go (1 hour Natural to 4 hours for a deep dark tan) but please allow 24 hours for the tan to fully develop as it carries on developing after your shower.

Maintaining Your Tan:

  • Pat skin dry instead of rubbing after washing.
  • Apply oil-free moisturiser morning and evening (the thicker the better!)
  • Avoid sweating excessively as this may cause your tan to fade unevenly.
  • Avoid long, hot showers/baths as this can speed up exfoliation.
  • Avoid swimming pools and saunas.
  • Avoid waxing, preferably until the tan has disappeared.
  • Shaving exfoliates the skin, so fades your tan. A dull razor scrapes off more skin, so use a sharp clean razor, with a lubricating product. An electric razor or epilator will fade tan less.
  • Always use oil-free suntan lotion.
  • If you would like to fade your tan, gently exfoliate after 3-5 days to help the tan fade evenly.

Ready to glow?

Book your spray tan today and step into that bronzed confidence

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