Step One:

  No shaving immediately before: Shave the night before a morning session or the morning of a night session.
  No deodorants or fragrances/perfumes: These create a barrier that can interfere with the tan and may cause the bronzers to turn green.
*   No Prep Sprays or PH Balancers: They haven't been proven to help and may even hurt your tan!
*   No makeup: Makeup creates a barrier between your skin and the tan.

Step Two: How to Properly Exfoliate

*   Use an oil-free exfoliant: Exfoliants with oil or aloe can leave a residue that interferes with your spray tan.
*   Start from the top and work your way down: This prevents exfoliated particles from landing on areas you've already cleaned.
*   Do not apply anything to your skin after exfoliating: Applying products creates a barrier between your skin and the spray tan solution.

Step Three: How to Dress

*   Do NOT wear tight clothing: This includes tight socks, boots, belts, gloves, stockings, leggings, and skinny jeans.
*   Do NOT wear light-colored clothing: Bronzer can rub off on your clothes, even with water-based solutions.
*   Do NOT wear anything with a drawstring: Drawstrings can cause indentations in your skin, leading to marks in your tan.
*   Do NOT wear a hat: Tight hats can cause marks and sweating, leading to a lighter or streaky tan.
*   Do NOT wear clothing that will rub when you move: Friction can cause the spray tan solution to rub off, resulting in light spots.
*   Do NOT wear tight necklaces, bracelets, or accessories that rub: Remove accessories to prevent them from affecting your tan.
*   DO wear loose clothing: Consider sundresses, skirts, loose-fitting pants, looser shirts, and shorts.
*   DO wear clothing that won’t make you sweat: Sweating can lighten a tan or cause streaks.
*   DO wear clothing that covers your tan if it’s raining: Rain can wreak havoc on a tan, so protect yourself from the elements.
*   DO wear shoes instead of sandals: Shoes reduce the likelihood of rubbing and splashing.

Step 1: The Waiting Game (Rinse Timing)

*   Traditional Tans: Patience is key! Wait 8-12 hours for the tan to fully develop. Aim for at least 10 hours for the richest color.
*   Rapid Tans: Rinse time depends on your desired darkness and skin type. The longer you wait, the deeper the tan. Important: Always follow your spray tan artist's specific recommendations.

Step 2: The Initial Rinse

*   Absolutely NO: Soaps, shampoos, or any body products during this first rinse!
*   Just Water: Keep it simple.

Step 3: Life After the First Rinse

*   Pat, Don't Rub: Gently pat your skin dry with a towel.
*   Yes to: Deodorant and fragrance!
*   Back to Normal: Workouts, rain, life – you're good to go!
*   Hydration is Key: Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! This will extend the life of your tan.