The glow journal

Introduction

There’s just something about a fresh spray tan. You walk a little taller. Clothes fit better. You catch yourself in the mirror and go, “Okay wow.” It’s an instant boost — easy, seamless, and kind of addictive in the best way.

But here’s the thing most people don’t realize: the booth might do the spraying, but you control the outcome. I’ve seen hundreds of tans, answered every “is this normal?!” post-tan email, and made all the mistakes myself. And I can tell you with confidence — the difference between a flawless glow and a patchy mess almost always comes down to prep and aftercare.

The good news? Every tip you need is right here. No fluff. No fake hacks. Just honest, tried-and-true advice from someone who’s seen (and lived) it all. Whether it’s your first spray tan or you just want better results, this is your complete guide to getting the most out of it.

Let’s glow.

Before your appointment: prep like a pro

Everything you do before your spray tan matters — probably more than you think. The products you use (or don’t use), what you wear, and even when you shave can totally change how your tan develops and fades. Here’s how to set yourself up for that flawless, even glow — no streaks, no surprises.

Exfoliate — but only with the right stuff

If you’ve ever had a patchy tan, this might’ve been the reason. Exfoliating is essential — but using the wrong scrub or shower product can mess with your results more than you think.

A lot of scrubs, body washes, and “pre-tan prep” products leave behind moisturizing ingredients like oils, silicones, or waxes. These leave a coating on your skin that feels nice... but acts like a shield. The tanning solution can’t absorb properly, and you’re left with streaks, uneven spots, or a tan that doesn’t show up at all.

Think of it like this: Have you ever washed a water bottle with dish soap, thought you rinsed it really well, and then took a sip of water that still tasted... soapy? That’s what’s happening with a lot of shower products — residue can linger on your skin, even if it’s not super obvious. And your spray tan will pick up on it.

That’s why my go-to method — and what I always recommend — is a dry or damp exfoliating mitt with no product at all. I personally use the Dermasuri Deep Exfoliating Mitt (we carry it at the salon!) and it works like a dream. You can literally see the dead skin coming off — no scrubs, no oils, no surprises.

Use it the day before your tan (not the day of), and skip the lotion afterward. You want your skin clean, clear, and prepped — like a blank canvas.

Shave or wax at least 24 hours ahead

Let’s talk about those little dark dots on freshly shaved legs. You know the ones. They happen when the spray settles into open pores — and they’re so easy to avoid. All you have to do is shave or wax a full 24 hours before your tan. Simple, right?

Okay, I’ve been there. I know what you’re thinking: “There’s no way my pores will still be open after a few hours.”

‍YES. THEY. WILL. Trust me, from personal experience: it’s not worth it. Your tan will sit weirdly, and your legs won’t look smooth — they’ll look speckled.

Give your skin time. Shave or wax the day before, and you’ll avoid that whole situation entirely.

Skip the lotions, perfumes, deodorant, and makeup

This one’s non-negotiable. Any product sitting on your skin can block the spray and prevent it from developing properly. Even things you can’t really feel — like deodorant, SPF, or a “light” moisturizer — can cause patchiness or discolouration.

Before your appointment, make sure your skin is totally clean and dry. No lotions, no makeup, no perfume, no oils, no deodorant. If you forget, don’t panic — just let us know when you arrive and we’ll help you fix it before your tan.

Dress like you’re staying in for the night

The best spray tan outfit? Loose, dark, comfy, and not remotely cute. Tight clothes can rub against your developing tan and leave behind streaks or pressure marks — even if you don’t feel it happening. You’ll want to avoid bras, tight sleeves, waistbands, leggings, socks, and anything that clings.

My go-to? Big t-shirt, sweat pants or loose shorts, and slip-on sandals. It’s giving comfort over everything — because that’s how you protect the glow.

Right after your tan: hands off, babe

Your tan is on — now’s the time to leave it alone. This is when the solution is doing its thing, and even small slip-ups (like crossing your legs or getting caught in the rain) can mess with the final result. Think of this phase as the glow incubation period. Here's how to protect it until it’s fully developed.

Wait before showering — and keep that first rinse gentle

Your tan doesn’t stop developing when you leave the salon. It continues to deepen for hours afterward, so don’t shower too soon or you’ll cut the development short. We’ll always give you the recommended wait time (usually 6–8 hours, or less for rapid tans), and sticking to it makes a huge difference.

That first rinse? Keep it simple. Just lukewarm water — no soap, no scrubbing, no shampoo. It should be a quick, gentle rinse to remove the bronzer layer on your skin.

Don’t freak out when you see colour going down the drain — it’s just the cosmetic bronzer, not your actual tan. What’s underneath is the real deal, and it’s still developing.

Avoid sweating, swimming, or water contact

Until you’ve done that first rinse, water is the enemy. That means: no workouts, no sweating, no rain, no accidental sink splashes that trail down your arm. Seriously — even a drop of water on your arm can leave a little pale dot.

This is your excuse to cancel plans and lay low — take it.

If you’re sleeping in it, protect the tan

Wearing your spray tan overnight? Totally fine — just protect your skin (and your bedding). Wear long sleeves and pants to minimize skin-to-skin contact and prevent any bronzer from transferring. Bonus points if your sheets are dark.

Don’t stress about bronzer rub-off — it usually washes out. But those handprints from touching your leg in your sleep? Yeah, we’d rather avoid those.

Keep the glow going: your post-tan game plan

Your tan is developed — now your job is to keep it looking fresh, smooth, and glowy for as long as possible. Here’s what to do (and avoid) in the days after your spray:

Shower gently

Once your tan has developed and you’re into regular shower territory, just be mindful of how you treat your skin. The goal is to keep your glow intact, not scrub it off.

Keep your showers quick and lukewarm — long, hot ones will dry out your skin and make your tan fade faster. Use a mild body wash (nothing gritty or heavily fragranced), and skip anything that exfoliates. No loofahs, scrubbing mitts, or harsh soaps.

After you rinse, pat your skin dry with a towel. Rubbing can lift the colour — and you worked too hard for that glow to go down the drain.

Moisturize like it’s your full-time job

Dry skin = faster fading and uneven wear. Moisturized skin = smooth, glowing, and long-lasting. Apply a basic, fragrance-free lotion every day (ideally right after you shower). You want something nourishing but not too heavy or oily — we can recommend our faves.

Pro Tip: Around day 3 or 4, you can introduce a gradual tanning lotion to help extend your glow and smooth out fading. We can recommend one that plays well with your spray.

Hold off on shaving and exfoliating (for now)

Avoid shaving or using exfoliants until you’re nearing the end of your tan’s life cycle. If you do need to shave, use a fresh razor and light pressure. No shaving creams with alcohols or oils — they break down the colour.

Once your tan starts to fade (usually after 5–7 days), that’s your cue to exfoliate gently and evenly to prep for your next session. Make sure your old tan is fully removed before coming in for another — layering leftover colour with fresh solution is what causes that dry, scaly look and patchy spots.

And yes — that’s when you can bring the Dermasuri mitt back into action. It’s a game-changer for clearing off every last bit.

You’re all set

That’s it — the full lowdown on getting the most out of your spray tan. With the right prep and a little post-glow care, you’ll be looking bronzed, even, and feeling so good.

If you ever have questions (or need a quick pep talk before your first appointment), we’re always happy to help. You’ve got this — and we’ve got you.