Frequently Asked Questions
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A spray tan typically lasts 7–10 days, and with great aftercare, some clients may enjoy color for up to 10–14 days. How long it lasts depends on your skin, activity level, showering, swimming, and how consistently you moisturize. To extend your glow, moisturize daily, avoid exfoliating, and limit prolonged exposure to hot water, chlorine, salt water, and hot tubs.
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For best results, shower, shave, and exfoliate thoroughly 12–24 hours before your appointment. Use an exfoliating mitt/glove or a non-oil-based scrub, and pay extra attention to dry areas like elbows, knees, ankles, hands, feet, and chest.
Wash and condition your hair first, then wash your body last with a gentle, residue-free body wash. On the day of your tan, arrive with clean, dry, product-free skin — no lotion, body oil, deodorant, makeup, perfume, or body spray.
If you use retinol, exfoliating acids, acne treatments, or other facial exfoliants, pause non-prescription products 48–72 hours before your appointment.
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During your spray tan, women may wear whatever level of coverage they’re comfortable with, including a bikini, underwear, disposable undergarments, or no clothing. I keep disposable pasties, foam nose plugs, Wink-Ease eye protection, and hair ties on hand — just ask if you’d like any of them. Male clients are required to wear bottoms such as briefs, boxers, a swimsuit, or a men’s thong/G-string. Clients under 18 must remain appropriately covered; nudity is not permitted.
After your tan, wear loose, dark clothing to help prevent rubbing or transfer while your color develops. Lightweight, full-coverage pieces are best, along with loose sandals or slides. Avoid tight leggings, bras, waistbands, socks, and tight shoes until after your first rinse. Plan to head home in loose, dark long pants and slides or flip-flops — and sleep in satin or silky pajamas to protect your glow overnight.
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Your rinse time depends on the solution used and the depth of color you want.
Rapid tans rinse in 2–4 hours for a light, natural glow, 4–6 hours for a medium-dark glow, or 6–8 hours for the deepest color. Follow the specific rinse time given at your appointment for your skin tone and chosen solution.
During your first rinse, use lukewarm water only — no soap, body wash, shaving, or scrubbing.
For a traditional Classic Glow, wait at least 8 hours before showering.
After your first rinse, your color will continue developing, so don't worry if it looks lighter at first.
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Yes. Your tan will continue developing for up to 24 hours after your first rinse. It’s completely normal for the color to look lighter immediately after rinsing and then deepen gradually over the next several hours.
For the best result, avoid exfoliating, shaving, or using harsh products while your color is still developing, and begin moisturizing once your tan has fully developed.
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You can, but chlorine, salt water, and prolonged soaking can cause your tan to fade faster. For the best longevity, wait until your tan is fully developed before swimming or using a hot tub.
If you do swim, rinse your skin with fresh water as soon as possible afterward, gently pat dry, and moisturize right away. Hot tubs are especially drying and can fade a spray tan quickly, so limiting time in them will help your color last longer.
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Yes — that's exactly what the Student Glow (ages 12–17) is for. Parent or legal guardian consent is required, and clients under 18 stay appropriately covered, always.
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For most events, schedule your spray tan 1–2 days before so the color has time to fully develop and settle.
For a wedding or other major event, I’d recommend a trial tan 2–4 weeks beforehand if you’re new to spray tanning or trying a new shade. Then book your final tan 1–2 days before the event.
For a vacation, aim for 1–2 days before you leave, especially if you’ll be swimming. Just remember that chlorine, salt water, and hot tubs can make the tan fade faster.
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Usually, yes — but results can vary depending on your skin. Dry areas may absorb more solution and develop darker, so good exfoliation and hydration before your appointment are especially important.
With melasma, spray tan can sometimes make areas of pigmentation appear more noticeable because DHA may develop differently over darker patches. I can adjust application and blending to help create a more even look, but perfect coverage can’t be guaranteed.
If you have sensitive skin, allergies, eczema, or a history of reacting to skincare products, please let me know before your appointment. A patch test may be recommended if you’re concerned about sensitivity.
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Will body hair affect my spray tan?
Usually not. Spray tan solution is designed to develop on the skin, so body hair typically doesn’t prevent an even tan. I’ll adjust the application as needed around areas with more hair to help the solution reach the skin evenly.
If you plan to shave, it’s best to do so 12–24 hours before your appointment rather than right before your tan, since freshly shaved skin can be more sensitive and may affect how the solution develops.
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Classic Glow is the tried-and-true — a rich, natural-looking tan that develops into your perfect shade. Sleep in it, wake up glowing. Rapid Glow is for the woman on a schedule: same flawless custom color, developed fast — you rinse according to your recommended development time for your desired depth. Clear Glow is all the glow with none of the bronzer transfer — a clear solution, ideal if you hate the 'tinted' feeling or you're wearing white. Your final shade is always customized to your skin tone, undertone, and desired result.
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Please wait to spray tan until the skin is fully healed. Spray tan solution should not be applied over sunburned, peeling, broken, irritated, or freshly injured skin, including open cuts or wounds. Tanning over compromised skin can lead to uneven color and may cause additional irritation.
If you have a healing area, rash, or skin condition you’re unsure about, please reach out before your appointment so we can decide whether it’s best to proceed or reschedule.
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I'm a certified XTAN Sunless spray tan artist. The solutions I use are chosen for rich, natural color that fades evenly.
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Yes, spray tanning is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. The Breastfeeding Network specifically lists spray tanning as an activity that can be done while breastfeeding. Breastfeeding Network
For extra precaution, I’d keep the nipple and areola covered during the service so tanning solution isn’t applied directly where a baby may latch. You can use pasties, a bandeau, or another comfortable covering. If any product does get on the nipple/areola, wash it off thoroughly before nursing or pumping.
If you have particularly sensitive skin, a history of reactions, or any concerns specific to you or your baby, it’s reasonable to check with your healthcare provider first.
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Many people choose to spray tan during pregnancy, but I recommend checking with your healthcare provider first, especially during the first trimester or if you have any pregnancy-related concerns. If you’re approved to tan, let me know you’re pregnant so we can keep the appointment as comfortable as possible and avoid unnecessary inhalation or overspray.
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Please let me know before your appointment if you have sensitive skin, known allergies, eczema, or a history of reacting to skincare products. Different tanning solutions contain different ingredients, so I can review the specific solution with you. If you’re especially concerned, a patch test may be recommended before a full-body spray tan.
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No. A spray tan gives cosmetic color only and does not provide SPF or sun protection. You should still use broad-spectrum sunscreen and follow normal sun-safety practices when outdoors.
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Yes, but shaving exfoliates the skin and can make your tan fade faster. For the longest-lasting color, avoid shaving until after your tan has fully developed, then shave gently with a fresh razor and a moisturizing shave product. Avoid aggressive scrubbing or repeated passes over the same area.
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Don’t worry. It’s normal for the color to look lighter immediately after your first rinse, especially with a rapid or clear solution. Your tan will continue developing for up to 24 hours after your rinse, so give the color time to fully develop before deciding whether it’s too light.
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Avoid exercise, heavy sweating, tight workout clothing, and anything that creates moisture or friction until after your first rinse and development period. Sweat can cause streaking or uneven development. Once your tan has fully developed, you can return to your normal workouts.
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No. Orange happens with one-shade-fits-all solutions. Yours is mixed for your undertone.
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My private studio is in Orem, Utah. I serve Utah County, and Salt Lake County by request.
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Exfoliate your entire body 24 hours before your appointment — focus on elbows, knees, ankles, and anywhere skin is rough. Shave the night before or morning of. The day of your tan: shower, but skip lotion, deodorant, perfume, and makeup. Wear loose dark clothing and flip-flops to your appointment. Your skin should be clean, dry, and product-free when you arrive.
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For Rapid Glow: rinse in 2–4 hours for a natural glow, 4–6 hours for medium-dark, 6–8 hours for deepest. For Classic Glow: wait 8+ hours before rinsing. Your first rinse is water only — no soap. After that: moisturize daily, avoid long hot baths and exfoliating scrubs, and pat dry instead of rubbing. Your tan will fade evenly over 7–10 days.
Prep & Aftercare Guides
Everything you need for a flawless, long-lasting tan — grab the guides below.