We can all agree that looking good has its perks. A spray tan is an excellent alternative for those who want to achieve bronzed skin without the need to stay in the sun or a tanning bed for long, so you can check ‘Get a tan’ off your wish list.

However, to perfectly achieve this tan, what should you wear to a spray tan? To begin with, avoid all tight-fitting clothes, as they will cause tan lines due to friction. Furthermore, you should never wear light-coloured clothing since it will become stained, and wearing padded undergarments increases the likelihood of getting minor rashes on your skin.

But that’s not all. For a perfect tanning session, you need some spray tan tips for beginners. So, let’s get right into it!

What Is A Spray Tan For Beginners?

A spray tan gives you a tanned golden appearance without having to spend hours under the sun. You get this look when a fine mist carrying a tan formula gets sprayed onto your body, either by a person trained in the art of tanning or a machine made for it.

They apply the mixture to your body for a natural tan with no streaks. A spray tan is a neat and reliable way to look like you’ve been sunbathing without the risks. It’s perfect for maintaining that sunny vibe even when it’s cold and grey out there.

The main component in many spray tans is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which comes from sugar. It works with amino acids on your skin’s top layer, making it look darker, like a natural tan.

Since it goes after the dead skin cells on the surface, your spray tan will disappear as your skin does its usual refresh cycle.

What Is A Half Spray Tan?

A half-spray tan involves applying tan to either your top or bottom half. It’s a sweet choice if you’re not into the whole body tan thing or just want to refresh certain spots.

For instance, if your dress comes up high around your neck, you might have to get your legs and bottom half tanned and vice versa.

Getting a half-tan done by professionals doesn’t only save you money but it’s also a real time saver. They’re perfect for when you need a quick fix or have a fancy event to attend.

This is a hit among folks who want to keep looking sun-kissed between their regular all-over tans or those dipping their toes into tanning for the first time.

A half spray tan can be just as spot-on and caring as the full-body deal. They’re about giving you options but still making sure you end up with a smooth and natural tan look.

What To Wear To A Spray Tan: Tips For The Perfect Glow

Considering how you dress when heading for a spray tan is quite significant. While some individuals choose to arrive nude, others may wear little clothing such as a thong or a g-string, one thing they ensure is that the tanning process or the spraying does not get stained by their clothes.

Wearing light and loose is always encouraged or recommended for others aiming at modesty. Wearing too much tightly fitted clothing or too many clothes during the session is not wise as it can lead to rubbing your skin against clothing which will leave streaks or blotches on your body.

Afterward, for the blend of fabrics against the skin that the spray tan becomes, the use of tight clothing should be avoided as it can mess the tan up completely.

Offtoppers such as bras, leggings, and/or shoes can mess up the tan rather easily as the friction can lead to patches or blotches on the skin and we don’t want to go too far off from the goal of an even darker tan.

Furthermore, try to wear loose or dark clothes over anything light after the tan to ensure even better results and avoid any items that are prone to leave marks.

Some Tips To Follow Before Your Appointment: 

• Prior to your appointment make sure the necessary preparation has been done like exfoliation.
• Avoid lotion application or the use of makeup.
• Please skip moisturizer, makeup, and deodorant on the day you come for your scheduled appointment.
• To prevent tan lines, dress minimally for the appointment.
• After your spray tan, wear baggy dark clothes.
• Refrain from wearing tight bras, leggings, and shoes that may cause friction to your skin.
• Know about what is the best spray tan solution from professionals and use that according to your skin type.

 

Getting A Spray Tan For The First Time: Attire Essentials 

The way you prepare to cover yourself up before the tanning session is what always causes a clean finish. Here are some other tips that you should remember:

Find the Best Footwear  

During your visit to the spray tan salon, it’s best to wear loose sandals such as a bathing suit slipper, or flip-flop. Shoes that are tight and fully enclosed should be avoided because the tanning solution may rub off entirely from the surface or streak because the shoes are tight.

Socks or tights, for instance, would hinder the complete maturing of the tan on the feet. Air contact to the feet is also essential. The reason for this is that since the feet are high chances of rubbing areas, they’re most prone to uneven tanning; pressure and more chances of rubbing can smear the tan.

Applying simple shoes will be most effective to ensure you end up with a glamorous finish.

Stay Away From Tight Waistbands

Elastic bands on your bottoms can press into your flesh, marking up your skin and messing with your tan’s even look.

To keep your tan looking neat, go for bottoms with drawstrings or stuff that fits a bit loose.

Bring Different Clothes

Remember to take a different outfit when going straight to get your spray tan from your job or some event. This is an optional step which you can do if you’re traveling to the appointment from an event.

Putting on something baggy and dark helps your tan stick right without getting messed up by clothes that don’t work with tans.

Avoid Wearing Jewelry   

For a spray tan coverage to remain effective and long-lasting, it requires you to look forward less and to avoid wearing any jewelry. Jewelry includes rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings and these items can leave tan lines or cause the tan to rub off where the jewelry was worn.

Jewelry, in any format, can disturb the uniform look of your tan. the best bet would be to arrive without make-up or accessories on your skin, that way you will get the best results as all the imperfections will be removed which would allow even the skin to tan naturally all over, and no streaks will be formed.

Wearing no, to minimal jewelry is suggested as it makes the tan look smooth because there are no unwanted lines.

Avoid Wearing Tight Clothing  

The main idea when you are getting dressed for the appointment is the term “room for breathing” together with ease.

Wearing tight clothing like leggings and skinny jeans can cause streaking or rubbing against the fresh tan and therefore should be avoided. Instead, wear flowy dresses, skirts, or loose-fitted jumpsuits allowing your skin some room.

Loose clothing also provides another good benefit ensuring that during the tan process, it does not get rubbed off by clothing. If you feel comfortable enough, try not to wear a bra or underwear so that there are no marks or indentations on your skin (you are better off without them!). The more loose-fitting clothing, the better!

Don’t Forget Your Dark Clothes  

A universal rule when going to a spray tan session is to always wear dark clothes. This is important because during the session tan solution may transfer onto your clothes which will result in light fabrics getting stained.

Wearing dark hues, such as black, as the upper riot helps to avoid the transfer of noticeable streaks on your clothes. For those wearing underwear, you can choose dark ones or wear a thong that you are okay with throwing away if it gets dirty.

For practicality purposes, some salons even offer disposable underwear. This quick and easy precaution allows you to focus on nothing but the tanning during the procedure, as you do not have to worry about staining your clothes.

Try Not Wearing Any Underwear  

If you are comfortable with it, then perhaps consider going underwear-free while getting your spray tan. Wearing an underwear can make some parts more tanned than others due to lack of coverage.

Many people prefer using disposable ones that the salon has to offer or simply go without so that there is an even tan. Additionally, it also minimizes the potential of your attire getting tanned.

This method may be quite ‘normal’ especially when you are experiencing a full body tan, plus it avoids having unwanted tan lines or spots.

What Should I Put On After Getting My Spray Tan?

Wearing the correct clothing after a spray tan is vital if you want your spray tan to set properly without any disturbance. Your technician would also advise you against certain routines; be persistent about asking them. But here are some common grounds to remember:

Skip Tight Clothes and Underpants  

Women has to consider tough problems such as wearing undergarments when thinking about a rapid tan. An example would be tight jeans, bras, or leggings, which can create pressure on sensitive areas and thus lead to the spotting of streaks or lines on the skin.

An improper selection of clothes can also be quite problematic since wearing snug too much will also lead to uneven skin tan. Instead, opt for loose, flowy clothing that won’t stick to your body.

For the same reason, not wearing underwear is a good option too. The aim is to have bare skin and enough space to breathe along with settling of the tan.

No Jewelry After Your Tan  

While jewelry might be a nice accessory to wear, it is not ideal immediately after a spray tan. Jewelry such as rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings can leave impressions or even scarring on the skin especially in the wrist and neck region where most of the pieces fit.

These impressions can mar the uniformity of a spray tan and leave dark patches. Remove your jewelry before coming to the appointment and do not put them on until the tan settles. This does allow your tan to set without obstructions or blemishes.

Flip-Flops For Your Feet  

Post a spray tan, shoes and socks are a no go. They are capable of fitting tightly onto the foot and causing even some portions of the tan to be scrapped. For these situations, wearing open shoes or flip-flops is highly recommendable.

Wearing flip-flops situates the feet in an ambience where they are dry and shielded from perspiration and snugly fitting footwear which may ruin the tan.

If a cold splendor forces the decision to skip flip-flops, pick footwear that is sufficiently lose as to not restrain toe movement. Steer clear of thick plain or patterned socks as they cause excess sweating in the feet which creates blotches.

Dress For The Weather  

Wearing clothes that are suitable for the weather outside factors a lot in deciding what to wear after getting a Spray Tan. For instance, this means that if the weather is hot or humid you may want to avoid wearing clothes that are heavy and hot.

This is due to the fact that always wearing substantial attire can cause excessive sweating which could then interact with a tanning solution and cause interference which leads to streaking or probably worse uneven patches.

In this case consider wearing loose fabrics that will help your skin ventilate and remain cool in those hot temperatures. Be aware of your surroundings to allow your tan to expand naturally without disturbance.

How Long Does a Spray Tan Last?

A typical spray tan lasts 5 to 10 days. It varies depending on your skin type and care to maintain your tan.

Tanning solutions with darker or more DHA tend to last longer than their lighter counterparts. However, since the tan just dyes your top skin layer, it’ll fade away as your skin does its natural shedding.

Proper care is crucial to making your tan last longer. Keep your skin hydrated with daily moisturizer, minimize sweat-inducing activities, and stay out of water to keep that tan looking fresh and even. Do these bits, and you can bet your bronzy shine’s gonna stay smooth and dazzling for the full run.

Factors Affecting The Durability Of Your Spray Tan

After getting your spray tan done, you will definitely want it to last longer. So, here are some tips that will help you get that:

Skin Type And Hydration

Your skin type dramatically influences the lifespan of your spray tan. Dry or peeling skin will lose the tan quicker and more patchily.

You can use a water-based moisturizer to keep your skin plump and hydrated. This trick is crucial for keeping your glow even and making it last longer.

Exfoliating

It’s vital to scrub your skin before getting a spray tan. Taking off dead skin makes way for a smoother surface, which lets the tan liquid grab on better, giving you a more uniform color.

If you don’t exfoliate right, expect a blotchy tan that won’t last much. So, exfoliate well, and take off the dead skins so the tan sits right!

Skincare After The Tan

Taking care of your skin post-tan matters as much as getting ready for it. Scrubbing your skin or using harsh cleansers and hot water might make your tan go away too fast.

So, opt for minimal products for the skin. For your tan care, less is more! Stay away from actives! If you’re showering, go for warm/cold showers instead of hot.

Exercise And Sweating

Doing heavy and intense workouts or stuff that rubs a lot against your skin might make the tan look patchy.

If you sweat, it might mix with the tan and make it less intense in the first 24 hours. So, it’s good to skip the exercise right after you get a tan.

Getting In Water

If you stay in the water too long, like when you swim or chill in a hot tub, it speeds up the loss of your tan.

The chemical chlorine washes out the color. So, if you want to keep that tan rocking, cut down on those activities for a few days.

Tan Formula

Not every suntan liquid is the same. The fancy ones with premium ingredients in them and lots of DHA will stick around on your skin better and won’t go patchy as fast as the cheap stuff.

Quality matters so always check what kind of tan you’re working it. Always do a patch work to see if you’re allergic or like the formula or not.

How Your Skin Reacts

Your skin is constantly being refreshed, tossing out old cells and bringing in new ones. This refreshment affects how long your tan will last.

You can’t stop it, but applying on some lotion or oil on a regular basis will kind of put the brakes on your tan fading away. Because the dry remains moisturized, which slows down the shedding process.

How To Prepare For A Spray Tan The Night Before?

A right preparation prior to the night of your appointment is quite crucial. So, here are some tips to get ready for your tan when you are embarrassed to get a spray tan.

Give Your Skin A Good Scrub

Okay, so if you want that tanning stuff to go on nice and even, you have give your skin a good scrub the evening before you get the tan on.

Use a scrub that’s kind and doesn’t have any oil in it, and scrub off those dead skin bits on bumpy spots like knees, elbows, and ankles.

Getting your skin all smooth means the tan will take to it way better, and you won’t end up having uneven work.

Skip The Lotions Or Oils

You might think applying some lotions or oils before bed is a good idea, but trust us, you shouldn’t.

It’s better to hold off on lotions or body oils. They can mess up how the tan solution sticks to your skin, and you want to keep it simple so that the tan looks pure and excellent.

Yes, moisturizing is important! However, if you want the tan to last, it’s better to avoid it for a while.

Shave! Shave! Shave!

To get the perfect tan, your skin needs a perfect canvas. So, shave any hair before the tan.

However, do it at least 3-4 days before the appointment. That way, your skin has time to chill out.

If you shave or wax just before you get sprayed, your skin will be all sensitive, and the tan might react to it. Plus, the tan won’t get into your pores if they’ve just opened up.

Wash Away All Residue

Wash your skin well on the day you have your spray tan session. Get rid of any cosmetics, antiperspirants, or scents.

These items might mess with the tan solution leading to blotches or an uneven color. Coming in with nothing on your skin ensures your tan forms just right.

Slip Into Comfy, Baggy Clothes

Tanning takes hours and having a proper fit matters. We advise picking out airy, baggy nightwear.

This helps keep your new tan intact while it dries. Tight clothes might rub against your skin, causing smears or patches that don’t match up.

Hydrate Yourself

Make sure you drink loads of water and keep the hydrstion levels up before your tan session to get your skin all nice and moisturised from within.

If your skin has enough hydration, it’ll slow down the skin cycle and will help to keep the tan going for longer without any dry patches.

Getting Ready for Aftercare Beforehand

Get your after-tan plans straight by steering clear of things like a major sweat session, going for a dip, or taking hot showers.

You’ll want to have some chill, tan-friendly skin products on hand to keep your tan looking sharp after you leave the salon.

Spray Tan Tips For Beginners

If you are a beginner, getting your first spray tan may feel scary. But the following tips will certainly help you overcome that:

Get To The Professionals

Getting your first spray tan means paying attention to what your technician tells you. They know their art about picking the right shade and how to apply it to your kind of skin.

They can also recommend products to use, give you a skin consultation and all the aftercare details you need to know. Which means you’ll get a tan that looks both cool and risk-free.

Let Tan Develop

A spray tan takes hours to darken. No worries if it looks too light at first. Don’t hit the showers that could rinse off the solution that’s still changing color.

A tan can take around 8-12 hours to fully develop. So, patience is your best friend here. Let it sit, do it’s thing and develop.

Hydrate For Lasting Tan

Keeping skin moisturized is the secret to a lasting tan. Apply an oil-free moisturizer every day to seal in the tan and keep your skin glowing.

Expect Some Dye On The Fabrics

While your tan is developing, it might leave marks on your outfits or bed sheets. It’s super common, and these marks will come out in the wash. Remember to try to stick to dark clothes.

However, a cheeky piece of advice is that, if you live alone, you can choose to ditch the clothes all together. We mean, no one’s watching you right?

Skip Workouts And The Pool

Stay moisturized and dry to keep your fresh tan spotless. Working up a sweat or diving into the pool can damage it.

Avoid heavy sweating or diving into a pool with chlorine for a full day after getting your tan. Doing this can wash away the bronzing magic before it sticks, making your tan not work as well.

Skincare Products For Tans

It’s time to switch things up with body cleansers that don’t have sulfates and lotions that keep your tan going strong. Sulfates are strong cleansers that work to remove dirt but can remove the tan too.

These extra steps can truly help your tan to stick and be long lasting. Don’t use any active ingredients like niacinamide, AHAs/BHAs/PHAs and Vitamin C. A simple blend of hyaluronic acid and ceramides might do the trick.

Just Chill Girlie!

Getting a spray tan can seem scary, but it’s super simple, and the folks doing it know their stuff. Go with the flow and get excited about the fabulous sun-kissed look you’ll have later.

Spray Tan Tips For Hands And Feet

Don’t go yet! We have some extra tips to take care of your hands and feet post your tanning session.

Apply Lotion Before Spraying

Palms and soles soak up more of the tanning mix than other body parts, which can cause darker or patchy spots.

To prevent this, rub a thin layer of lotion on these parts before you get your spray tan. This helps by making the tanning solution soak in less, so you get an even and natural look.

Slather On Thicker Creams For The Nook And Crannies

Protective cream is your best friend for a spray tan when you’re dealing with rough spots like knuckles, cuticles, and toes.

Put lots of it on these areas for fewer streaks or too-dark spots. The cream acts like a barrier, leading to a softer and more consistent color.

Blend The Tan Lines

Experienced tanners know the horror of having streaky tan lines, which makes you look sunburnt. When getting a tan, ensure your wrists and ankles show no noticeable lines between the tan and your natural skin.

Tell your tan expert to blend it on your hands and feet edges well for that natural look. Doing this is super important if you want a natural look.

Get Rid Of Excess

After the tanning session, take a damp rag and rub any extra goo off your hands, nails, and foot bottoms. Those parts suck up a lot of tanning solution and can end up looking fake.

Avoid Any Foot/Hand Wear

Similar to the body, avoid any clothing for your hands and feet. Don’t wear gloves, socks, or shoes over your hands and feet after getting a spray tan.

Wait until the solution dries. This helps avoid any messes and ensures that your tan turns out even.

Use Sticky Pads To Shield Your Feet’s Bottoms

When you’re getting sprayed, you’ll be given sticky pads or throw-away foot covers. These are for keeping your sole color-free while the rest of your foot gets a nice tan.

Be Gentle

After your tan, take it easy on your hands and feet. If you scrub too hard, the tan might fade in blotches. Use gentle soaps and dry your skin with a microfiber towel after washing.

Spray Tan Rules: Before and After

There are certain things that only professionals tell you to do before and after your tanning session. But, we are not going to gatekeep. Here are some rules to remember before and after your tanning session.

Before Your Spray Tan

These rules will make your spray tanning easier, and make the result more lasting, and enjoyable.

Prime With Silky Skin

A top-notch spray tan begins with silky scrubbed skin. Make it a point to scrub away dead skin and any rough spots.

Pay extra attention to your knees, elbows, and heel area. This prep work leads to a smooth tan application and makes the tan last longer.

Remove Any Residue

Anything that leaves a layer on your skin, such as antiperspirants, scent sprays, or thick creams, could mess with the tan solution.

To get the best results, show up to your tan sesh with spotless and dry skin (not Sahara desert dry, but without any oil residues!)

After Your Spray Tan

Once you have done your tanning, here are the aftercare rules.

Dodge Water For A Bit

Avoid the water for a few hours after your tan. It’s key to avoid messing up your fresh glow.

Dodging water for 6 to 8 hours after tanning is vital. This means no showers, no heavy sweating, and no over-washing your hands.

Water can mess up the tan and cause it to start fading, and your bronze could end up with streaks.

Keep Skin Hydrated and Moisturized 

If you want to keep your tan on point, you’ll want to slather on a moisturizer every day.

Hydrating slows down how quickly your skin sheds, which is a solid tactic for making your tan last longer and fade out smoothly.

Use Gentle Skincare

Using harsh cleansers or body washes might cause your tan to wear off too soon. Stick to products without sulfates and active ingredients to keep a healthy tan.

If you want to go the extra mile, you can look for products that are made for tanned skin. Doing these will ensure that the tan will last longer.

Choose Comfortable Clothes

If you wear tight clothing your tan will be messy and it’ll stick to it, causing it to be uneven.

Hence, go for loose, soft clothes to keep your tan looking smooth. Stay away from any undergarments like bras, leggings, and underwear too.

Schedule your tanning appointment in a way where you can apply all these guidelines properly

Look After Your Skin in the Sun

Don’t be fooled! A spray tan makes you look sun-touched, but it does not block UV rays, it can make it worse too.

So, be on the practice of applying sunscreen when you’re out and about to keep your skin safe and your tan looking fresh. Our tip is to use a spray or powder sunscreen to save the hassle of blending in.

You can also use an umbrella or protective shield to protect it further. However, we advise having minimal sun exposure during the cure process.

Embarrassed to Get a Spray Tan? Here’s How to Overcome It

It’s okay to feel a bit shy or even red-faced when considering going for a spray tan if it’s new for you. Just remember, the people who do spray tans are professionals.

They’re all about creating a friendly spot where they can help you get that perfect glow and make you feel great.

Before you head in, research about the place. Look up the web, ask friends or family, and peek at what people are saying to shortlist your ideal tanning place.

Additionally, a lot of these spots have cool solo booths, so you can have your own space while you get bronzed up without the anxiety of being seen.

Remember, getting a spray tan is super normal, and the folks who do this see many people daily. Don’t stress about any flaws! These pros are good at helping people calm down.

Just think about the awesome part: you’ll end up with this gorgeous tan, making you look and feel fab.

Bottom Line: What To Wear To A Spray Tan?

Selecting what to wear to a spray tan consciously is important for the tan to carry on and not roll off. Thus reaching the appointment while all these tips are followed truly leads to a smooth procedure.