10 Spray Tan Prep Tips for a Flawless Glow
By Victoria | Southern Glow Co. — April 16, 2026
Preparation is everything when it comes to a beautiful spray tan. I tell every single one of my Georgia clients: the work you do before your appointment matters just as much as the application itself. Whether you're getting your first spray tan or you're a regular, these 10 prep tips will help you achieve the most even, longest-lasting glow possible.
1. Exfoliate the Night Before
Use a gentle, oil-free exfoliating scrub or mitt the evening before your appointment. Focus on rough areas like elbows, knees, ankles, and wrists. This removes dead skin cells and creates a smooth canvas for even color absorption.
2. Shave at Least 12 Hours Before
Shaving opens your pores, and freshly-opened pores can trap DHA and create tiny dark dots. Shave the night before your session — not the morning of — so your pores have time to close.
3. Skip Moisturizer on Tan Day
Lotions and oils create a barrier between your skin and the spray tan solution. On the day of your appointment, don't apply any moisturizer, body oil, deodorant, or perfume. Clean, bare skin absorbs the solution best.
4. Avoid Makeup and Skincare Products
If you're getting your face sprayed (which I always recommend — it ties the whole look together), come with a clean, bare face. No foundation, no serums, no SPF. These products interfere with how the tan develops on your face.
5. Wax — But Not Within 48 Hours
If you wax, do it at least 48 hours before your spray tan. Freshly waxed skin is too sensitive and the open follicles can lead to uneven color. The same rule applies to laser treatments.
6. Remove Old Self-Tanner Completely
Any leftover self-tanner will cause patchy, uneven results. Use an exfoliating mitt and a tan remover product a few days before your appointment to get a clean slate.
7. Get a Mani-Pedi First
If you have nail appointments planned, schedule them before your spray tan. The soaking, scrubbing, and chemicals in nail salons will strip color from your hands and feet fast.
8. Wear Loose, Dark Clothing
Bring loose, dark clothes to change into after your session. Tight waistbands, bra straps, and socks can leave lines in your developing tan. Flowy dresses and sandals are perfect.
9. Avoid Working Out Before Your Session
Sweat creates a moisture barrier on your skin that prevents the solution from absorbing evenly. If you must exercise, do it early enough to shower and let your skin fully dry before your appointment.
10. Read Our Full Prep Guide
I put together a detailed prep guide page with everything you need to know before your Southern Glow Co. appointment. Bookmark it and review it the day before — your tan will thank you.
Great Prep = Great Results
These tips aren't complicated, but they make a massive difference. When you come to your spray tan appointment properly prepped, the solution goes on smoother, develops more evenly, and lasts days longer. That's why Southern Glow Co. clients across Monroe, Covington, Snellville, and beyond consistently get results they love.