Before your Spray Tan (Pre-Tan Prep)
*Waxing, Nails & Other Services
All waxing, manicures, and pedicures should be done at least 24 hours before your spray tan appointment.
* Exfoliate the Day Before
Exfoliate your body thoroughly the day before your appointment using an exfoliating body scrub or mitt.
This removes dead skin cells and helps the solution absorb evenly.
Spray tans may not develop fully if there are barriers on the skin (dry patches, residue, leftover product).
*Shave the Day Before (Not the Day Of!)
Shave the day before your spray tan — never the day of.
Shaving the day of can cause streaking due to razor moisture strips and may cause bronzer buildup in pores.
*Arrive with Clean, Product-Free Skin
Please do not apply: Deodorant, Perfume,Makeup, Lotion, Oils
(These can create a barrier and prevent your spray tan from developing evenly.)
*What to Wear During Your Spray Tan
Female clients may tan in a bathing suit, undergarments, or nude.
Male clients must wear undergarments or a bathing suit.
*What to Wear to Your Appointment
Wear loose, dark-colored clothing.
Spray tan solution may transfer to clothing, but it will wash out of most materials.
*If It’s Raining
Bring an umbrella.
Wear long sleeves and pants to protect your fresh tan.
*Timing Matters
Please arrive on time and with all pre-tan prep completed before your appointment time.
For more spray tan prep tips, visit Instagram: @laolivatan
After Your Spray Tan (Post-Tan Aftercare)
Your aftercare is just as important as your prep. These steps help your spray tan develop correctly and fade evenly.
*Clothing After Your Appointment
Until after your first rinse, wear: Loose, dark clothing and loose sandals or flip flops.
Avoid: Jeans, Tight clothing, Sports bras, Socks, Sneakers/running shoes.
* Do Not Get Wet Before Your First Rinse
Before your first rinse, avoid: Washing hands and face, Rain, Sweating or working out, Water activities.
Also avoid skin-to-skin contact such as: Crossing legs, Sitting with legs touching, Tight cuddling or friction.
(These are totally fine after your first rinse.)
* Don’t Panic About Dark Areas
If you notice darker areas around: Neck, Elbows, Knees.
Do not rub them — this is the cosmetic bronzer and it will blend out completely after showering.
* Rapid Rinse Spray Tan Instructions
If you were sprayed with a rapid rinse solution: Follow the 1–6 hour recommendation.
This time will be given to you by your spray tan artist based on your skin type and desired level of darkness.
Important: It is normal to look lighter after rinsing. Rapid solutions continue to develop for up to 24 hours.
*Bronzer Washing Off is Normal
During your first rinse, you’ll see bronzer wash off.
This is normal and does not affect your tan.
*Use Tan-Safe Body Wash & Lotion
For best results, avoid products containing: Sulfates (SLS / SLES), Mineral oil, Petroleum.
These ingredients can cause spray tans to fade faster or develop unevenly.
Common products to avoid include: Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, Dove, Dial, Olay.
La Oliva Tan offers tan-safe body washes, lotions, and sunscreens if you need help choosing the right products.
* Shower & Dry Gently
Avoid scrubbing in the shower.
When drying, pat dry instead of rubbing.
*Moisturize Daily
Moisturize a lot — this is the #1 way to help your tan last longer and fade evenly.