Before your appointment
How to Prepare for Your Mobile Spray Tan
Exfoliate 24 hours out, skip lotion and makeup the day of — here's the rest, and why it actually matters.
Book your appointment first if you haven't — see availability — then come back to this list the night before.
Prep checklist
Before Your Appointment
How soon should I exfoliate?
When should I wax or shave?
Can I get a facial or massage first?
What should I skip the day of?
Do I need to shower before my appointment?
Does the soap I use matter?
What to wear
Dark, Loose, Open-Toe
Wear dark, loose-fitting clothing and open-toe sandals to your appointment. Solution can transfer to fabric on the way home, but it's water-soluble — it washes out.
Take off everything you can before the tan goes on. A client once asked to keep her socks on during the appointment — she spent the next week with two pale, sock-shaped patches on her feet that no amount of moisturizer could argue her out of. Every inch gets sprayed for a reason. Socks off, rings off if you can manage it.
Wedding timing
Bridal Tans — Extra Prep
When should I book a trial tan?
What shade should a bride choose?
When should the final tan happen?
What if I'm booking a whole bridal party?
After your appointment
Rinse Times & Aftercare
How long until I rinse?
- Classic solution: first rinse at 8–12 hours
- Rapid solution: first rinse at 1–4 hours — the timing itself controls depth. 1 hour rinses lighter, 4 hours rinses darker.
What do I do before the first rinse?
How do I do the first rinse?
How do I make it last?
Honest answer
What Actually Matters
If you couldn't exfoliate the full 24 hours out
Don't stress over it. A same-day light exfoliation is still better than none — it just won't be quite as even as if you'd given it the full 24 hours.
If you're on blood thinners or certain medications
Or using new prescription actives like retinoids — check with your doctor first. Anything that changes how your skin turns over can change how evenly a tan develops.
If you have an active skin flare
Eczema, psoriasis, or broken skin won't take color evenly, and DHA can irritate skin that's already compromised. Wait until it clears, or patch test first.
DHA is regulated by the FDA as a cosmetic color additive. Exfoliation guidance is consistent with the American Academy of Dermatology's recommendations for safe at-home exfoliation.
Ready to book?
Come Prepped, Leave Glowing
Melissa comes to you — home, hotel, or event, no travel fee in the service area. Not sure how booking itself works? Here's exactly what happens.