What to Expect for Your First Ever Spray Tan

It’s formal season!!! For many girls, that means more than picking the perfect dress or heels. It’s also about achieving that flawless, sun-kissed glow that makes you feel confident walking into your big night.

If this is your first-ever spray tan, don’t worry — you’re in good hands. Spray tanning is one of the safest, easiest ways to get a beautiful bronze without the sun or streaks. Whether you’re a little nervous or just curious about what happens, here’s exactly what to expect before, during, and after your appointment.

Before Your Appointment: Prep is Everything

A flawless tan starts with good preparation. Here’s how to get your skin ready the day before your spray tan:

1. Exfoliate and cleanse.

Use an exfoliating mitt or gentle scrub to remove dead skin cells and old product residue. This ensures your tan goes on evenly and lasts longer.

Shower with a pH-balanced, tan-safe body wash like Naked Tan Body Cleanser, which cleanses without stripping your skin. Avoid soaps or body washes that contain oils or heavy fragrance — they can create a barrier that stops the tan from developing evenly.

2. Shave or wax the day before.

You don’t want to tan straight after shaving, as your pores will still be open. Shaving or waxing 24 hours before gives your skin time to calm down before your spray.

3. Skip the moisturiser and perfume on the day.

Arrive to your appointment with clean, dry skin — no lotion, deodorant, or perfume. These can block the tan or cause uneven patches, especially under your arms or on your wrists and neck.

During Your Spray Tan Appointment

This part is quick, easy, and honestly — kind of relaxing. Here’s how it goes:

1. You’ll change into your tanning outfit.

Most people wear a dark G-string, bikini, or go topless (whatever makes you comfortable). Your tan artist will make sure you feel at ease and guide you through everything.

2. Your artist will customise your colour.

At Naked Tan, our salon professionals choose the perfect shade for your skin tone and event. Whether you want a light glow or a deep bronze, the solution will be mixed and applied to give a natural, even finish.

3. The spray itself takes just a few minutes.

You’ll be asked to turn and pose in certain positions while your artist sprays a fine mist evenly across your body. It’s quick-drying and designed to blend seamlessly. The whole process takes around 10 minutes from start to finish.

4. You’ll be given drying time and aftercare advice.

Once the spray is done, you’ll stand for a minute or two while the tan sets, then your artist will walk you through how long to leave it before showering (usually 2–8 hours depending on the solution used).

After Your Spray Tan: Care is Key

1. Wear loose, dark clothing.

After your tan, avoid tight jeans, bras, or anything that might rub against your skin. Loose clothing lets your tan develop evenly without marks.

2. Avoid water, sweat, and perfume until after your first rinse.

Water can stop your tan from developing properly, so try to stay cool and dry while it sets.

3. Shower gently.

When it’s time to rinse, use lukewarm water — no soap yet. The guide colour (the surface layer) will wash away, revealing your fresh tan underneath. Pat your skin dry gently with a towel instead of rubbing.

4. Hydrate daily.

Keep your skin soft and glowing with Crème de la Crème moisturiser. Hydrated skin holds tan longer and helps it fade evenly.

5. Top up later if needed.

If you want to extend your glow, apply Gradual Tan a few days after your spray. It adds subtle colour and helps maintain that bronzed finish right through to your next event.

Your First Tan, the Naked Tan Way

A Naked Tan spray tan is designed to give you a natural, streak-free glow — never orange, never patchy. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and packed with nourishing ingredients to keep your skin hydrated and radiant.

Whether it’s your first formal, your graduation, or just a night you want to feel your best, your tan should make you look and feel amazing — not stressed.

So take a deep breath, trust the process, and get ready to glow with confidence.

Because when you tan with Naked Tan, you’re not just getting colour — you’re getting a glow that lasts long after the night ends.