Preparation
24–48 Hours Before Your Appointment: Exfoliate Babe.
Removing dead skin is the key to a flawless, even tan. We recommend exfoliating 24 hours before your appointment (not the day of!) so your skin has time to settle and isn’t overly sensitive. For best results, exfoliate your entire body 24 hours before your appointment using a gentle, oil-free body scrub and an exfoliating mitt. We recommend avoiding salt scrubs unless used at least 72 hours prior, as salt can be too abrasive and may create tiny scratches that interfere with the tan. Instead, opt for a sugar- or coffee-based scrub—like our Glow Grounds—which buffs away dead skin without stripping or irritating. Use circular motions with a mitt to focus on areas where the skin tends to be drier or thicker, such as elbows, knees, ankles, underarms, and along bra or panty lines. Avoid chemical exfoliants, acids, or retinoids in the 48 hours leading up to your tan. After exfoliating, do not apply lotion, oils, or deodorant—your skin should be clean, dry, and product-free for the tan to adhere evenly and last beautifully.
12–24 Hours Before Your Tan: Shave (if you want to).
If you’re shaving or waxing, do it at least 12 hours before your appointment to avoid irritation or barrier disruption. Never shave right before—those open pores can soak up too much color.
The Day of Your Tan:
Come with clean, product-free skin.
No lotion, no deodorant, no makeup, no perfume. These create barriers and can mess with the tan’s absorption. Shower using a gentle, oil-free cleanser.
Pssst... Our Glow Rinse Body Wash is designed to be tan-safe and gentle for prep + post-tan days.
Right Before We Arrive:
Set up a cozy space.
We’ll bring the tent, solution, and finishing powder—you just relax. Ideally, pick a room with good lighting and space for a pop-up tent. You’ll be glowing in less than 30 minutes!
Wear or have ready:
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Loose, dark clothing
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Flip-flops or slides
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A robe or button-down (so you can undress easily post-tan)
Bonus Prep Tip:
Spray tans + girlfriends = the best kind of self-care. Consider booking a Glow at Home group session—we tan you ladies back-to-back, and it’s always a vibe.
Your Prep Checklist:
✔️ Exfoliate 24 hours before
✔️ Shave/wax 12+ hours before
✔️ Arrive clean + product-free
✔️ Set up a space + wear loose clothes
✔️ Hydrate! (Inside + out)
Aftercare
Stay Dry for Your Custom Recommended Time
Avoid all water, sweat, and steam during the initial development time. That means no workouts, showers, swimming, or dancing in the rain. DHA (the active ingredient in your tan) needs time to fully develop on the skin—so take it easy and let the magic happen!
Rinse Gently — No Soap!
Your first shower should be a lukewarm rinse only—no soap, no loofahs, and no shaving. Use just your hands to gently guide off the bronzer. This is not your final tan color—it will continue to deepen over the next 12–24 hours.
Pat dry only! Rubbing with a towel can cause patchiness and premature fading.
Hydrate Daily with a Tan-Safe Moisturizer
Moisturizing is key to your tan’s longevity. Choose a fragrance-free, oil-free lotion (like our Glow Whip or On-the-Glow Oil) and apply morning and night. Dry skin = flaky skin = faded tan. Keep your glow nourished and hydrated.
Hint: Around Day 3–4, start using our Stay Golden Gradual Tanner to boost hydration and add a subtle glow. It’s specially formulated to extend your tan by 3+ extra days—no weird fade or patchy buildup.
Avoid Baths, Sweat, and Chlorine
For the first 5–7 days, stay away from:
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Long, hot baths or steamy showers
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Saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs
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Chlorine pools
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Intense workouts that cause heavy sweating
These can break down your tan faster and lead to uneven wear.
Wear Loose, Dark Clothing
Stick to soft, dark, loose-fitting clothing for the first 24 hours. Avoid anything tight or light-colored (especially jeans, leggings, silk, or nylon) that could rub off the solution or get stained during development.
Skip Exfoliating Products
Avoid all physical and chemical exfoliants for at least 5–7 days. No scrubs, acids, retinoids, or resurfacing treatments! These will speed up cell turnover and strip your glow away too soon.
You can resume gentle exfoliation once you’re ready to remove the tan completely and prep for your next appointment.
Use Only Tan-Safe Products
Be mindful of what you’re putting on your skin! Avoid:
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Mineral oil
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Sulfates
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Alcohol-based products
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Bar soaps
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Acne or anti-aging ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, and retinol
These will fade your tan fast and unevenly.
Pro Glow Tip: If you’re unsure, check the label—or ask us. We’re happy to help you pick safe body wash, lotion, and glow boosters.
Don’t Forget SPF
Your tan might look like a vacation, but it’s not sun protection. Always apply SPF 30+ daily to protect your skin and keep your glow safe from UV damage.
Bonus: Want That Glow to Last Even Longer?
Our Stay Golden Gradual Tanner is your post-tan bestie. Start applying it around Day 3 to lock in moisture and gradually deepen your color. With consistent use, it can extend your tan by 3–5 days—with zero patchy fade-outs.
Hydration + gradual DHA = the dream team for radiant, touchable skin.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your tan is simple—but it makes all the difference. The better your aftercare, the better (and longer) your results. And don’t forget: your next appointment is just a click away.
Glow at Home. Because you deserve beauty that fits your life.