Why Preparation and Aftercare Is Key
The secret to a long-lasting spray tan starts before your appointment and continues long after. At Eleventh Avenue, we believe preparation and aftercare are just as important as the treatment itself. That's why we've created a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your skin, achieve an even colour development and maintain your tan for as long as possible.
From the skincare products you use to your daily routine, every little detail can make a difference to how your tan develops, lasts and fades. With the right preparation, aftercare and recommended products, your spray tan can last up to 10 days, fading gradually and evenly for a beautiful, natural-looking finish.
The Ultimate Guide To The Perfect Tan
Preparing For Your Spray Tan
When To Book
We recommend booking your spray tan 24-48hrs before an event. 48hrs for bridal tans and events and 24hrs before for holiday tans..
Moisturising
We advise moisturising in the lead up week to your appointment with our recommended products, however please do not moisturise within 24hrs of your appointment if possible. Facial, beauty & spa treatments should be done 48hrs before your appointment.
Exfoliation
Exfoliate in the lead up to your appointment to remove any old tan and dead skin cells, please if using a salt or sugar scrub do not use this within 48hrs of your appointment. These scrubs leave a residue which can act as barriers and stop your tan from developing properly
Shaving + Waxing
Waxing should be done 48hrs before your appointment, Shaving can be done 24hrs before. Avoid using shavers with a moisturising soap strip as this will also act as a barrier to your tan.
Showering
Please avoid showering within 4hrs of your spray tan appointment - if you are showering on the day of please avoid using body wash and oils and keep the water lukewarm.
What To Wear
We recommend long sleeves & pants that are loose fitted and dark. No bras should be worn after your tan and flip flops/ old ugg boots are advised for footwear. Please come with no jewellery on and dressed for the weather - rain is your spray tans worst enemy!
Makeup, Perfume + Deodorant
Please arrive to your appointment without makeup, perfume or deodorant. During development, products such as perfume and deodorant that contains aluminium can react with the tanning solution and may cause the tan to develop with a green undertone (definitely not the look we're going for!).
Please also avoid applying Vaseline or barrier creams before your appointment, as we'll apply these where needed to ensure the best possible result.
If you do need to wear deodorant, a small amount of a natural deodorant such as Fussy or Wild may be suitable, however this is at your own discretion and we cannot guarantee how it may react with the tanning solution.
Maintaining Your Spray Tan
Avoiding Liquid
During development, it's important to keep your skin completely dry until after your first rinse. Please avoid water, sweating and exercise, as moisture can interfere with how your tan develops and may affect your final result.
During hot weather or a heatwave, we recommend staying in a cool environment, such as an air-conditioned room or in front of a fan, until you've had your first rinse. Excessive sweating during development can impact the finish of your spray tan.
Your First Rinse
Depending on the solution you have opted for the time you can have your rinse will vary - we will advise this at your appointment. You first rinse should be with Luke warm water and no body wash should be used, be sure to get all the tan off and rub down with your hands
Drying + Moisturising
Always pat dry never rub. Moisturise as soon as you finish your first rinse and repeat this step morning and evening with a waterbed moisturiser, check out our products recommended page for our approved products. DHA is a drying ingredient so this step is essential to help the longevity of your tan and to help it also fade evenly.
Showering + Products
A PH balanced body wash is always advised please do not use DOVE or NIVEA products as these will take your tan off. Avoid products with oils in - all our approved products can be found on our products we recommend using tab.
What To Avoid
Avoid using oils, toners and harsh chemicals like salicylic acid. Avoid swimming and chlorine as this will take off your tan MUCH quicker and also unevenly. If you're going on holiday please use one of our suncreams which are oil free - this can be found on our instagram highlights. Also avoid touching the tan with your hands, or leaning onto other body areas as the tan can transfer until it’s first rinse.
Tan Extender
Please use one of our recommended tan extenders to extend the lifetime of your tan. your next tan can be booked within 7-10 days of your last appointment providing the following steps have been followed and all tans have been removed.
