First Time Getting a Spray Tan? Everything You Need to Know

Getting your first spray tan can feel a little intimidating. You might have questions about what to wear, what the process actually looks like, whether it’s awkward, or whether you’ll end up looking orange. All of those concerns are completely normal — and completely addressable.

Here’s an honest, detailed walkthrough of what to expect before, during, and after your first professional spray tan, so you can walk in feeling confident and walk out looking great.

Before Your Appointment: How to Prepare

Good preparation makes the biggest difference in your results. Here’s the timeline to follow:

48 hours before: If you need to wax, get a facial, or have any other skin treatment, schedule it now — at least two full days before your spray tan. These treatments can leave residues or sensitize the skin.

24 hours before: Exfoliate your entire body with a gentle, non-oil-based scrub. This removes the dead, flaky skin that causes patchiness and uneven color. Also shave any areas you plan to shave — doing it the day before (instead of the morning of) lets your pores close and your skin settle.

The morning of: Shower early if needed, but avoid soaps or conditioners that leave residue. Then the big rule — don’t apply anything to your skin. No lotion, no deodorant, no perfume, no makeup, no sunscreen. Come to your appointment with completely bare, clean skin from head to toe.

What to Wear

Wear dark, loose-fitting clothing to your appointment. Think long cotton pants, a loose tank or t-shirt, and flip-flops or sandals. After your spray tan, you’ll need to avoid tight clothing that presses against the skin — no tight bras, fitted jeans, socks, or closed-toe shoes for the rest of the day. The solution needs space to develop without friction disturbing it.

Many clients bring a separate outfit to change into after their spray tan — a loose maxi dress or oversized clothes work great.

What Happens When You Arrive

Every studio is a little different, but the general flow is the same. Your spray tan artist will greet you, ask about your goals (subtle glow vs deep bronze), discuss your skin type and any concerns, and recommend a solution shade and undertone based on your complexion.

If this is your first time, a good artist will walk you through the entire process before starting. Don’t hesitate to ask questions — experienced technicians expect first-time clients to have them.

What to Wear During the Spray Tan

This is the question most first-timers are nervous about. The answer: whatever you’re comfortable with.

Most spray tan studios provide disposable undergarments. Some clients wear those. Some wear their own dark swimsuit or underwear. Some go fully undressed. There’s no wrong choice — it’s entirely about your comfort level. Your artist is a professional who does this all day, every day, and they’re focused on technique and even application, not judging your body.

If you’re wearing any undergarments, just know that any fabric creates a tan line. The solution can’t get through material, so the covered area will remain your natural color. For the most seamless result, less coverage means fewer lines — but again, it’s your call.

Your artist will also provide eyewear, nose filters, lip balm, and a hair net to keep you comfortable and protected during the session.

The Actual Spray Tan Process

The application itself typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. Here’s what it looks like:

Your artist may first apply a pH Balancing Spray to your skin. This product cleanses the surface and optimizes your skin’s pH for even DHA absorption. Next, they’ll apply Barrier Cream to areas prone to over-darkening — palms, soles of the feet, cuticles, elbows, and knees. This creates a protective layer that prevents those dry or calloused areas from absorbing too much color.

Then the actual spray tan begins. The artist uses an HVLP (high volume, low pressure) system or airbrush machine to apply a fine mist of tanning solution across your body. They’ll guide you through a series of positions — arms up, turn around, legs apart — to ensure full, even coverage.

The mist feels cool and light, similar to a fine water spray. It doesn’t hurt, sting, or feel uncomfortable. The artist works section by section, drying each area with the machine’s airflow between passes. The whole body application is quick and efficient.

What You Look Like Immediately After

Right after your spray tan, you’ll see an immediate change. The cosmetic bronzers in the solution give you an instant tan look. This is not your final color — it’s the temporary bronzer acting as a visual guide. Your real DHA tan develops over the next 8 to 24 hours underneath.

The initial color will look darker than your final result. Don’t be alarmed if it seems intense at first — the bronzer exaggerates the color and washes off completely during your first shower. What’s left underneath is your natural-looking DHA tan.

After Your Appointment: The Development Phase

For the next 8 hours (or 2–5 hours if you got a rapid solution), the DHA is actively developing. During this time:

• Don’t get wet — no showers, no rain, no sweating
• Don’t apply any products — no lotion, deodorant, or perfume
• Wear your dark, loose clothing
• Avoid sitting in one position for too long (it can create pressure marks)
• Don’t exercise or do anything that makes you sweat

Many people schedule their spray tans in the late afternoon or evening so they can sleep through the development phase and shower the next morning.

Your First Shower

When the development time is up, take a quick, lukewarm shower — no soap, no scrubbing, just water. You’ll see bronzer washing off in the water, which is completely normal. Pat dry with a towel (don’t rub) and wait about 30 minutes before applying any moisturizer.

Your tan may look lighter right after showering than it did before. Don’t panic — DHA continues to develop for up to 24 hours. Check your color the next morning for the true result.

Common First-Timer Concerns

Will I look orange?

Not with a professional spray tan using quality solution. The orange tans of the past were caused by low-quality DHA and poor formulation. Modern professional solutions use high-grade DHA with color-correcting undertones (olive or violet) that produce natural golden, bronzy, or chocolate-brown results — never orange.

Will it look fake?

A professionally applied spray tan matched to your skin type and undertones looks natural. The key is having an artist who takes the time to assess your skin and choose the right solution rather than applying a one-size-fits-all formula.

Will it stain my sheets?

During the development phase, cosmetic bronzer can transfer to light-colored fabrics. This is temporary and washes out, but using dark sheets or laying a dark towel on your pillow on the first night is a smart precaution.

Can I wear makeup or deodorant the next day?

Yes. After your first shower and once the tan has had a full 24 hours to develop, you can resume your normal routine — makeup, deodorant, perfume, everything. Just choose gentle products and avoid exfoliating ingredients.

How Long Will It Last?

A professional spray tan lasts 7 to 10 days with proper aftercare. Moisturizing daily, using sulfate-free body wash, and avoiding chlorine, hot tubs, and exfoliating products will maximize your tan’s lifespan. Your skin naturally sheds its outermost layer about every 28 days, and the tan fades gradually as those cells turn over.

The Bottom Line

Your first spray tan is nothing to be nervous about. The process is quick (15 minutes), comfortable, and completely customizable to your skin and preferences. A trained artist handles everything — all you need to do is prep your skin beforehand, follow the aftercare guidelines, and enjoy looking sun-kissed without any sun damage.

Once you see the results, you’ll understand why so many people make spray tanning a regular part of their routine.