PRE & POST TAN INFORMATION
A great spray tan starts before you even walk through the door. Following these steps makes the difference between a tan that lasts a few days and one that stays beautiful and even for up to ten days.
GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR TAN
24 HOURS BEFORE
Shave any areas you want tanned. Shaving after your tan will remove color, so this step must be done the day before.
Exfoliate your entire body with a gentle scrub or exfoliating mitt, paying extra attention to dry areas like knees, elbows, ankles, and feet. This removes dead skin cells and gives the solution an even surface to develop on.
Avoid applying any lotion or oil after exfoliating. Your skin should be clean and product-free going into your appointment.
DAY OF YOUR APPOINTMENT
Arrive with clean, dry skin. No exceptions.
Do not wear lotion, body oil, perfume, deodorant, or makeup. Even small amounts of product on the skin create a barrier that affects how evenly your tan develops.
Wear or bring dark, loose-fitting clothing. Tight clothing can rub against fresh solution and cause uneven results. Dark colors protect your clothes from any bronzer transfer.
Remove any jewelry before your session.
If you wear nail polish, that is fine, but bare nails can pick up color at the tips. A light coat of polish beforehand acts as a barrier.
AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT
Your tan is still developing after you leave. How you treat your skin in these first hours matters most.
Stay dry. Avoid sweating, swimming, rain, and washing your hands longer than necessary. Water will interrupt development and can cause streaking.
Skip the workout. Sweat is the enemy of a fresh tan. Plan your workouts for before your appointment or after your first rinse.
Wear loose, dark clothing until you rinse. Tight waistbands, bra straps, and socks can all leave marks in a developing tan.
Avoid long hugs and sitting on light-colored fabric. The bronzer guide in the solution can transfer before your first rinse.
YOUR FIRST RINSE
Regular Tan: Wait a full 8 hours before rinsing. For best results, many clients apply in the evening and rinse the following morning.
Rapid Tan: Rinse between 1 and 4 hours depending on the depth of color you want. The longer you wait within that window, the deeper your result. Your artist will advise the best rinse time for your skin tone and desired shade.
How to rinse:
Use lukewarm water only, no soap for your first rinse.
Pat your skin dry gently with a dark towel. Do not rub.
Your tan will continue to deepen for up to 24 hours after rinsing as the DHA fully develops. Do not be alarmed if color looks lighter immediately after your first rinse, this is completely normal.
A little daily care goes a long way in keeping your glow looking fresh and even.
Moisturize every day. Hydrated skin holds color longer and fades more evenly. Dry skin causes patchiness and accelerates fading. Apply moisturizer morning and night for best results.
Use a tan-safe body wash. Harsh soaps and sulfate-heavy cleansers break down your tan faster. Look for gentle, soap-free formulas.
Avoid long hot showers and baths. Heat and prolonged water exposure fade color quickly. Shorter, cooler showers extend your tan significantly.
Skip the pool and hot tub. Chlorine is one of the fastest ways to strip a spray tan. If you do swim, moisturize immediately after.
Do not exfoliate until you are ready for your tan to fade. When you are ready to remove it, use a gentle exfoliating scrub and warm water.
Shave gently. Each shave will gradually remove some color. Use a fresh razor and a gentle shave gel rather than a bar soap or foam.
MAINTAINING
YOUR TAN
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Sjolie Aftercare Line Sjolie's aftercare products are specifically formulated to work with their spray tan solutions, extending wear and supporting an even fade. Ask your artist about:
Sjolie Body Renew & Tan Extend Moisturizer
Sjolie pH Balancing Prep Spray
Sjolie Barrier Cream
General Recommendations If you prefer to use products you already have, look for:
A fragrance-free, sulfate-free body wash
A rich, unscented daily moisturizer -- CeraVe, Lubriderm, and Vanicream are all great options
A gentle exfoliating mitt or scrub for removal when you are ready
Keep your color going longer with a retail package that includes Sjolie's Tan Extend lotion and Body Renew moisturizer. DHA-infused and designed specifically to nourish spray-tanned skin, these products are available for purchase at your appointment.
TAN EXTEND MAINTENANCE
