Spray tan tips, prep and aftercare
A little preparation goes a long way. Here is how to prep for your spray tan, look after it afterwards, and get the longest, most even glow from every visit.
How to prepare for your spray tan
Good prep is the difference between a decent tan and a flawless one. In the 24 hours before your tan, exfoliate well with an oil free scrub to clear away any dead skin, and shave or wax at least 24 hours ahead so your pores have time to settle.
On the day, arrive with clean, dry skin. Skip the moisturiser, makeup, deodorant and perfume, since these can stop the tan developing evenly. Bring something dark and loose to change into afterwards, and you are ready to glow.
Day before, tan day, and after
The day before
Exfoliate and remove old tan
Use an oil free body scrub or tan eraser the day before to clear dead skin and any old tan, paying attention to dry areas like elbows and knees.
Shave or wax 24 hours ahead
Do any shaving or waxing at least 24 hours before with a fresh razor, so skin settles and the tan goes on evenly.
Finish other beauty treatments
Get facials, brows, nails and similar done at least 24 hours before, as their oils and products can affect your tan.
Tan day
Shower early
Shower at least 4 hours before, or rinse under cool water right before, so your pores are closed and your skin is balanced.
Use oil free products
Use an oil free body wash, not bar soap or cream washes, which are often oil based and can block the tan.
Arrive clean and dry
No makeup, moisturiser, deodorant or perfume on the day. We provide water based wipes if you need them.
Wear dark and loose
Bring loose, dark clothing and easy shoes to slip on after your tan.
After your tan
Avoid water and sweat
Keep your skin dry and avoid sweating until your first rinse, so the tan develops evenly.
Rinse, gently
Wait the recommended time, then take a quick 30 second rinse with cool water only, no soap. Pat dry, do not rub.
Moisturise wisely
Wait 16 to 24 hours, then moisturise daily with an oil free, fragrance free product to keep your glow.
Make it last
From day 4, a gradual tan extender every other day keeps the colour rich. Avoid long hot showers, chlorine and harsh scrubbing.
Everything is supplied
There is nothing to bring. Every session includes everything you need to tan comfortably and hygienically.
Everything you wanted to know
Booking and basics
Yes. You set up an account in the Sugarcoat app, which is also how you book and unlock the door by Bluetooth.
About 4 minutes in the booth, within a 20 minute slot that gives you time to prep and dry.
Most people tan every 1 to 2 weeks to keep a consistent glow, as a tan lasts 5 to 10 days with the right care.
Everything you need, including a disposable hair net, barrier and blending cream, a disposable G-string, personal wipes, sticky feet and tanning stickers.
Prep and aftercare
Exfoliate with an oil free scrub the day before, shave or wax at least 24 hours ahead, and arrive with clean, dry skin, free of makeup, moisturiser, deodorant and perfume.
Wait the recommended time for your shade, then rinse for 30 seconds with cool water only, no soap. Your tan keeps developing after you rinse.
Dark, loose clothing. Tight or light coloured clothes can rub or stain while your tan develops.
Moisturise daily with an oil free product, avoid long hot showers, chlorine and heavy sweat, pat dry rather than rub, and use a gradual tan extender from day 4.
Exfoliate with an oil free scrub or a tan remover, and soak in a warm bath to lift it evenly. A fresh tan goes on best over clean, bare skin.
Avoid sweating and strenuous exercise for at least the first few hours, ideally until after your first rinse, so the tan develops evenly.
Safety and health
Yes. A spray tan is UV free and sits on the surface of your skin. It is widely considered a safe alternative to sun or solarium tanning.
No. The active ingredient, DHA, reacts only with the top layer of skin to create colour and is approved for cosmetic use. Our formulas are vegan and paraben free.
No. Spray tanning is UV free, so it does not carry the skin cancer risk of sun exposure or solariums. It is the safe way to get colour without UV.
No. Commercial UV solariums, the sunbeds, have been banned across Australia since 2015. A contactless spray tan is the safe, legal way to get a tan.
No. A spray tan gives colour only and offers no sun protection, so always wear sunscreen outdoors.
Many people choose spray tans during pregnancy as a UV free option. We recommend checking with your doctor or midwife first, as everyone is different.
Your tan and daily life
A little bronzer guide colour can transfer before your first rinse, which is why we suggest dark, loose clothing. It is water soluble and washes out.
You can, but chlorine and salt water will fade it faster. Try to avoid long swims, and moisturise well afterwards to protect your glow.
With the right care, 5 to 10 days. Moisturising daily and short cool showers help it last at the longer end.
No. Our formulas develop into natural browns and bronzes, and the automated booth applies them evenly, so there are no streaks or orange tones.
Yes, and often more even. The booth applies the same flawless coverage every time, with no streaks or missed spots.
Ready to glow?
Book your tan in the app, any hour of the day, and put these tips to work.