Every flawless tan starts before the first spray. When you coach clients on smart prep and timing, your results look even, last longer, and keep them rebooking. This guide gives you a repeatable, pro-level system you can hand to every client and train across your team for streak-free spray tans, every time.
Why Client Prep Defines Professional Results
Sunless color forms when DHA reacts with amino acids on the outermost layer of skin. If skin is dry, coated in oils or deodorant, or freshly shaved, the reaction can be uneven and fade fast. Educating clients on exfoliation timing, barrier use, and product avoidance on tan day ensures even absorption and a longer-lasting glow.
Pro communication matters just as much as chemistry. Clear, concise instructions delivered at booking, and again via automated reminders, reduce no-shows and prevent last-minute mishaps that cause streaks.
Step 1: Pre-Tan Skin Prep (24 Hours Before)
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Exfoliate gently the day before. Encourage clients to focus on elbows, knees, ankles, and hands using a non-oily scrub.
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Complete hair removal 24 hours prior. Shaving or waxing immediately before can leave the skin vulnerable and disrupt DHA development.
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Avoid heavy oils and perfume. Oil-based residues can block absorption and lead to patching.
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Let skin rebalance. Extremely alkaline or acidic products right before a tan can alter DHA’s reaction.
Spray Tan Client Prep Checklist:
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Exfoliate last night
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Shave/wax yesterday
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Skip lotion, deodorant, and perfume today
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Pack loose, dark clothing and sandals
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Bring a hair tie and umbrella if rain is possible
Step 2: The Day of the Appointment
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Arrive with clean, dry skin. No lotion, deodorant, body makeup, or SPF; these interfere with solution adhesion.
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Dress for success. Loose, dark clothing and open footwear prevent rub-off during development.
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Use barrier cream on dry areas. Apply to elbows, knees, ankles, and cuticles to prevent over-darkening.
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Coach client positioning. Even with perfect prep, missed angles cause stripes. A quick pose walkthrough ensures full coverage.
Professional Spray Tan Prep in One Glance
Exfoliate the day before, finish hair removal 24 hours prior, arrive with clean, product-free skin, and wear loose, dark clothing. In the studio, apply barrier cream on dry zones and coach poses for even coverage. Follow with daily hydration and tan-safe aftercare to extend wear. This simple checklist prevents streaks and boosts longevity.
Step 3: Client Communication That Prevents Streaks
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Consult like a pro. Set shade goals, rinse timing, and lifestyle considerations during a quick but detailed consultation.
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Automate the reminders. Send a 24-hour prep checklist and post-visit aftercare message with a rebook link.
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Keep policies clear. Outline shave/wax timing and reschedule rules upfront to protect results and your schedule.
Step 4: Aftercare Matters Too
Hydration, gentle cleansing, and smart product choices make or break longevity. Advise clients to moisturize daily with tan-safe lotions and avoid long, hot baths in the first 24 hours after the rinse window. Provide retail options so they can maintain that island glow at home.
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Stock aftercare lotions for hydration and fade control.
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Keep your professional tanning collection ready for consistent backbar results.
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Offer a pre- and post-tan retail kit with exfoliant + lotion to increase retail sales and client satisfaction.
Pro FAQ: Salon-Ready Answers
What should clients do before a spray tan appointment?
Exfoliate the day before, complete hair removal 24 hours prior, arrive with clean, product-free skin, and wear loose, dark clothing.
Should clients shower or exfoliate right before their tan?
No. Allow at least several hours after showering and 24 hours after exfoliating or shaving for skin to normalize and accept DHA evenly.
What prep mistakes cause streaks or fading?
Using oily scrubs, applying lotion or deodorant the day of, wearing tight clothing during development, or skipping exfoliation.
How can salons ensure even spray tan results?
Educate clients, apply barrier cream to dry zones, guide posing, and automate prep and aftercare reminders.
The Professional Standard: Clean, Consistent, Camera-Ready
South Seas champions clean, vegan, paraben-free formulas trusted by salon pros and on-set artists alike. Positioning education alongside product keeps your results consistent across clients, seasons, and teams. Build your salon SOPs around this prep system, and every tan will photograph beautifully, from your studio to the red carpet.
Ready to Elevate Every Tan?
Professional results start with preparation. Train your team on this proven system, automate client reminders, and stock clean aftercare essentials so every appointment ends with a signature South Seas glow.
Explore the professional tanning collection and aftercare lotions to keep your clients glowing year-round.