7 Common Spray Tan Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

A gorgeous tan can pull an entire look together. But a few small prep or aftercare spray tan mistakes can turn that fresh glow into uneven color, patchiness, or a tan that fades sooner than expected.
Knowing these common spray tan mistakes can help you walk into your appointment prepared and enjoy a more even-looking result.
1. Skipping Exfoliation Before Your Appointment
Smooth skin gives your tan a more even slate. One of the most common spray tan mistakes involves showing up with dry, flaky skin or leftover products from an earlier tan. Exfoliate thoroughly before your appointment, paying extra attention to areas such as your elbows, knees, ankles, and hands. Ideally, exfoliate the day before rather than immediately before your session.
Also, arrive with clean skin and avoid applying heavy lotions, oils, or body products right before your appointment. These can interfere with how the tanning solution develops.
2. Shaving or Waxing at the Wrong Time
Timing matters more than you might think. Shaving immediately before your appointment can leave your skin more sensitive and may affect the way the solution settles. Waxing also needs some planning.
Give your skin time to calm down before spray tanning. Following your salon's recommended timing can help you avoid irritation and uneven color.
3. Wearing Tight Clothes After Your Tan
Your outfit can make or break those first few hours. Tight jeans, leggings, socks, bras, and snug shoes can rub against freshly applied solution and create unwanted lines.
Choose loose, dark clothing after your appointment. Skip strenuous workouts, swimming, and activities that cause heavy sweating until your tan has developed according to your technician's instructions.
4. Forgetting Your Hands, Feet, and Face
A tan can look less natural when certain areas don't blend properly. Hands, feet, knees, elbows, and the face often need a lighter, more customized application.
A trained technician can adjust the amount of solution to create a balanced finish instead of giving every area the same coverage.
5. Applying Lotion Too Soon
Moisturizing helps maintain your glow, but timing matters. Follow your technician's instructions for when to shower and moisturize after your appointment. Once your tan has developed, regular moisturizing can help keep your skin looking smooth as the color gradually fades.
6. Expecting One Shade to Suit Everyone
Your ideal tan should complement your natural skin tone, not overpower it. Choosing a shade based only on how dark you want to look can lead to an unnatural finish. Our professional spray tanning salon can customize the color based on your complexion and desired result.
7. Treating Every Tan the Same
Your skin, schedule, and desired look may change from one appointment to the next. A beach vacation glow might call for a different approach than a subtle weekend bronze. Discuss your plans with your technician so they can tailor the application and aftercare to you.

At 360 Tans, we know that great results start with personalized care. Since 2005, we've provided airbrushed tanning designed around your unique skin tone and the look you want. If you're trying to avoid common spray tan mistakes, our experienced technicians can guide you through proper preparation, application, and aftercare.
For a polished, natural-looking glow, choose spray tanning in Austin, TX, at 360 Tans. Visit one of our North or South Austin locations and experience why our professional spray tanning salon can make such a difference.




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