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How to Prepare for a Spray Tan for the Best Results in Austin

  • 8 hours ago
  • 2 min read

If you’re wondering how to prepare for a spray tan, the steps you take before your appointment will directly impact how your tan looks, develops, and fades.


how to prepare for a spray tan with properly hydrated skin in Austin
Well hydrated skin helps your spray tan apply evenly and last longer

In Austin, where heat and lifestyle can affect your skin, proper preparation is even more important to getting smooth, even, natural results.


How to Prepare for a Spray Tan the Right Way

The goal of prepping your skin is simple:Create a clean, balanced surface so your tan develops evenly.


When prep is done correctly, your tan will:

  • Apply smoother

  • Develop more evenly

  • Fade naturally


Hydration Starts Before Your Appointment

One of the most overlooked parts of how to prepare for a spray tan is hydration.

If your skin is dry, your tan can:

  • Absorb unevenly

  • Look patchy

  • Fade faster


What to Do

  • Drink plenty of water leading up to your appointment

  • If you drink a lot of water but still feel dry, consider adding electrolytes

  • Keep your skin hydrated in the days before your tan

Hydration should happen leading up to your appointment, not right before it.


Do Not Apply Lotion the Day Of

While hydration is important, applying lotion the day of your appointment can interfere with your results.

On the day of your tan:

  • Avoid lotions

  • Avoid oils

  • Avoid heavy skincare products on the body

This ensures your skin is clean and ready for even application.


Wear Dark, Loose Clothing

After your appointment, your tan is still developing.

Wearing the right clothing helps prevent:

  • Transfer

  • Smudging

  • Uneven development

What to Wear

  • Dark clothing

  • Loose fitting items

  • Avoid tight straps or waistbands


Waxing Timing Matters More Than You Think

If you are waxing before your tan, timing is critical.

Waxing should be done 48 to 72 hours before your appointment.

Why This Matters

  • Waxing opens the pores

  • Open pores can lead to dark speckling, especially in areas like the bikini line

  • It also removes a layer of skin, which can cause uneven absorption

Giving your skin time to reset helps prevent these issues.


Schedule Nails the Day Before, Not the Day Of

Manicures and pedicures should be done before your spray tan, ideally the day before.

Why

  • Nail services often involve soaking and exfoliation

  • This can strip or interfere with your tan if done after

  • Doing them beforehand ensures your tan stays intact


How to Get the Best Spray Tan in Austin

If you want the best spray tan in Austin, preparation is just as important as the application.

At 360 Tans, we guide every client through proper prep so their tan develops evenly and looks natural from the start.

We also customize each tan based on:

  • Skin type

  • Hydration levels

  • Desired result

You can learn more about our services here:https://www.austin360tans.com


Final Thoughts

If you’ve been wondering how to prepare for a spray tan, the key is consistency and timing.

Focus on:

  • Hydrating your skin in advance

  • Avoiding products the day of

  • Timing waxing and nail appointments correctly

When your skin is properly prepared, your tan will apply smoother, last longer, and fade more evenly.


Serving Areas

We proudly serve clients in:

  • Austin

  • Westlake Hills

  • Bee Cave

  • Cedar Park

  • Round Rock

 
 
 

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