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.

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




Comments