What Should I Expect During My First Spray Tan?

Your first spray tan experience at Third Coast Tans will be comfortable, customized, and completely tailored to you. ✨

When you arrive, your technician will consult with you about your skin tone, undertone, and desired depth of color. Together, you’ll choose the perfect solution blend for your goals — whether you want a soft sun-kissed glow or a rich, bronzed finish.

Next, you’ll be guided to a private tanning room where you can undress to your comfort level. (Many clients tan nude, while others wear dark undergarments or swimsuits — whatever makes you feel confident.)

Your artist will then apply the tan using precise airbrush techniques to ensure even coverage, contouring, and a smooth finish. The entire process takes about 15–20 minutes, including drying time.

Afterward, you’ll dry for a few minutes before dressing in loose, dark clothing, and your technician will review your aftercare instructions to help your tan develop perfectly.

✨ Pro Tip: Your tan will appear darker at first — that’s just the bronzer. Once you shower, your true color will be revealed: natural, glowing, and uniquely you.

Exfoliate Before Your Tan

On the day of your tan, exfoliate your entire body in the shower using an exfoliating glove, mitt, or washcloth. A high-quality scrub works best and we recommend our Third Coast Priming Exfoliating Scrubs for the smoothest, most even results.

Focus on dry-prone areas like elbows, ankles, knees, and chest. Your skin should be completely clean and dry with no residue left behind. Avoid using soaps or body washes that contain oils or moisturizers before your appointment, as these can create a barrier on the skin. Do NOT use Dove Soap as this soap creates a barrier.

After showering, do not apply lotions, makeup, moisturizers, perfume, or deodorant prior to your tan. These products can prevent the spray solution from developing evenly.

✨ Pro Tip: Visit our in-salon store to shop the best exfoliating products specially formulated for sunless tanning!

What to Wear During Your Tan

For the best results and even coverage, please follow these guidelines:

👙 Clothing Options:

• You may wear dark undergarments, swimwear, or go nude — whichever you’re most comfortable with.

• Keep in mind that while spray residue usually washes out, light or white fabrics can stain over time.

💁‍♀️ Women:

• You may tan nude, wear a thong, or go topless, depending on your comfort level.

🩳 Men:

• Men are required to wear briefs, boxers, or shorts during the session.

💍 Before Your Session:

• Remove all jewelry and tie your hair up to keep it off your face, neck, and shoulders.

✨ Pro Tip: Wearing darker, loose-fitting clothing after your tan helps protect your glow while it develops.

What to Wear After Your Tan

After your session, it’s important to protect your fresh glow while your tan develops.

👗 Recommended Clothing:

• Choose loose-fitting cotton clothing for maximum comfort.

• Great options include scrubs, sundresses, maxi dresses, or relaxed workout clothes (avoid tight leggings).

🩴 Footwear:

• Wear flip-flops or loose-fitting shoes to prevent rubbing or streaking.

🚫 Avoid:

• Socks, bras, and tights — these can cause lines or uneven fading.

🚗 Travel Tip:

• If you have leather car seats, place a towel down before sitting to protect both your tan and your seats.

✨ Pro Tip: Stay cool and comfy while your tan sets — tighter fabrics or sweating too soon can affect your final color.

Important

💧 Deodorant Alert: Deodorant can be very potent and may react with the tanning solution. Be sure to scrub your underarms thoroughlybefore your appointment. If not removed completely, it can cause temporary green discoloration under the arms but don’t worry, it will wash away after your first shower.

🕒 Rinse & Shower Times: Each tanning solution has its own recommended rinse and shower time. Your technician will let you know exactly when to rinse or shower for the best, most even results. Following their instructions ensures your tan develops perfectly.

Shaving & Waxing

For the smoothest, most even tan, proper timing is key:

🪒 Before Your Tan:

• Shave or wax at least 24 hours before your tanning session. This allows your pores to close and your skin to calm, helping the solution apply evenly.

• Shaving the same day as your session can lead to blotchy application or an uneven fade.

🚫 After Your Tan:

• Avoid waxing once your tan is applied — waxing removes the top layer of skin and will strip your tan prematurely.

Always be sure to STAY DRY!!!

How to Sleep in Your Tan

Protect your developing glow overnight with these simple steps:

👚What to Wear:

• Sleep in loose, lightweight clothing, such as thin pajamas and a long-sleeve shirt.

• Avoid anything tight or heavy that could cause sweating or streaking.

🖐️ Hands & Transfer Tips:

• Apply a small amount of lotion to your hands and wrists before bed to prevent color from transferring onto your palms.

🛏️ Bedding:

• Skip your favorite white sheets — the bronzer may cause permenant staining. Opt for darker or older bedding instead.

🌅 In the Morning:

• Shower first thing when you wake up to rinse off the cosmetic bronzer and reveal your final glow.

• After every shower, moisturize generously to lock in your color and extend the life of your tan.

✨ Pro Tip: Stay cool, comfy, and hydrated overnight — your tan develops best when your skin stays calm and dry.

Moisturizing & Aftercare

Keeping your skin hydrated is the secret to a long-lasting, flawless glow!

🧴 Lotion Daily (At Least Twice a Day):

• Apply a high-quality, fragrance-free moisturizer morning and night.

• For best results, use one of our Third Coast Tan-Extending Lotions, available with or without a hint of DHA to keep your color rich and even.

🚿 Body Wash & Shower Tips:

• Avoid bar soaps — even “moisturizing” ones can dry out your skin and strip your tan.

• Use a gentle, paraben- and sulfate-free liquid body wash (available in our store!). We even carry a DHA-infused body wash that helps extend your tan by up to a week while keeping your skin soft and hydrated.

• Avoid Dove soap — it’s too harsh for spray tans and creates a barrier on the skin.

• Take short, lukewarm showers instead of long, hot ones to prevent your color from fading prematurely.

🧽 Washing & Drying:

• Use a soft washcloth or shower puff — no rough exfoliators until it’s time to fade your tan.

• After showering, gently pat dry with a towel. Avoid rubbing, which encourages exfoliation and can cause uneven fading.

☀️ Sun Protection:

• Your glow may look sun-kissed, but remember that spray tans don’t protect against UV rays! Always wear SPF when you’re out in the sun. Avoid spray-on sunscreens, as they often contain alcohol that can dry or streak your tan.

🕓 Fading & Exfoliating:

• Your tan will begin to gradually fade around 5–7 days after application.

• Dry areas like elbows, knees, and ankles may fade faster or appear uneven.

• When your tan starts to fade, begin gently exfoliating with a scrub or exfoliating mitt to help it wear off evenly and prep your skin for your next session.

✨ Pro Tip: Consistent hydration is your tan’s best friend; the more you moisturize, the longer and more evenly your glow will last! Also, remember to drink plenty of water!

Rapid vs. Traditional Tanning Solutions

At Third Coast Tans, we offer both Rapid and Traditional spray tanning solutions — each designed to fit your schedule and deliver the perfect glow.

☀️ Traditional Solutions

• Develop slowly over 8–12 hours.

• You’ll keep the solution on during this time to allow full color development.

• Perfect for evening appointments or those who prefer to tan overnight.

• Shower after the recommended time using a gentle, oil-free body wash and pat dry — never rub.

⚡️ Rapid Solutions

• Designed for busy schedules, Rapid solutions begin developing within 1–4 hours.

• Rinse time depends on your desired depth of color:
  

  • 1–2 hours for a light glow

  • 3 hours for a medium tan

  • 4 hours for a deep bronze

• Important: During your first rinse, use water only — no soaps, body washes, or shampoos.

• After rinsing, your tan will continue to develop naturally over the next 8–12 hours.

💬 Technician Guidance: Your Third Coast Tans technician will always tell you exactly when to rinse or shower based on the solution used, your skin type, and your desired result. Following their instructions ensures an even, flawless, and long-lasting tan.

📄 Please Note:

he color guide will wash off and you will not see final results for up to 24 hours.

✨ Pro Tip: For your first rinse — whether Rapid or Traditional — use lukewarm water, avoid scrubbing, and gently pat dry to lock in your glow.

What Can Lighten, Blotch, or Fade Your Tan

To keep your glow flawless and long-lasting, avoid the following products and habits that can strip or fade your spray tan:

🧼 Harsh Cleansers & Products

• Bar soaps (especially Dove, Ivory, or antibacterial bars)

• Exfoliating body washes or scrubs

• Highly fragranced or oil-based shower gels

• Products with alcohol, witch hazel, or salicylic acid

• Makeup removers, micellar waters, or cleansing wipes with oil

• Toners or astringents

• Anything labeled “deep cleansing” or “clarifying”

🧴 Lotions, Perfumes & Skincare Products

• Heavily scented or perfumed lotions (Bath & Body Works, Victoria’s Secret, Curel)

• Lotions with mineral oil, alcohol, or retinol

• Hair growth inhibitors or depilatory creams (Nair, Veet, Neet)

• Acne or anti-aging treatments (especially those with AHA, BHA, or retinoids)

• Spray-on sunscreens (use lotion-based SPF instead)

• Spray tanning over residual deodorant, perfume, or body oil

💅 Salon & Beauty Treatments

• Waxing or sugaring

• Manicures and pedicures (soaking, scrubbing, lotions, acetone)

• Laser treatments, facials, or chemical peels

• Eyebrow or lash tints within 24–48 hours

• Body hair bleaching products

🪒 Shaving & Exfoliating

• Shaving with a dull or used razor

• Shaving too soon after your spray tan (within 12 hours)

• Rough exfoliation, loofahs, or mitts during the life of the tan

• Rubbing aggressively with a towel after showering

🚿 Water & Heat Exposure

• Long, hot showers or baths

• Steam rooms or saunas

• Hot tubs, chlorine pools, or saltwater

• Excessive sweating (intense workouts, tanning beds, outdoor heat)

🩱 Friction & Fabric

• Tight clothing immediately after tanning (sports bras, leggings, jeans)

• Wearing socks, bras, or waistbands before your first rinse

• Leather seats or car interiors rubbing against the skin

• Sleeping in restrictive clothing that causes sweating

• Sheets with fabric softener residue (can cause discoloration)

☀️ Sun & Outdoor Factors

• Direct UV exposure (sunburn or peeling skin will strip tan)

• Spray-on SPF or bug spray (both can spot or streak the tan)

• Ocean or pool water (salt and chlorine fade color faster)

⚖️ Body Chemistry Factors

• Hormonal changes (menstruation, ovulation, pregnancy, birth control shifts)

• Certain medications that alter skin pH or exfoliation rate

• Extremely dry skin or dehydration

✨ Bonus Pro Tips

• Always use oil-free, paraben-free, and sulfate-free body products.

• Sleep in loose, breathable fabrics to prevent sweat marks.

• Stay hydrated — moisturized skin holds color longer.

• Use tan-extending lotions or products with gradual DHA to maintain color between sessions.