Prep & Aftercare
Before-Tan Care Guide
Keep your tan looking smooth, glowing, and long-lasting by following these easy steps:
EXFOLIATION IS EVERYTHING:
Start exfoliating 2-4 times in the days before your session. Use a mitt or scrub, and pay extra attention to dry or rough spots - feet, heels, ankles, elbows, knees, and knuckles. Smooth skin helps your tan apply better and last longer.
HAIR REMOVAL & EXFOLIATING SHOULD BE DONE AT LEAST 24 HOURS AHEAD
Whether you wax or shave, give your skin a day to recover. DHA (the tanning ingredient) needs time to bond with your skin’s amino acids, and your pores need time to close to avoid spotting.
NO MOISTURIZER, NO OILS, NO BODY PRODUCTS ON THE DAY OF YOUR TAN
Avoid lotion, oils, deodorant, shaving cream, gel-based exfoliants, makeup, perfume, and sunscreen. These all create a barrier and can affect the way your tan develops.
START FRESH
Remove all old self tanner or spray tan leftovers completely.
SHOWER SMART
Rinse only with warm water at least 3 hours before your tan. No hot steam, soap, or exfoliating. Steam opens pores, which can affect your results.
GET BEAUTY TREATMENTS AHEAD OF TIME
If you’re getting a mani, pedi, facial, or massage, do it the day before. If its the same day, be sure to wash off any oils or residue before your session.
STAY DRY BEFORE YOUR GLOW
If you’re sweating beforehand, gently towel off. Moisture can impact the tans development.
WHAT TO WEAR?
Go nude, wear a thong, or keep a bikini on - it is totally your choice.
POST TAN OUTFIT
Wear dark, loose clothing to your appointment. Tight pieces can rub and mess with the tan while it is setting.
YOUR SKIN SHOULD BE CLEAN, BARE, DRY, AND FRESHLY EXFOLIATED WHEN YOU ARRIVE
After-Tan Care Guide
Keep your tan looking smooth, glowing, and long-lasting by following these easy steps:
Right After Your Tan:
Wait 8 to 12 hours before showering if you got a classic tan.
Wait 2 to 5 hours if you got a rapid tan. Your artist will tell you which one you received and when to rinse.
Do not get your skin wet during this waiting time. That means no showers, no sweating, and no touching water.
If it’s raining or snowing outside, wear long sleeves and pants to protect your skin.
Don’t put on makeup, lotion, or perfume while your tan is developing.
If you’re going to sleep with your tan on, wear long pajamas so the tan doesn’t transfer to your sheets.
If you accidentally touch your skin with your hands, gently wipe your fingers with a damp cloth, but try not to wet the rest of your body.
If your skin gets wet by accident, you can try blending the spot with a clean makeup brush or dry towel. If it still looks uneven later, you can fix it with a self-tanning product once the tan has fully developed.
Your First Shower:
Take your first shower using lukewarm water only — no hot water.
Don’t use soap or body wash during your first rinse. Just rinse until the water runs clear.
Do not scrub or rub your skin.
Pat your skin dry gently with a soft towel.
After Your Rinse (Ongoing Care):
Moisturize every day with a gentle lotion. Avoid anything with perfume, alcohol, mineral oil, or strong chemicals.
Use only mild, hydrating body washes and facial cleansers.
Do not use any skincare products that have exfoliating ingredients like:
Retinol
AHA or BHA
Salicylic acid
Glycolic acid
Lactic acid
Do not exfoliate your body while your tan is still fresh. Only start exfoliating again when your tan begins to fade.
Shaving is okay if done gently. Don’t wax areas that were tanned.
Do not spray perfume directly on your skin where the tan was applied — it can cause spots or fading.
Avoid hot tubs, saunas, pools, and long baths, as they will make your tan fade faster.
Too much sweating can also make your tan fade unevenly, so try to avoid heavy workouts for the first 24 hours.
If You Have a Sunburn:
Do not get a spray tan if your skin is peeling. It will look patchy and flaky.
If you have a sunburn that isn’t peeling, it’s best to wait until your skin has fully healed before getting tanned. Sunburned skin can cause the tan to develop unevenly and fade faster.
Important Tip:
Moisturizing is the most important step!
Keeping your skin hydrated helps your tan last longer and fade evenly. Use a lotion that is free of:
Mineral oil
Petroleum
Parabens
Fragrance
Alcohol
No body butters — just light, clean lotion.
Glow Haus Spray Tan FAQs
Everything you want to know before and after your tan — made simple.
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No! At Glow Haus, we use high-quality tanning products made to match your skin tone. You’ll look golden and natural — never orange.
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Book your tan 1 to 2 days before your event or trip. This gives your tan time to fully develop and look its best.
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Don’t worry! We’ll help you choose during your visit. Your artist will pick the best shade for your skin and the look you want.
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Both last about the same — 7 to 10 days. The only difference is how soon you can rinse. Regular develops slower, rapid is for faster results.
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We’ll talk about your tan goals first. Then, we’ll apply the spray tan using a special machine. It’s fast, gentle, and totally safe.
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It usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the service. You'll be glowing in no time!
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Yes, but wear loose, dark clothes and avoid sweating or getting wet until your first rinse.
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Wear loose, dark clothing and open shoes. Tight clothes can mess up your tan while it’s setting.
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Bring an umbrella and long clothes that cover your arms and legs. Water can ruin your fresh tan.
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You can wear whatever you're comfortable in. Some people wear underwear or a swimsuit. Others go nude for no tan lines — it's up to you!
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Not during the first rinse. Just use lukewarm water and rinse your body only — no soap or shampoo. After your second shower, you can go back to normal.
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Yes! Spray tans help you look glowy from the start. Just remember: your tan does not protect you from the sun, so wear SPF!
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Yes, but you still need sunscreen! Spray tans do not protect you from UV rays. Keep your skin safe.
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Schedule your bridal tan 2 days before your wedding. This gives your glow time to settle and look perfect.
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Yes, we highly recommend it. A trial lets us test the perfect color for your skin and avoid surprises on your big day.
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Of course! Spray tans are for everyone. If your fiancé wants a glow, we’ll make it look natural and clean.
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Yes! Matching glows look great in photos. Your whole bridal party can book together — and you’ll even get a group discount for 5 or more.
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A little color might transfer before your first rinse, but once rinsed properly and fully dry, your tan won’t rub off. We use finishing powder to help set it too.
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Our solutions are clean and gentle, but if you’re pregnant, please check with your doctor first.
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Yes, but we avoid spraying directly on your chest. We recommend wearing a top or covering the area while spraying.
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We bring the tan to you! We’ll set up a small pop-up tent and all the tools needed. It’s quick, clean, and perfect for busy schedules, events, or bridal parties.