If it's your first time getting a spray tan, we want to make sure your experience is as worry-free as can be. Find below common questions along with pre and post-appointment care tips:
Frequently asked questions
When should I book my tan?
Book 24-48 hours before, if possible. We will customise the colour as dark or as light as you need based on your preferences and your event or special occasion. We will also teach you how to extend the life of the colour with some easy to follow after-care tips to make sure you get the most out of your tan!
When should I shower BEFORE my tan application?
It is important to have a shower to get any oils off of your body before being sprayed. While it is best to shower more than 4 hours before your appointment, if you must shower within 4 hours, take only a quick shower with soap and warm (not hot) water.
Your pores are enlarged after a warm shower or bath, so the tanning solution can sit in your pores and creates dark-looking spots so its important to not shower to close to your appointment time.Skin should be clean and dry before being sprayed.
PLEASE NOTE: If you use coconut oil or tan removing products the day of your bronzing session, please add the PREP spray to your booking.
The entire 24 hours prior coming for your tan, avoid using bar soaps, high pH shower products, oil based products or in-shower moisturisers. Please avoid having a hot shower or vigorous exercise just before you come for you tan.
PLEASE NOTE: If you use coconut oil or tan removing products the day of your bronzing session, please add the PREP spray to your booking.
The entire 24 hours prior coming for your tan, avoid using bar soaps, high pH shower products, oil based products or in-shower moisturisers. Please avoid having a hot shower or vigorous exercise just before you come for you tan.
What should I do to prepare for my spray tan?
Scrub ALL colour off from previous spray tans or sunless tanners for best results. Take a hot shower or bath and massage damp skin with a heavy oil (like coconut oil or baby oil) to remove excess colour.
Towel dry afterwards for those stubborn areas. It works like a charm! Depending on how much colour is left, more than one shower/bath may be necessary to completely remove all remnants of the leftover colour.
On the day of your tan please ensure your skin is completely free of all products including moisturiser, deodorant, makeup and perfume. These products have ingredients that will react with the tan and turn it GREEN. Deodorant is often the main culprit, as this product is designed to resist moisture. A quick rinse under the shower may not cut it, make sure you thoroughly scrub your underarms and use soap or shower gel to make sure it is off, then rinse. Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise! Dry skin equals patchy tan. For a radiant and natural tan that wears away evenly, in the days leading up to your tan and after you have exfoliated, make sure you moisturise your whole body. Again, paying extra attention to dryer areas such as elbows, knees, hands and feet.
On the day of your tan please ensure your skin is completely free of all products including moisturiser, deodorant, makeup and perfume. These products have ingredients that will react with the tan and turn it GREEN. Deodorant is often the main culprit, as this product is designed to resist moisture. A quick rinse under the shower may not cut it, make sure you thoroughly scrub your underarms and use soap or shower gel to make sure it is off, then rinse. Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise! Dry skin equals patchy tan. For a radiant and natural tan that wears away evenly, in the days leading up to your tan and after you have exfoliated, make sure you moisturise your whole body. Again, paying extra attention to dryer areas such as elbows, knees, hands and feet.
What should I wear to have my tan applied?
You can wear your bathers, underwear, g-string or go completely naked – whatever makes you feel most comfortable.Most people wear as little as possible to avoid those pesky, tell-tale tan lines on your body. Our therapists will provide a disposable thong for you to wear but wear your own if you prefer. If you do wear your own clothing be sure to wear dark colours so the tan doesn’t stain. Many people will wear a black thong and go topless for an even tan. But if you feel more comfortable in a bikini, this is also standard practice.
How long will my new spray tan last?
5 - 7 days if you don’t moisturise and leave your tan to fade on its own. 7 - 10 days if you look after it properly using a gradual tanner every other day to a moisturiser will prolong your tan.
Be mindful that long showers, dips in the pool or saunas will decrease your longevity. After day 4, a good tan extender is suggested if you wish to prolong your colour.After day 6, exfoliate with a soft body polish/mitt on a daily basis, to help your skin absorb even more moisture, this also helps the tan fade naturally, rather than in patches.
Be mindful that long showers, dips in the pool or saunas will decrease your longevity. After day 4, a good tan extender is suggested if you wish to prolong your colour.After day 6, exfoliate with a soft body polish/mitt on a daily basis, to help your skin absorb even more moisture, this also helps the tan fade naturally, rather than in patches.
What should I wear after my spray tan?
It goes without saying, avoid anything too tight. This includes things like straps, waistbands and even bras with underwires. You want to minimise any chance of a patchy tan, by wearing garments after your tan that are fully covering your arms and legs.
From our experience, where possible it’s best to avoid singlets. You don’t want any sweat rubbing off your tan from under your arms with that skin on skin contact. So instead, finding a tee or long sleeve that can act as almost a barrier will help prevent any patches from forming under the arm. Oh and try and go for natural fabrics over any synthetics, they’re much more breathable too. * If it is raining on the day of your tan don’t stress, no need to last minute re-schedule. Just wear loose dark clothing that covers you up such as a tracksuit and hoodie or long sleeved t-shirt, and go for ugg boot or moccasin style closed slippers. This paired with an umbrella, and your tan will be perfectly protected.
From our experience, where possible it’s best to avoid singlets. You don’t want any sweat rubbing off your tan from under your arms with that skin on skin contact. So instead, finding a tee or long sleeve that can act as almost a barrier will help prevent any patches from forming under the arm. Oh and try and go for natural fabrics over any synthetics, they’re much more breathable too. * If it is raining on the day of your tan don’t stress, no need to last minute re-schedule. Just wear loose dark clothing that covers you up such as a tracksuit and hoodie or long sleeved t-shirt, and go for ugg boot or moccasin style closed slippers. This paired with an umbrella, and your tan will be perfectly protected.
When should I shower AFTER my spray tan application?
Rapid Tans: Rinse 1 - 3 Hours after application
Classic Tans: Rinse 6 - 8 Hours after application
Have a lukewarm 30 - 60 second rinse in the shower. Please do not use soap in this shower session.Ensure you gently wash away your bronzer with the palm of your hand, watch the water run clear. If you stand under running water - this may cause streaking and it is super hard to rectify. If you do happen to jump out and you can see streaks on your legs, please jump back in the shower and again, gently rub the area again.
TIP: Washing your legs first from top to bottom is best practice, then rinse the rest of your body.
TIP: Washing your legs first from top to bottom is best practice, then rinse the rest of your body.
Additional FAQ's
- +I recently got sunburnt that caused my skin to peel, will a spray tan even this out?
- Unfortunately no, sunburns and spray tans absolutely do not get along!
- If you have a recent sunburn we do not recommend getting a spray tan until your skin has completely healed and all peeling has completely subsided.
- For best results, wait 5 days after your skin has healed before coming in for your next spray tan.
- When your skin gets burned by UV light it can damage several layers of your epidermis, and your body then sheds those damaged skin cells. This causes peeling skin and uneven texture, and getting a spray tan with your skin in this condition will only provide patchy, uneven results.
- We know this probably isn't what you want to hear, especially if you were hoping a spray tan could even out your skin tone post-peel, but please trust us when we say that a spray tan will only make things look worse in this scenario!
- +Band-aids & Tape
- If you have recently used booby tape, strapping tape or band-aids on your skin please go over these areas thoroughly when scrubbing. Sticky invisible residue will often remain for weeks after on your skin and can cause patchiness around those areas when tanning.
- +Hair Removal - when should I start?
- Removing any unwanted hair at least a day before your tan will give your pores time to close. This minimises any risk of tan getting trapped and appearing dotty on your skin. If you are waxing, this needs to be done at least 2 days before to give your skin time to heal. Waxing can cause micro-tears in the skin which will affect your tan.
- + Why is the Prep Solution good for me to add before my bronzing session?
- Most importantly, it will balance the skin’s ph. It will go to work to rid the skin of daily body oils, perfumes and hidden dry skin, resulting in a perfect tan (trust us, it REALLY works!). Plus, it only takes a couple minutes and can be added last-minute to your service, just let us know!
- + I’m breastfeeding. Can I still get a spray tan at GOLD COAST TANS?
- Yes! Just let us know when you book your appointment or when you arrive.
- You are welcome to wear a bra or swimsuit top that covers any areas that you don’t want your child coming in contact with OR we can provide a damp cloth to immediately remove solution on the breasts if you need to be sprayed topless.
- Either way, we’ll walk you through the steps and make sure your tan is perfect. You’ll be in good hands, we promise!
- +After my spray tan, will I still need to wear sunscreen?
- Yes! You’ll have to SPF off those harmful UV rays, as natural tanning doesn’t offer any sun protection. Be sun-smart when you’re out and about, and try to wear a moisturising sunscreen lotion wherever possible. +I take acne medication and/or use topical acne cream/cleanser, will this affect my spray tan?
- Unfortunately, yes. You should not use topical acne meds of any kind on your face or body prior to getting a spray tan. Lotions and face washes containing salicylic acid and/or benzoyl peroxide will dry out the skin, which will affect the results of the tan. It may make the tan too dark in certain areas and peel off in others, causing in uneven results.
- If possible, stop using these products at least a few days before your spray tan appointment, and do not use again until your spray tan is completely faded. If your acne medication is unavoidable, please let your consultant know and we will simply avoid spraying your face or anywhere you are applying these medications. Oral acne medications, such as Accutane, may also cause severe drying of the skin, which can also affect the tan. We do not recommend getting a spray tan while using these medications.
- +Will swimming in chlorinated pools or sea water affect my tan?
- Unfortunately, yes! As swimming enhances exfoliation, and chlorinated water makes the skin lighter, it may cause your tan to fade more quickly than normal. Avoid the fade by taking shorter dips and always using a water-resistant sunscreen, which can act as a barrier between your beautiful bronze and the water.
- +I don't know what I did on the way home but I've creased my tan in areas. Have I ruined it?
- Nope :) We don’t expect you to live the statue life until shower time so it’s common for the colour to crease in places. Obviously do what you can to avoid it (think baggy clothes, not getting too stressed out and sweaty) but our tan is sturdier than you’d imagine. Creases should come right off once you’ve rinsed your bronzer off.
- Uh-oh I had dry skin and my tan is darker on my knees/hands/feet! What do I do?
- Don’t stress, if you had dry skin when you got your tan the solution tends to grab more to those areas, sometimes leading to a darker result. Lightly exfoliate the affected area under the shower and then moisturise this should help to even out the tan.
- +Is it better to wash my hair before or after my spray tan?
- This is actually a really important one.
- If you wash your hair on the day of your spray tan, you risk your shampoo and conditioner ruining your spray tan, especially if you’re a bride with an open-back dress.
- It’s best to wash your hair a couple of days before your spray tan and ensure you exfoliate your skin and back leading up to your appointment.
- If you don’t want to wash your hair before a spray tan, you can wash your hair the day after your tan. Try to make it a quick wash as you don’t want to be in the shower too long.
- You can always wash your hair upside down in the sink or bath to avoid ruining your tan.
- + Does GOLD COAST TANS offer packages or memberships?
- YES! You asked for it, and we listened.
- So Gold Coast Tans now offers both weekly memberships & prepaid packages!
- These can be found listed on our online booking system.
- HAVE WE ANSWERED ALL OF YOUR QUESTIONS? IF NOT, FEEL FREE TO REACH OUT TO bookmytan@hotmail.com