Sunless Tanning Prep & Aftercare

Your guide to achieving, and maintaining, a perfect glow.

Whether you choose a custom airbrush tan or a VersaSpa Pro spray booth, proper preparation and aftercare are key to getting the best, longest-lasting results.

Before Your Appointment

Take a few simple steps before your tan to help the solution absorb evenly and develop beautifully:

Exfoliate and shave at least 8 hours before your appointment.
Avoid lotions, perfume, makeup, and deodorant on the day of your tan.
Wear loose, dark clothing and pull long hair up.
Schedule manicures, pedicures, or waxing before your tanning appointment (waxing at least 24 hours prior).

Tip: Clean, dry skin ensures even color and prevents patchiness.

Immediately After Tanning

Avoid lotion, perfume, makeup, or deodorant for the rest of the day.
Do not shower, swim, or sweat for at least 10–12 hours.
Express-dry solutions allow rinsing in as little as 3 hours.
Only wash palms with hand sanitizer until your first shower.
Expect a light bronze color to rinse off, that’s just the cosmetic bronzer, not your actual tan.

First Shower

Shower 10–12 hours after your appointment (or 3 hours for express solutions).
Rinse with warm water only, no soap.
Gently pat your skin dry.

Long-Term Maintenance

Apply moisturizer morning and evening beginning after your first shower.
Avoid long, hot showers and exfoliating scrubs.
Pat skin dry, never rub.
Avoid heavy friction from tight clothing or workouts.
Use Norvell’s Amber Sun Color Extender or Daily Moisturizer to prolong your tan.
Chlorine and salt water may cause faster fading, rinse and re-moisturize after swimming.