Spray Tan Tips & Aftercare
— Caramel Tan’s Expert Guide for an Austin Glow
Want a flawless, long-lasting spray tan in Austin? Follow these expert spray tan tips and aftercare steps from Caramel Tan to prep your skin, protect your glow, and keep your color looking fresh from the first rinse to your next appointment. Whether you’re visiting our Austin, West Lake Hills, or Dripping Springs studios—or getting Caramelized with our mobile spray tan service—these are your go-to glow rules.
Before Your Spray Tan
– Prep for a Flawless Caramelized Glow
Wax + Shave
Wax at least 48 hours before your appointment, and shave with a razor that does not have a moisture strip. This prevents residue buildup and helps your spray tan apply evenly.
Exfoliate Properly
Avoid oil-based body scrubs or loofahs — they can leave a film that blocks color. Use a spray-tan-safe exfoliating mitt like our Caramel Strip to gently remove dead skin and old color.
Complete Spa Treatments First
Your spray tan should always be the last beauty treatment you complete. Schedule massages, facials, or waxing the day before to avoid product barriers that prevent your tan from developing evenly.
No Barriers on Skin
Skip lotions, oils, deodorant, perfume, and makeup on the day of your appointment. These products can block the tanning solution from absorbing properly into your skin.
Dress for Success
Wear dark, loose-fitting clothing and open-toed sandals after your appointment. Some bronzer transfer may occur, but it’s water-soluble and washes out easily.
Mani + Pedi Timing
Complete manicures and pedicures the day before your spray tan. If done afterward, soaking, acetone, or oils can cause your tan to fade unevenly.
Smart Showering
Avoid bar soaps and heavily scented body washes (like Dove), as they leave residue that blocks color. Use gel-based, spray-tan-safe cleansers instead. Shower at least 4 hours before your appointment to let your pH balance neutralize. If you must shower closer to your tan, finish with a cold rinse to close pores and prep your skin.
After Your Spray Tan
– Keep Your Glow Looking Flawless
Before Rinsing
Avoid getting wet or sweaty until your initial rinse. This means no showering, workouts, lotions, or liquid foundation on your skin. If you have pets, don’t let them lick you while your tan is developing.
Overnight tans: wait 8 hours before rinsing. Rapid rinse tans: rinse after 3–6 hours, depending on your artist’s instructions.
No Touching
Avoid touching your skin while your tan is developing — stained palms can happen easily.
Initial Rinse
Rinse at your designated time to ensure your tan develops the correct shade. Use lukewarm water only — no soap during your first rinse. Rinse until the water runs clear and gently pat dry with a towel. If you notice streaks, hop back in and use your hands to help the leftover bronzer rinse off. Your custom airbrush tan will continue to deepen over the next 24 hours.
Stay Hydrated
Hydrated skin = longer-lasting tan. Use a fragrance-free, mineral oil-free moisturizer, such as Caramelized Quench, twice daily. After day 3, switch to a tan-extending lotion that contains DHA to boost your glow. And of course — drink plenty of water!
Future Showers
Keep future showers short and simple. Avoid loofahs, washcloths, or exfoliating gloves for the first few days. Rinse with your hands only in needed areas (pits + privates). Use a gentle, gel-based body wash such as Caramelized Lather to preserve your color.
Activity Check
Prolong your tan by avoiding: Long swims in pools or the ocean, Hot showers or baths, Saunas and heavy sweating. You can absolutely enjoy these activities — just remember, frequent heat or chlorine exposure may cause your spray tan to fade faster.
Keep glowing longer: Follow these spray tan aftercare tips and your color will stay even, hydrated, and radiant for up to 10 days.