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Prep: what to do before your appointment

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24-48 hours before your tan:

Exfoliate your skin using your an exfoliating glove/mitt. Go beyond a regular shower and scrub down all areas, including knees, elbows, chest, and other dry patches. Proper exfoliation, days leading up to your spray tan, creates an even surface and flakes away dead skin cells. Not only does exfoliation help with an even spray tan, it will fade naturally with no splotches and helps the tan last even longer.

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When to shave, wax, get manicures/pedicures:

If you plan on shaving, waxing, or getting a pedi, do it BEFORE your appointment. It is best to do these 24 hours in advance, NOT the day of your appointment. Waxes, soaps, and lotions from these services can stop the tan from developing so the skin stays pale.

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When to shower last: 

Your last shower before your tan should be either the night or morning before your appointment. DO NOT SHOWER (with soap) WITHIN 3 HOURS of your spray tan. Various soaps can interfere with color development or inhibit the tan from developing at all. You can always rinse off with warm water to freshen up, just make sure to dry off completely.

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Day of your spray tan appointment:

DO NOT APPLY lotions, perfumes, or creams the day of your appointment.  Lotion creates a barrier and will keep that area from tanning. If you sweat or work out before your tan, make sure to rinse off and dry your skin fully. You can scrub down again with an exfoliating glove. Remove any make up or deodorant beforehand with a baby wipe or a quick rinse with water only. For the perfect tan results, your skin must be clean, dry from any water/sweat, and clear from soaps and lotions. Come to your appointment as a clean slate!

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Aftercare: what to do after your appointment

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When to shower after a spray tan:

Do not shower with soap as long as possible, ideally for 24 hours. As with all DHA products, sunless color begins showing development approximately 4 hours post application and continues to darken for up to 24 hours. If you must shower before the 24 hours has lapsed, do so using a warm water rinse only. You can rinse 8-12 hours after a tan. If you need to rinse sooner than 8 hours, try the rapid tan.  Cosmetic surface bronzers will wash away during the first shower. This isn't your tan coming off. With the rapid rinse tan, your tan will continue to develop!

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How to make your tan last longer:

Moisturize daily with sulfate-free lotion, which will help your tan to stay longer and fade evenly. Dry skin is a spray tan's worst enemy! Using a sulfate-free body wash will prevent premature fading of your tan and keep the color looking natural. You can use a gradual tan extender to keep your tan lasting even up to two weeks! 

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Ask your spray tan artist for recommendations on a body lotion, body wash, and tan extender!  

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