Aftercare Instructions: Spray Tan

One-page spray tan aftercare covering prep, first 8-12 hours, first rinse, maintenance and when to contact.

BeautyKiln Document Hub - Spray Tan Aftercare - Free to use, no attribution required

What this is

A one-page spray tan aftercare sheet to give clients after their appointment. Print on A5 or send digitally. Covers everything they need to know to get the best result and make their tan last.

Spray Tan Aftercare

Client name: ___________________

Date of tan: ___________________

Solution used: ___________________

Development time: ___________ hours (do not shower before this time)

Before your tan - a reminder

These should have been done before your appointment. If any were missed, results may vary.

• Exfoliate thoroughly 24 hours before your appointment
• No moisturiser, deodorant, perfume or body spray on the day
• Wear loose, dark clothing to your appointment
• Remove all jewellery before your tan

First 8-12 hours after your tan

This is the most important window. The solution is still developing on your skin.

• Do NOT shower, bathe or get wet
• Do NOT sweat - avoid exercise, cooking over steam, or hot environments
• Do NOT swim
• Avoid tight clothing, bra straps, waistbands and socks where possible - these can leave lines
• Avoid sitting on light-coloured fabric furniture without putting a dark towel down first
• Do not apply any products to your skin - no moisturiser, deodorant or perfume
• If you get caught in the rain, gently pat dry immediately - do not rub
• Sleep in loose, dark pyjamas and consider dark bedsheets for the first night

Your first rinse

After your development time is up:

• Rinse in lukewarm water only - not hot
• Do NOT use soap, shower gel or shampoo on your first rinse
• Do NOT scrub or use a flannel - just let the water run over you
• The bronzer (guide colour) will rinse off - this is normal. Your true tan colour is underneath.
• Pat yourself dry gently with a towel - do not rub
• Your tan will continue to deepen for 12-24 hours after your first rinse

Maintaining your tan

A well-maintained spray tan can last 7-10 days.

• Moisturise every day, morning and night - this is the single most important thing you can do to extend your tan
• Use a gentle, oil-free moisturiser (avoid anything with mineral oil, retinol or AHAs)
• Pat dry after showering or bathing - never rub
• Avoid long, hot baths and showers - lukewarm and quick is best
• Avoid chlorinated pools, hot tubs and saunas - these strip the tan fast
• Do not exfoliate or use scrubs while your tan is developing
• Avoid oil-based products, fake tan removers and harsh body washes
• Shave gently if needed - do not wax while your tan is on
• Use a gradual tanner between appointments to top up and extend the fade
• Wear SPF in the sun - a spray tan does NOT protect you from UV

How your tan will fade

All spray tans fade gradually over 7-10 days. The tan sits on your outermost skin cells, which naturally shed. Areas that get more friction (hands, feet, inner arms, inner thighs) tend to fade first. This is completely normal. Using gradual tanner on these areas can help even out the fade.

When to contact me

Get in touch if you notice any of the following within 24 hours of your appointment:

• Uneven patches or streaks that were not there when you left
• Allergic reaction - itching, rash, redness or swelling
• Any other concerns about your tan

Do not try to fix uneven patches yourself with scrubs or removers - contact me first and I will advise.

Your next appointment

Recommended rebooking: every _____ days/weeks

Next appointment date: ___________________

[YOUR BUSINESS NAME]

Phone: ___________________

Instagram: @___________________

Booking link: ___________________

How to use this template

Print this on A5 card or paper. Fill in the client's name, date, solution and development time before handing it over. Go through the key points verbally while you hand it to them - most clients will not read it until they have a question. If you send aftercare digitally (WhatsApp, email), keep the same content but format it for easy reading on a phone. Having written aftercare to hand out protects you if a client claims they were not told how to look after their tan.