(QUICK READ) Spray Tan Before & After Care FAQ: Bronze By Ney
TL;DR (Quick Answers)
Prep: Exfoliate 8–24 hrs before, shave/wax ahead, come product‑free.
Rinse: 8–12 hrs for traditional; 4-5 hrs for express. First rinse = lukewarm water only, no soap.
Aftercare: Moisturize daily, avoid hot water/chlorine, pat dry.
Longevity: Expect 5–10 days with good care.
No orange/streaks: We use custom, high-quality solutions and pro technique.
At Bronze By Ney in Orlando, FL, we specialize in custom spray tans that develop in either 2–4 hours (express) or 8–12 hours (traditional). The secret to a flawless, long-lasting glow is equal parts proper prep and smart aftercare.
Before you come: Exfoliate from head to toe 8–24 hours before your appointment, focusing on rough spots (knees, elbows, ankles). Shave the night before, or wax 24–48 hours prior, so your pores close and skin isn’t irritated. On tan day, arrive with clean, dry skin—no lotion, oils, deodorant, makeup, or perfume. Finish mani/pedis, facials, or massages ahead of time to avoid leftover oils or scrubs.
Dress code: Wear loose, dark clothes and flip-flops to and from your appointment. Tight fabrics can rub the bronzer and cause streaks. During the tan, wear what you’re comfortable with (bathing suit, disposable underwear, or nude—men must wear bottoms). Whatever you wear = your tan lines.
At your appointment: We’ll chat about your ideal shade and timeline, protect dry areas with barrier cream, and then apply a fine mist evenly (airbrush or automated booth). You’ll be guided through a few poses. The whole visit is about 15–20 minutes, including drying time so you leave dry to the touch.
The wait to rinse: Traditional formulas need 8–12 hours; express formulas need 2–4 hours. We’ll tell you exactly when to rinse based on how dark you want to be. First rinse is lukewarm water only—no soap, no shampoo, no scrubbing. Rinse until the water runs clear, then gently pat dry. Your color will continue to deepen for several hours after this rinse.
Right after tanning (before rinsing): Stay dry and cool—no sweating, rain, or washing dishes. Avoid tight clothing and skin-to-skin pressure (crossed legs, arm against torso). Sit on dark towels in the car and sleep on dark sheets if you keep the bronzer on overnight. Don’t apply products until after your first rinse.
In the days after: Moisturize daily (even twice daily) with an oil-free lotion to slow fading. Use gentle, sulfate-free body wash and take short, lukewarm showers. Always pat—not rub—your skin dry. Minimize hot tubs, pools, ocean swims, and saunas for at least 24–48 hours; chlorine and salt fade tans fast. If you work out, shower soon after (gently) and moisturize again. Consider a tan extender (lotion with a hint of DHA) every other day to boost longevity. Expect hands, face, and areas with friction to fade faster—touch up with bronzer or gradual tanner if you like.
How long it lasts: Most professional spray tans last 5–10 days. Hydrated, well-cared-for skin keeps color longer; frequent swimming, sweating, or exfoliation shortens it. When it starts fading unevenly, exfoliate everything off and come back for a fresh glow.
Avoid list: Water/sweat before your first rinse, harsh soaps, scrubs, acids, retinols, depilatory creams, tight clothes, and heavy shaving or waxing. These either strip or streak your tan.
Orange or streaky? Not here. We use high-quality, balanced solutions and customize to your undertone. Streaks happen with poor technique or getting wet too soon—both easily avoided with our process and your care.
Staining fabrics? The cosmetic bronzer can transfer onto light clothes or sheets before your first rinse but usually washes out. Wear dark, loose items and use dark bedding that first day. After rinsing, transfer is minimal.
Makeup, deodorant, perfume? Skip them before your tan. After your first rinse, yes—use gentle, oil-free options. Spray perfume on clothes/hair rather than directly on skin to avoid fading spots.
Pregnant or breastfeeding? DHA works only on the skin’s surface. It’s generally considered safe, but always check with your healthcare provider. We can use masks or extra ventilation on request.
How often to tan? Weekly or bi-weekly is common for year-round glow. Just let the old tan fade and exfoliate fully before reapplying.
2-hour vs 8-hour: Express lets you rinse fast (2–4 hrs) and still develop fully afterward—great for tight schedules. Traditional develops while you sleep or go about your day (8–12 hrs). Longevity is similar—choose what fits your timetable.
Ready to glow? Book your custom spray tan in Orlando with Bronze By Ney—your skin will thank you.
EXTENDED FAQ
Prep is everything. Follow these steps 8–24 hours before your appointment:
Exfoliate thoroughly (especially knees, elbows, ankles) with a non-oil-based scrub, mitt, or washcloth.
Shave or wax in advance (shave the night before; wax 24–48 hours before) so pores can close and skin can calm.
Skip lotions, oils, deodorant, makeup, and perfume on tan day—clean, product-free skin tans evenly.
Finish other beauty services first (nails, facials, massages) to avoid product residue.
Hydrate from within—drink plenty of water leading up to your tan for healthier, longer-lasting color.
Do hair removal before your spray tan:
Shave 8–24 hours prior. Shaving too close to tanning can leave dark “dot” pores.
Wax 24–48 hours prior to avoid residue and irritation.
Avoid shaving or waxing after tanning—it scrubs off color. If you must shave, do it gently with a sharp razor and creamy, oil-free lubricant.
To your appointment: Loose, dark clothing (think oversized tee, maxi dress, sweatpants) and open-toed sandals/flip-flops.
During the tan: Wear what you’re comfortable with—bathing suit, disposable underwear, or go nude for no tan lines (men must wear bottoms). Remember, what you wear = your tan lines.
Afterwards: Stay in those loose, dark clothes until your first rinse. Avoid bras or tight waistbands if possible, and sleep in long sleeves/pants on dark sheets if you’re keeping the bronzer on overnight.
Consultation: We choose your ideal shade and development time (2-hour express to 8-hour classic).
Barrier prep: We protect nails, palms, knees, and elbows as needed.
Application: Our expert artist (or our automated booth) applies the fine mist evenly, guiding you through easy poses. The whole process takes about 15–20 minutes.
Dry time: Warm air helps set the solution so you’re dry to the touch before you dress.
Traditional solution: Wait 8–12 hours (often overnight) before your first rinse.
Express/rapid solution: Rinse in 2–4 hours depending on desired depth (we’ll tell you the sweet spot). Color will keep developing after you rinse, so don’t judge final tone right away.
First rinse rules: Lukewarm water only—no soap, no shampoo, no scrubbing. Rinse until water runs clear, pat dry.
Full shower with soap: After 24 hours, you can shower normally with a gentle, moisturizing wash.
Stay cool, dry, and product-free until your first rinse.
Avoid sweating, rain, washing dishes, or anything wet.
Sit and sleep carefully to prevent skin-to-skin or fabric friction. Use dark towels on car seats or furniture.
After your first rinse, moisturize with a tan-safe lotion to lock in hydration.
Moisturize daily (or twice daily) with an oil-free lotion.
Use gentle, sulfate-free cleansers and take quick, lukewarm showers.
Pat (don’t rub) skin dry.
Avoid chlorine, hot tubs, and long soaks for 24–48 hours; minimize them afterwards to prolong color.
Use tan extenders (lotions with a little DHA) every other day if you want to boost longevity.
Be easy on your face and hands—they fade quickest due to washing. Consider a gradual tanner or bronzer for touch-ups.
Generally 5–10 days, with most clients enjoying about a week of great color. Longevity depends on your skin type, lifestyle, and aftercare. Hydrated, well-cared-for skin keeps color longer; frequent swimming, sweating, or exfoliation will shorten it.
Water/sweat for the first 2–12 hours (based on your solution).
Hot tubs, pools, oceans, saunas for 24–48 hours (chlorine/salt fade tans fast).
Harsh soaps, scrubs, acids, retinols, depilatories—they strip color.
Tight clothing and friction in the first couple days.
Waxing or heavy shaving—wait until you’re ready to remove the tan.
Nope! We use high-quality solutions with balanced undertones and customize your shade. Proper prep + professional application + your aftercare = a smooth, natural bronze (never orange). Streaks only happen with poor application or getting wet too soon—both easily avoided.
The cosmetic bronzer can temporarily transfer before your first rinse, but it usually washes out. Wear dark, loose clothes and sleep on dark sheets or towels that first night. After rinsing, transfer is minimal and rarely noticeable.
Before your tan: Avoid all of the above.
After your first rinse: Yes, but choose gentle, oil-free products when possible. Spritz perfume on clothes or hair instead of directly on skin to prevent fading spots.
Spray tanning is generally considered safe because DHA works on the skin’s outer layer and isn’t absorbed systemically. Still, consult your healthcare provider if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Many moms-to-be choose to wear a mask to avoid inhaling mist, and we can adjust application accordingly.
You can tan as often as you like, but for best results:
Let your previous tan fade evenly (usually 7–10 days).
Exfoliate fully before reapplying color.
Many clients maintain a steady glow with weekly or bi-weekly sessions.
2-hour express: Rinse in 2–4 hours; fast for tight schedules or same-day events. Color keeps developing post-rinse.
8-hour traditional: Rinse after sleeping or later that day; ideal if you don’t mind wearing bronzer longer.
Longevity: Similar for both—choose based on convenience and preference.
Quick Before & After Care Checklist
Before Your Tan
Exfoliate 8–24 hours prior
Shave/wax ahead of time
No lotions, oils, deodorant, makeup
Wear loose, dark clothing and flip-flops
After Your Tan (Before First Rinse)
Stay dry & cool (no sweating!)
Avoid tight clothes and skin contact
Rinse at directed time with lukewarm water only
After First Rinse & Beyond
Pat dry, moisturize daily
Use gentle products; avoid hot water & chlorine
Touch up face/hands as needed
Enjoy 5–10 days of glow
Ready to Glow?
Book your custom spray tan in Orlando with Bronze By Ney today. Whether you want a subtle sheen or a deep island bronze, our professional team will guide you from prep to aftercare.
Call/Text: (407) 987-1788
Address: 2132 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, FL 32837
Instagram: @BronzeByNey
Book Online: https://booksy.com/en-us/900111_bronze-by-ney_wellness-day-spa_134763_orlando
Let’s get you glowing—the healthy way. 🌞✨
