Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s the lowdown:

EXFOLIATE + SHAVE
Scrub that skin like your tan depends on it—because it does. Use a proper exfoliating mitt and get rid of dead skin the night before. If you’ve got leftover self-tanner, do yourself (and us) a favor and grab our Charcoal Bar to strip it off. Spraying over an old tan is like painting over chipped nail polish—not cute.

NO LOTIONS, NO DEODORANT, NO OILS
Anything on your skin = a bad tan. Deodorant? Hello, green armpits. Lotion? Enjoy your streaks. Oils? Blotch city. Keep your skin clean and product-free before your appointment.

WASH YOUR HAIR FIRST
Plan ahead—wash your hair before your tan. Shampoo and conditioner can mess with your results if they run down your body during your first rinse. Trust us, it’s not worth the risk.

DRESS + PLAN SMART
You’ve got things to do, we get it. That’s why we use lightweight solutions and a non-stick drying powder, so you’re not stuck feeling gross all day. BUT—wear loose, dark clothing, avoid water (yes, that includes dishes and bathing kids), and skip the gym till after your rinse.

Now, go prep like a pro and get ready to glow. 

WHAT TO WEAR (OR NOT) FOR YOUR SPRAY TAN

DURING YOUR TAN? WE DON’T CARE.
Bikini, bra, thong, nothing at all—do you, babe. We’re here to tan, not judge.

EXCEPT IF YOU’RE A GUY…
Then yeah, we do care. You must wear something—boxers, briefs, socks, or a thong. No exceptions, no debates.

AFTER YOUR TAN? KEEP IT LOOSE.
No bras, no leggings, no tight shoes—basically, if it’s squeezing you, don’t wear it. Go for loose, dark clothing to keep your tan flawless.

SLEEPING IN YOUR TAN? COVER UP!
If you’re “marinating” overnight, throw on long sleeves and pants to bed. This keeps your tan from transferring to your hands—because orange palms are never the vibe.

HOW LONG WILL YOUR TAN LAST?

That depends… Are you gonna take care of it or nah? 

With the right aftercare, your glow can last 7-10 days—but that starts with good habits and the right products. Most drugstore lotions and body washes are packed with alcohols, fragrances, sulfates, and parabens—aka tan killers.

Want to keep that bronzed perfection? Stick to products designed for sunless tans. Ask about our Tanning Lounge Preferred Products—formulated to keep your glow fresh, even, and long-lasting. 

PROTECT THE GLOW: DEVELOPMENT RULES

HANDS OFF!
No skin-to-skin contact until your rinse—especially with your palms and fingers. DHA is still developing, and the last thing you want is weird tan patches because you couldn’t keep your hands to yourself. If you’re sleeping in your tan, wear long sleeves + pants to bed. Trust us, it’s worth it.

WATER = TAN KILLER
Until it’s time to rinse, avoid water like your life depends on it. No washing hands, no dishes, no bathing kids, no rain—water stops DHA from developing. Follow your technician’s recommended rinse time for the best results.

RINSE RIGHT OR REGRET IT 

• The MARINATE & GLOW (8-12 hour solution) → Do not go over 24 hours.
• The QUICKIE (rapid rinse):
  • 2 hrs → light-medium
  • 3 hrs → medium
  • 4 hrs → medium-dark
  • 5-6 hrs → dark

FIRST RINSE = JUST WATER
No soap, no shampoo, no conditioner—just a water rinse. Your first real shower (with products) comes later.

DON’T FREAK OUT POST-RINSE
You will look lighter immediately after rinsing, especially with a rapid tan. This is normal! Your tan keeps developing for 18-24 hours post-rinse. TRUST. THE. PROCESS.

KEEP IT FRESH
Want your tan to last? Stick with products designed for The Tanning Lounge glow. Our recommended body care line is made to keep your bronzed perfection going strong. 

RAPID TAN → Rinse in 2-6 hours
REGULAR TAN → Rinse in 8-12 hours
BOTH:

• Last 7-10 days with proper care
• Fully develop in 18-24 hours
• Customizable to your skin tone for the perfect glow

Pick your pace, trust the process, and let the bronzing magic happen. 

First things first… we’re sunless tanning pros, not doctors. While we’ve bronzed plenty of expecting mommas with our naturally derived solutions, every pregnancy is different. If you have any concerns, chat with your OBGYN first.

At The Tanning Lounge, we’ve got you covered—literally. Our tanning suites are equipped with state-of-the-art extraction units to minimize overspray inhalation for both you and our technicians. Safety + glow? We’re all about it.