The Blog
A flawless, natural-looking spray tan starts long before you step into the booth. At Shaded & Co., we specialize in creating the perfect, custom glow for every client — but the secret to achieving that sun-kissed finish lies in your prep. Whether you’re visiting our Houston flagship Sunless Social Club or booking our mobile concierge service, these professional pre-tan tips will help your color go on smoother, develop evenly, and last longer.
⸻
1. Exfoliate 24 Hours Before
The most important step in your spray tan prep is exfoliation. Removing dead skin cells allows your tan to apply evenly and prevents patchiness. Use a gentle scrub or exfoliating mitt 24 hours before your appointment, focusing on dry areas like elbows, knees, ankles, and wrists.
✨ Pro Tip: Avoid oil-based scrubs — they can create a barrier that blocks the tanning solution from absorbing properly.
⸻
2. Shave or Wax the Day Before
If you plan to shave or wax, do so the day before your tan. This gives your pores time to close and avoids the dotting effect that can happen if you tan too soon after hair removal. A smooth canvas = a seamless glow.
⸻
3. Keep Skin Clean & Product-Free
On the day of your appointment, shower before your session and come with completely clean, dry skin. Skip lotion, perfume, deodorant, and makeup — all of these can interfere with the tanning formula and cause uneven results.
If you must wear deodorant earlier in the day, gently wipe it off before your tan.
⸻
4. Choose the Right Outfit
After your session, wear loose, dark clothing and slip-on shoes. Avoid tight waistbands, bras, or leggings that could rub off the solution before it fully develops.
At Shaded & Co., we also offer chic disposable sets and prep wipes to make your experience feel effortless and luxe.
⸻
5. Plan Ahead for Events
Spray tans look their absolute best after they’ve fully developed and been rinsed — usually 24 hours post-session. For brides, photoshoots, or special events, schedule your appointment 1–2 days in advance for the perfect, settled glow.
⸻
6. Don’t Forget to Hydrate
Hydrated skin holds color better. Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment, and moisturize regularly (but skip lotion the day of your tan). The healthier your skin, the more even and radiant your tan will be.
⸻
The Shaded Difference
At Shaded & Co., every client receives a custom consultation before their session — we evaluate your skin tone, undertones, and goals to create a perfectly tailored shade. Whether you’re glowing up for a wedding, vacation, or girls’ night out, we deliver professional, streak-free results every time.
Book your next spray tan at our Houston flagship location or request our in-home concierge service for the ultimate luxury experience.
✨ Ready to glow? Contact us through the message portal below to schedule your custom tan with the Shaded experts.
A flawless, natural-looking spray tan starts long before you step into the booth. At Shaded & Co., we specialize in creating the perfect, custom glow for every client — but the secret to achieving that sun-kissed finish lies in your prep. Whether you’re visiting our Houston flagship Sunless Social Club or booking our mobile concierge service, these professional pre-tan tips will help your color go on smoother, develop evenly, and last longer.
⸻
1. Exfoliate 24 Hours Before
The most important step in your spray tan prep is exfoliation. Removing dead skin cells allows your tan to apply evenly and prevents patchiness. Use a gentle scrub or exfoliating mitt 24 hours before your appointment, focusing on dry areas like elbows, knees, ankles, and wrists.
✨ Pro Tip: Avoid oil-based scrubs — they can create a barrier that blocks the tanning solution from absorbing properly.
⸻
2. Shave or Wax the Day Before
If you plan to shave or wax, do so the day before your tan. This gives your pores time to close and avoids the dotting effect that can happen if you tan too soon after hair removal. A smooth canvas = a seamless glow.
⸻
3. Keep Skin Clean & Product-Free
On the day of your appointment, shower before your session and come with completely clean, dry skin. Skip lotion, perfume, deodorant, and makeup — all of these can interfere with the tanning formula and cause uneven results.
If you must wear deodorant earlier in the day, gently wipe it off before your tan.
⸻
4. Choose the Right Outfit
After your session, wear loose, dark clothing and slip-on shoes. Avoid tight waistbands, bras, or leggings that could rub off the solution before it fully develops.
At Shaded & Co., we also offer chic disposable sets and prep wipes to make your experience feel effortless and luxe.
⸻
5. Plan Ahead for Events
Spray tans look their absolute best after they’ve fully developed and been rinsed — usually 24 hours post-session. For brides, photoshoots, or special events, schedule your appointment 1–2 days in advance for the perfect, settled glow.
⸻
6. Don’t Forget to Hydrate
Hydrated skin holds color better. Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment, and moisturize regularly (but skip lotion the day of your tan). The healthier your skin, the more even and radiant your tan will be.
⸻
The Shaded Difference
At Shaded & Co., every client receives a custom consultation before their session — we evaluate your skin tone, undertones, and goals to create a perfectly tailored shade. Whether you’re glowing up for a wedding, vacation, or girls’ night out, we deliver professional, streak-free results every time.
Book your next spray tan at our Houston flagship location or request our in-home concierge service for the ultimate luxury experience.
✨ Ready to glow? Contact us through the message portal below to schedule your custom tan with the Shaded experts.
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