Get a Flawless Glow by Dodging These Common Tanning Slip-Ups
Spray tanning is a powerful alternative to sunbathing that delivers the golden, sun-kissed skin you want without the harmful UV exposure. But achieving a flawless result takes more than stepping into a spray tan booth or salon. From preparation to post-care, even small missteps can cause uneven tones, premature fading, or blotchiness, regardless of how effective the spray tan technique used is.
We’ve rounded up the top spray tan mistakes we’ve seen throughout the years and how you can avoid them, so read on and be ready for that perfect glow!
1. Skipping Exfoliation: Your Skin’s Worst Tan Enemy
A flawless spray tan begins with the skin itself. If you skip exfoliation, dead skin cells will interfere with the application, causing patchy or streaky results.
- Solution: Gently exfoliate your body at least 24 hours before your appointment. Use the goGLOW EXFOLIATE Mitt and follow up with CLEANSE, our pH-balancing cleanser designed to prep the skin for optimal absorption of the tanning solution. Avoid harsh exfoliants or oil-based moisturizers that leave residue behind.
2. Hair Removal Timing Mistakes
Waxing or shaving too close to your session can lead to irritated skin or open pores, which may react poorly to the spray tan solution. This mistake often causes the color to cling unevenly or appear darker in freshly shaved areas.
- Solution: Wax 48 hours before, or shave 24 hours in advance. This gives the skin time to calm down while still offering a smooth surface to which the tanning solution can adhere.
3. Wearing the Wrong Clothing
Post-tan smudging often begins with tight or synthetic clothes. Wearing restrictive outfits or certain fabrics can disrupt the development of your tan or rub away bronzer before it sets.
- Solution: Opt for loose, dark, breathable clothing. Cotton dresses, oversized T-shirts, and flip-flops are ideal. Avoid tight bras, elastic waistbands, jewelry, or anything metallic—including underwire or decorative metals—which can leave marks.
4. Using Oil-Based or Scented Products Pre-Tan
Many body lotions, perfumes, and deodorants contain oils or chemicals that create a barrier on the skin. These barriers repel the tanning solution, leading to poor absorption and uneven results.
- Solution: On the day of your tan, cleanse the skin thoroughly with goGLOW CLEANSE and avoid applying any oil-based solutions or deodorant. This ensures the skin is prepped and clear of any obstructions to the self-tanning process.
5. Tanning Right Before a Major Event
Spray tans need time to develop and settle. Applying one the night before your wedding day, a vacation, or a photoshoot could backfire, especially if any adjustments are needed.
White gowns or white fabrics are especially susceptible to staining if your spray tan is not allowed to dry on time.
- Solution: Schedule your Rapid goGLOW, express luxury spray tan 2 days prior to your event. It’s a customized spray tan that can be rinsed off as quickly as 3 to 5 hours after application and will be ready within 24 hours. This ensures your skin tone is fully developed and allows time for minor corrections if needed. It is also ideal for bridal parties, swimwear shoots, or any seasonal event.
6. Ignoring Your Tan Specialist’s Guidance
Proper positioning during your airbrush tanning session is crucial. Standing incorrectly or moving too soon can cause streaks or missed spots, even with the best spray tan technique.
- Solution: Follow your tanning artist’s directions carefully. Whether they’re using a spray tan gun or an airbrush needle, precision matters. Keep your arms, legs, and fingers in the advised position throughout the process to ensure even coverage.
7. Choosing the Wrong Shade or Formula
Selecting a shade too dark for your skin tone can leave you looking orange rather than radiant. Likewise, the wrong product type can affect both appearance and longevity.
- Solution: Let your spray tan specialist guide you in choosing the right tanning solution. goGLOW offers personalized consultations to help select between standard, Rapid solutions, or aftercare options like a self-tanning serum, bronzing drops, or gradual tanning lotions like the goGLOW EXTEND solution to maintain your tan at home.
8. Showering or Sweating Too Early
One of the most common spray tanning mistakes is rinsing off too soon or working out after your session. Sweat and water interrupt the development of the tanning solution, resulting in streaks and fading.
- Solution: Wait the full development time: 12–24 hours for a standard tan or 3–5 hours for a Rapid spray tan. Avoid exercise, swimming, or showering before the recommended time. Your tan artist will give you precise instructions based on your selected solution.
9. Wearing Tight Clothing Immediately After Your Session
Just like before your tan, tight or clingy clothes post-session can smudge your bronzer and create visible lines. This is especially problematic for clients who immediately get dressed in fitted jeans, bras, or gym wear.
- Solution: Bring disposable undergarments or wear a loose dress and flip-flops after your appointment. Avoid synthetic fabrics and instead stick with soft cotton garments to protect your developing tan.
10. Not Moisturizing Properly Post-Tan
Dry, flaky skin leads to premature fading and patchy wear-off. Without adequate hydration, your beautiful bronze could disappear within days.
- Solution: Start moisturizing the day after your session using goGLOW HYDRATE, our hydrating formula that supports skin elasticity and glow. Follow up daily with EXTEND, our gradual tanning lotion designed to keep color vibrant and even. Both products are made to work synergistically with your spray tan.
Bonus Spray Tan Tips
Be Mindful While Sleeping
Freshly tanned skin can transfer to bed sheets or get smudged from your sleep position. Cotton sheets can also absorb bronzer, ruining the look of your linens.
- Solution: Sleep in dark-colored, long-sleeved pajamas and use dark bedding for the first night after your tan. This helps preserve your glow while keeping your sheets stain-free.
Delay Makeup and Deodorant
Applying makeup, deodorant, or sunscreen before your post-tan rinse can block the absorption of the tanning solution or cause discoloration.
- Solution: After you visit the spray tan booth or salon, skip all products until your first rinse is complete and your skin is fully dry. Once rinsed, you can resume applying cosmetics and SPF.
How to Fix Spray Tan Mishaps
Even with the best preparation and spray tan technique, mistakes can happen. Here’s how to recover gracefully:
- Patchiness: Gently exfoliate with the EXFOLIATE Mitt and reapply self-tanning serum to even it out.
- Overdeveloped Areas: Take a warm bath with gentle exfoliants to soften color.
- Missed Spots: Use a touch-up spray mixed with body lotion to correct light areas. goGLOW’s TOUCH UP, for example, already comes with natural moisturizing components that hydrate while bronzing any missed spots.
These quick fixes can save your tan and your confidence.
Final Glow-Up: Trust the Process (and the Pros)
Spray tanning is both a science and an art. By avoiding these mistakes and working with a trained goGLOW tan artist, you set yourself up for an effortless, streak-free experience every season. Our clean, customizable formulas, expert techniques, and dedicated aftercare line ensure your glow is as safe as it is stunning.
Book your next appointment with goGLOW and step into your most confident, glowing self.
Glow smarter. Tan better. Feel radiant.
