Every great tan starts with great preparation. This page covers everything you need to know before, during, and after your appointment, so you can arrive confident, informed, and ready for your glow.

WHAT TO EXPECT

No pressure. No guesswork. Just a great glow.

Before your appointment

The secret to a flawless, long-lasting tan starts before you ever walk through the door. Here's how to set yourself up for the best possible result.

  • Exfoliate at least 24 hours before your appointment using an exfoliating mitt or dry brush, this removes dead skin cells and creates a smooth, even canvas for your tan to develop on

  • Avoid oil-based scrubs and lotions before your appointment, common ones like Tree Hut, EOS, and Dove contain ingredients that create a barrier on the skin and prevent your tan from developing evenly

  • Shower the night before your appointment or at least 5–6 hours prior, this helps prevent the solution from settling into pores, which can cause a speckled or uneven appearance

  • Shave at least 12 hours before your appointment and rinse thoroughly, any remaining shaving cream or aloe residue can interfere with your tan development

DAY BEFORE APPOINTMENT

  • Arrive with clean, product-free skin, avoid makeup, lotions, oils, and deodorant. These products can interfere with solution development and in some cases cause discoloration when mixed with spray tan solution

  • Plan your outfit ahead of time, wear dark, loose-fitting clothing and open-toed sandals to your appointment. Tight clothing can rub against freshly applied solution and lead to uneven or patchy results

DAY OF APPOINTMENT

What you put on your skin after your appointment matters just as much as your prep. Look for body washes and moisturizers that are free of alcohol, fragrance, sulfates, and mineral oils, these ingredients break down your tan faster and can cause uneven fading. Great options include Hempz, Native, SheaMoisture, Aveeno, and CeraVe. Spray-tan-safe products are also available for purchase at your appointment.

Please avoid Dove products and antibacterial soaps.

YOUR POST TAN ROUTINE

A spray tan is a beautiful, UV-free glow, and we want to keep it that way. Apply SPF 30 or higher daily and avoid prolonged sun exposure leading up to your appointment. Spray tans applied to sunburned or peeling skin will not develop properly and will result in an uneven, patchy finish.

SUN PROTECTION & SUN BURNS

Spray tans should always be the last step in your beauty routine. Manicures, pedicures, waxing, lashes, massages, and facials should all be completed at least 48 hours before your spray tan to ensure your tan develops evenly and lasts as long as possible.

BEAUTY SERVICE TIMING

DURING YOUR APPOINTMENT

From the moment you arrive, this is your time.

Every appointment begins with a personalized consultation, we'll talk through your skin tone, undertones, lifestyle, desired depth, and any upcoming events. This isn't a rushed, one-size-fits-all process. It's a real conversation designed to make sure your tan looks and feels completely right for you.

From there, I'll hand-blend your custom solution and guide you through each positioning step with clear, calm direction. You'll never be left guessing what to do or where to stand. The application itself is quick, typically 10 to 15 minutes, but the attention to detail never gets rushed. Every angle, every contour, every edge is blended with precision so your results look seamless and natural.

We finish with a blending check, drying time, and a finishing powder to set your glow. An optional hydration spray is available for an extra smooth, luminous finish.

Throughout every step, your comfort, privacy, and boundaries are the priority. This is a calm, judgment-free space where you are welcomed exactly as you are, and you will leave feeling exactly the way you deserve to feel.

Glowing. Confident. Completely taken care of.

AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT

The care you give your tan after your appointment is just as important as your prep, and I'll make sure you leave knowing exactly what to do.

Before you walk out the door, you'll receive clear, personalized instructions on rinse timing and aftercare based on the specific solution used for your tan. Nothing is left to guesswork.

Give your tan time to develop undisturbed. In the hours between your appointment and your first rinse, it's best to avoid:

  • Getting wet or sweating excessively

  • Applying makeup, lotion, or any products to the skin

  • Wearing tight or restrictive clothing

Loose, dark clothing is your best friend during this window.

HOURS POST APPOINTMENT

When it's time to rinse, use warm water only and your hands to gently rinse away the bronzer until the water runs clear. You may notice some color washing away, this is completely normal. That is the cosmetic bronzer, not your tan. Your actual color is still developing underneath.

  • Do not use soap or wash your hair during this first rinse

  • Pat your skin dry gently, never rub

  • Your tan will continue to deepen over the next 24 hours, so don't be alarmed if your color looks lighter than expected right away post rinse.

YOUR FIRST RINSE

A little daily care goes a long way toward keeping your tan looking its best for as long as possible.

  • Moisturize twice daily using a spray-tan-safe lotion to help your glow last 7–14 days and fade evenly

  • Avoid hot showers, retinol products, and exfoliation, these will break down your tan faster

  • When your tan begins to fade, it will do so gradually and naturally as your skin exfoliates, avoid scrubbing, which can cause patchiness

  • Ready to keep the glow going? Touch-ups and follow-up appointments are always available to keep you looking radiant

MAINTAINING YOUR GLOW

BOOK YOUR SPRAY TAN

glow essential products

TAN EXTEND LOTION

PRICE: $20.00

A pineapple-scented tan extender lotion with 2% DHA that helps your spray tan fade evenly while keeping skin hydrated and smooth.

  • DHA-infused extender for a subtle, natural-looking refresh.

  • Tan maintenance lotion that supports an anti-orange routine.

  • Great for face + body; daily use for best results.

PH BALANCING BODY WASH

PRICE: $18.00

Spray-tan-safe body wash that gently cleanses without stripping color, with pH-supporting ingredients and a calming vanilla lavender scent.

  • Spray-tan-safe cleansing for daily use

  • Designed to help tan last longer and fade evenly without turning brassy.

FACE TANNING WATER

PRICE: $22.00

A bronzer-free facial tanning mist that applies clear and develops into a light buildable tan.

  • 5% DHA for light, buildable color

  • Hydration support with Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe + Vitamin E

  • Use 2–3x/week to maintain or daily to deepen

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. Orange results are typically caused by improper prep, low-quality solutions, or leaving the tan on longer than recommended.

  • Yes, I do offer spray tanning for clients under 18 with a few guidelines in place for safety and comfort:

    • A signed parent/guardian consent waiver is required

    • A parent/guardian must attend the minor’s first appointment

    • Clients under 16 must have a parent/guardian present at every appointment

    • All minors must wear appropriate coverage (such as a swimsuit or undergarments) during the service

    Disposable undergarments are also available if needed.

  • Most spray tans last 7-10 days, and up to 10–14 days with proper prep and aftercare. Exfoliating before your appointment and moisturizing daily post tan will help your tan last longer and fade evenly.

  • Your tan fades gradually over 7 - 14 days, and fades evenly when your skin is properly hydrated using spray tan safe moisturizers, oils, and body washes. Avoid scrubbing/exfoliating which will remove your tan quickly and patchy.

  • Yes, after your first rinse. Be mindful chlorine and heavy sweating may shorten tan life, but the solution we use is specifically formulated to be sweat resistant.

  • Sunfield Spray Tans does not provide spray tans during the 1st trimester per FDA guidance regarding DHA, the active ingredient in spray tan solution. Spray tanning is available during the 2nd & 3rd trimesters with prior approval from your physician.

  • Bronzer may transfer before the first rinse but washes out. Transfer after rinsing is unlikely.

  • Your level of coverage is entirely up to you. Disposable undergarments and strapless tube tops are available if you prefer additional coverage during your appointment.

  • Absolutely. You’re welcome to bring a friend for support, book a group spray tan, or host a spray tan party where we come to you, and the host receives a free spray tan.

  • If your intake form is completed in advance, I can review your skin concerns and reach out before your appointment with personalized prep recommendations. During your visit, we’ll also tailor the service and aftercare to best support dry or sensitive skin.

  • Your tan is completely customizable. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your desired depth, skin tone, undertones, and lifestyle to determine the best result for you. Whether you want a subtle glow or a deeper bronze, the goal is always a natural, even finish that looks like you—just enhanced.

  • Yes. Shave at least 24 hours before your appointment, and allow at least 48 hours after waxing or laser treatments. Completing your intake form in advance allows me to review your timing and provide personalized prep recommendations if needed.

  • Yes. We offer a clear, fragrance-free spray tan solution with minimal ingredients, making it a great option for clients with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivities. During your consultation and intake review, we’ll help determine the best solution for your skin’s needs.

  • Yes. DHA (dihydroxyacetone), the active ingredient used in spray tanning solutions, is FDA-approved and regulated for external use. It reacts with the outermost layer of the skin to create a temporary bronzed appearance without UV exposure. When applied properly and used as directed, DHA is considered safe and has been used in sunless tanning products for decades.

  • A completed intake form and valid driver’s license upload are required prior to your appointment. This allows us to customize your service and helps maintain a safe, comfortable experience for both in-studio and mobile appointments.

  • 24 hours’ notice is required for all appointment cancellations or reschedules. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the appointment will result in a 50% charge to the card on file. No-call, no-show appointments will be charged the full service amount. A 10-minute grace period is provided. Arrivals beyond that time may result in cancellation. By booking your appointment, you agree to this policy.