Valley Tan
Let's Get You
Glowing
Prep Like a Pro
The secret to an undetectable, even tan? It starts before you even walk in. Give your skin a little love 24–48 hours out and we'll handle the rest.
Hydrate From the Inside Out
In the week leading up to your appointment, make hydration a priority. Drink plenty of water daily and focus on moisturizing your body consistently — hydrated skin holds color better, develops more evenly, and makes your tan last significantly longer.
Week beforeExfoliate Thoroughly
24–48 hours before your appointment, exfoliate your whole body with a gentle scrub or mitt. Hit the dry spots — knees, elbows, ankles, wrists. Think of it as clearing the canvas so your color goes on smooth and even.
24–48 hrs beforeShave, Wax & Nail Services
Get all hair removal and nail services done at least 24 hours before your tan. Shaving opens pores, waxing lifts surface skin, and mani-pedis involve soaking and buffing — all things that can mess with how the solution absorbs if done too close to your appointment.
At least 24 hrs beforeShower & Cleanse
Take your last shower before your appointment using a gentle, sulfate-free body wash only. Skip the bar soap — it leaves a residue that creates a barrier between your skin and the solution. Fresh, clean skin is best — no lotion, body oil, or deodorant after.
Day of appointmentCome Makeup-Free
Show up with clean, dry skin — zero makeup, deodorant, perfume, lotion, or oils. Even the good stuff. These products block the solution or react with it, and we want nothing standing between you and your glow.
Day of appointmentWear Loose Dark Clothing
Loose, dark clothes are your best friend on tan day. Tight fabrics rub the solution around before it sets and can leave marks. Flip flops for your feet — always.
Day of appointmentDitch These Before Your Tan
On appointment day, avoid these
Protect the Glow
You did the prep, we did the tan — now it's your turn to keep it looking good. Your color develops over the next 8–24 hours, so what you do (and don't do) really matters.
Wait to Rinse
Don't shower, sweat, or get wet until your technician gives you the green light — usually 8–12 hours for a standard solution, or 2–4 hours for a rapid formula. We know it's hard. It's worth it.
8–12 hour waitRinse — Don't Shower
When it's time, step in with lukewarm water only. No soap, no loofah, no washcloth. This rinses off the cosmetic bronzer while your real tan stays put. The water running brown? Completely normal — that's just the guide color. Rinse until the water runs clear.
First showerPat Dry, Don't Rub
After every shower, pat your skin dry — don't rub. Rubbing physically buffs away the surface of your tan and leads to uneven, patchy fading. Soft taps only.
After every showerMoisturize Every Day
Once you've done your first rinse, moisturize daily with an oil-free lotion. Hydrated skin holds onto your tan longer and fades more evenly. Morning, night, or both — your tan will thank you.
Daily essentialKeep Showers Short & Cool
Hot water is your tan's enemy. It opens pores and speeds up skin cell turnover, which means faster fading. Keep it cool, keep it quick — and skip the hot baths, steam rooms, and hot tubs altogether.
Ongoing careSkip the Pool & Ocean
Chlorine and salt water will take years off your tan (okay, days — but still). If swimming is unavoidable, load up on moisturizer before and after to soften the blow.
Ongoing careUse a Gentle Body Wash
Swap to a sulfate-free, gentle body wash while your tan is active. Anything harsh, exfoliating, or alcohol-based will strip it fast. When in doubt, go gentle.
Product tipStay Loose for 24 Hours
Keep wearing loose, dark clothes for at least the first 24 hours. Waistbands, bra straps, and tight socks all rub during development and can leave lines you didn't ask for.
First 24 hoursStay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water after your tan. Hydrated skin from the inside out sheds more slowly, which means your color fades more evenly and sticks around longer. It's one of the easiest things you can do to protect your glow.
Ongoing careAlso avoid after your tan
Exfoliating scrubs, retinol, AHAs, hot yoga, steam rooms, and oil-based lotions will all speed up fading. Keep it simple and gentle while your tan is active.
While Your Tan is Developing
Before the first shower, avoid the following
Make It Last
Drink Water
Hydrated skin from the inside out sheds more slowly. Your tan stays fresher, longer.
Time It Right
Book 1–2 days before your event so your color is fully developed and looking its best.
Moisturize Twice Daily
Morning and night — especially on hands, elbows, knees, and ankles where skin is drier.
Wear SPF
Your spray tan isn't sun protection. Layer a mineral SPF on top every day.
Top It Off
A tan-extending gloss between appointments keeps your color alive and your skin glowing.