First-Time Spray Tan Guide

New to spray tans? Start here.

Getting your first spray tan should feel easy, comfortable, and exciting — not confusing. ATX Tans is here to guide you through the full process, from choosing your shade to knowing when to rinse and how to care for your glow.

Your tan is customized to your skin tone, undertone, event, outfit, and glow goal, so you never have to guess what to book.

Button: Take the Find My Glow Quiz
Button: Book Your First Glow

Before You Book: Take the Find My Glow Quiz

Not sure what shade to choose? The Find My Glow Quiz helps us recommend the best shade, rinse timing, and prep plan for you.

The quiz is especially helpful if:

  • This is your first spray tan

  • You are nervous about looking too dark or orange

  • You have an event coming up

  • You are tanning for recruitment, Bid Day, game day, formal, photos, bridal events, or vacation

  • You are unsure how long to rinse

  • You want your tan to look natural and even

Button: Take the Find My Glow Quiz

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Your appointment is quick and guided from start to finish.

We will help you choose your shade, explain how to stand, walk you through each step, and give you clear rinse and aftercare instructions before you leave.

Most appointments include:

  • Quick shade consultation

  • Custom airbrush spray tan

  • Barrier cream where needed

  • Drying time

  • Rinse timing instructions

  • Aftercare tips

You do not need to know exactly what to do before you arrive. We will guide you.

How to Prep for Your Spray Tan

Good prep helps your tan apply evenly, develop correctly, and fade more smoothly.

24–48 Hours Before Your Tan

  • Exfoliate your skin well.

  • Focus on dry areas like elbows, knees, ankles, feet, wrists, and underarms.

  • Shave at least 24 hours before if possible.

  • Avoid heavy oils, oil-based scrubs, or moisturizing body washes.

  • Do not schedule waxing, facials, massages, manicures, or pedicures after your tan.

Day of Your Tan

Arrive with clean, dry skin.

Please avoid:

  • Lotion

  • Body oil

  • Deodorant

  • Makeup

  • Perfume

  • Sunscreen

  • Heavy skincare

  • Dove or oil-heavy soaps before your appointment

When we say nothing on the skin, we mean your skin should be as clean and product-free as possible. Products can create a barrier and affect how the tan applies or develops.

What to Wear After Your Tan

Wear loose, dark clothing after your appointment.

Best options:

  • Oversized dark T-shirt

  • Loose sweatpants or pajama pants

  • Loose dress or robe

  • Slides or flip-flops

Try to avoid tight bras, leggings, jeans, socks, sneakers, or tight waistbands right after your tan. Tight clothing can rub against the fresh tan before your first rinse.

Rapid Rinse: What It Means

ATX Tans offers rapid-rinse spray tans, which means you get to rinse sooner than a traditional spray tan.

Your solution includes both cosmetic bronzer and DHA.

The bronzer is the instant color you see right after your appointment. The DHA is what creates your actual developing tan.

When you take your first rinse, you will see the bronzer rinse off. That is completely normal.

Rapid rinse means you rinse sooner — not that your final color is finished sooner. Your tan will continue developing after your first rinse, and your full result usually shows within 24 hours.

First Rinse Instructions

At your recommended rinse time:

  • Rinse in lukewarm water.

  • Keep the first rinse short, usually about 1–2 minutes.

  • Do not use soap, body wash, shaving cream, exfoliant, or scrub.

  • Use your hands to gently rinse the bronzer off.

  • Pat dry with a towel. Do not rub.

  • Apply a simple, fragrance-free lotion once your skin is dry.

Your first rinse is just to remove the surface bronzer. Your real tan will continue developing underneath.

Aftercare Instructions

First 24 Hours After Your Tan

  • Avoid sweating heavily.

  • Avoid swimming.

  • Avoid long hot showers.

  • Avoid shaving.

  • Avoid exfoliating.

  • Avoid tight clothing when possible.

  • Moisturize with a simple, fragrance-free lotion.

To Make Your Tan Last Longer

  • Moisturize daily.

  • Pat dry after showers.

  • Use gentle, spray-tan-friendly products.

  • Avoid harsh exfoliants until you are ready for the tan to come off.

  • Avoid heavy oils and strong fragrance products if they affect your tan.

  • Wait 48 hours before shaving if possible, or 72 hours for best results.

Most spray tans last around 5–10 days, depending on your skin, prep, aftercare, lifestyle, and products. With great aftercare, some tans may last closer to 7–14 days.

First-Timer Pro Tips

  • Take the Find My Glow Quiz before booking.

  • Book 2–3 days before an important event for the most settled color.

  • Choose a natural or medium glow if you are nervous.

  • Do not panic when the bronzer rinses off — that is supposed to happen.

  • Your tan may look lighter after your first rinse, then continue developing.

  • Ask questions before or during your appointment.

  • Moisturize after your first rinse to help your color develop and fade evenly.

  • Do not use an exfoliating mitt until you are ready for the tan to come off.

  • Ask for a product check if you are unsure about your lotion, body wash, sunscreen, or skincare.

First-Time Spray Tan FAQ

Will I look orange?

No. Every tan is customized to your skin tone, undertone, and glow goal. The goal is a natural bronze that fits you.

What if I do not know what shade to pick?

Take the Find My Glow Quiz. It helps us recommend your best shade, rinse timing, and prep plan.

What does rapid rinse mean?

Rapid rinse means you get to rinse sooner than a traditional spray tan. Your final color still continues developing after your first rinse and usually shows fully within 24 hours.

Why does color rinse off in the shower?

That is the cosmetic bronzer rinsing away. Your actual tan is still developing underneath.

When should I book before an event?

For most events, book your tan 2–3 days before. This gives your color time to fully develop and settle.

Can I get a spray tan if I have never had one before?

Yes. First-timers are welcome. We will walk you through the full process and help you choose a comfortable shade.

What should I do if I am nervous?

Start with the Find My Glow Quiz, choose a softer glow goal, and ask questions. The process is simple, and we will guide you through it.

Ready for your first glow?

Your first spray tan should feel simple, personalized, and confidence-boosting. ATX Tans will help you choose the right shade, understand your rinse time, and feel prepared from start to finish.

Button: Take the Find My Glow Quiz
Button: Book Your First Glow