A little preparation can make your mobile spray tan appointment easier and help the color apply more evenly. Plan exfoliation and hair removal ahead of time, arrive with clean skin, and choose clothing that will not rub against your tan afterward. Because solution and development instructions can differ, follow the specific guidance your technician provides. These steps offer a useful starting point so you can feel ready before your appointment comes to you.
Exfoliate Before Your Appointment
Exfoliate the day before your appointment, paying extra attention to dry areas such as elbows, knees, ankles, and hands. Use a gentle exfoliating mitt or scrub, and avoid products that leave an oily film. Removing loose, dry skin gives the tanning solution a more even surface to settle on.
If you plan to shave or wax, do it before your tan rather than immediately afterward. Give your skin time to settle, especially if hair removal tends to cause redness or irritation. Avoid aggressive scrubbing, exfoliating acids, or treatments that leave your skin sensitive; irritated skin may not take color evenly.
Time Your Shower Carefully
Take your final shower before the appointment, not right after the tan. Washing immediately before can help remove sweat, deodorant, lotion, and makeup that may interfere with application. Rinse well, then dry completely, including skin folds and areas between your toes.
Ask your technician how far in advance to shower and when to rinse off the solution after application. Development times vary by product and desired result, so use the directions you receive rather than guessing. Avoid getting wet or sweating during the development period unless your technician says otherwise.
Choose Skin-Friendly Clothing
Wear loose, dark clothing to your appointment and for the development period. A roomy dress, oversized shirt, or loose pants can help reduce rubbing and transfer. Choose sandals or loose footwear if practical, and avoid tight socks, straps, waistbands, and anything that presses into freshly sprayed skin.
Decide in advance what you feel comfortable wearing during the session. Many clients choose underwear or a swimsuit, while others prefer to tan without clothing; coverage and tan lines depend on your choice. Your technician can explain the setup and help you maintain privacy. Remove jewelry before the appointment to avoid missed patches or marks.
Keep Appointment-Day Skin Simple
Arrive with clean, dry skin and skip moisturizer, body oil, perfume, and makeup on the areas being tanned. Deodorant can also affect how solution applies, so ask whether to leave it off until after your first rinse. If you have a skin concern or use a topical product, tell your technician before the session.
Make the treatment area easy to access by clearing a small, well-lit space and keeping pets away during application. Have loose clothes ready for afterward and set aside enough time to follow your rinse instructions. Glow On Wheels can confirm its preparation and aftercare directions when you book, so check those details before appointment day.
Prepare with gentle exfoliation, a well-timed shower, and loose clothing, then follow your technician’s product-specific rinse and aftercare instructions. These small steps can make the appointment smoother and help you protect your tan as it develops. If you have questions about what to wear or when to shower, contact your spray tan provider before the visit.