Things I Wish Every First-Time Tanning Client Knew

Personal Tanner
4 days ago
3 min read

aka: let’s not make your spray tan fight for its life (on your first time tanning)

First time spray tanning? Welcome, babe. You are safe here.

But before you arrive glowing, excited, nervous, confused, and possibly wearing the wrong outfit… let’s talk.

Because a spray tan is not just “stand there and get brown.”It is a tiny little skin science moment with a side of theatre.

And I need you to help me help your glow.

1. Please come with no deodorant

I know you think deodorant only lives in your armpits.

It does not.

Somehow it travels. It migrates. It starts a new life on your back, your ribs, your chest, maybe even your soul.

And when spray tan touches deodorant? Sometimes your armpits can go green.

Very Shrek.Very surprise swamp princess.Not the luxury bronze we booked.

So please come clean, dry, and deodorant-free.

2. Hydrate your skin before your tan

Not 5 minutes before your appointment while reversing out of the driveway.

I mean the week before. Or even better, every day like a responsible glowing adult.

Dry skin holds tan badly. It can crack, fade faster, or look like old paint on a fence.

And we are not painting a Queenslander in 1987.We are creating a glow.

3. Drink water, especially if you are going out

Yes, boring. I know.

Somehow it is easier to drink 1 litre of wine than 200ml of water. Science cannot explain it. I have tried.

But if you are going out, drinking, dancing, sweating, laughing, living your best life… your skin needs water too.

So I will happily be your drinking buddy, but the annoying one saying:

“Have a water, babe.”

Because dehydration is not invited to your tan party.

4. Wear loose clothes after your tan

No jeans.No tight activewear.No white denim shorts.No “it’s only for ten minutes.”

Your tan is developing. It is delicate. It is fresh. It is not ready to be attacked by a tight waistband.

I once had to send a beautiful client home because she arrived in white denim shorts, hair done, makeup done, looking absolutely stunning.

And I felt terrible.

She was sad. I was sad. The white shorts were very confident.

But I could not spray her.

Not because I wanted to be difficult, but because I did not want to waste her money. Tight, textured clothes after a tan can rub, mark, transfer, and basically bully the tan before it even gets a chance to live.

So please wear loose, dark, soft clothing. Your tan will thank you and me. I will thank you. Your future photos will thank you.

5. Read the instructions

I know. Reading. Rude.

I love to talk. I love to write. I know I send a lot of information.

But please read it.

The instructions are not there for decoration. They are there because after years of tanning people, I know exactly what can ruin a tan before it even develops.

So when you receive your pre-tan and aftercare instructions, give them a little look.

Not a university degree.Just a little “let me not sabotage myself today” read.

First tan? Don’t stress.

I will guide you.

I will tell you what to do. I will answer your questions. I will protect your glow like it is one of my own children.

Just arrive clean, deodorant-free, hydrated, and dressed like you are going home to relax or you don't have a home — not entering a denim fashion competition.

Your first tan should feel easy, fun, and safe.

And if you accidentally come dressed like you are going to brunch with the Queen?

I still love you.

But I may send you home. 😂