thank you for trusting us with your tan.
the application is finished, now it’s all about how you care for it. everything you need for the next 7–10 days is right here.
before your first rinse
stay dry + stay covered until your rinse time - no sweating, hand washing or moisture of any kind. avoid skin-to-skin contact and bare skin against non-absorbent surfaces like leather. loose, breathable clothing is best; if you're sleeping in your tan, long sleeves + full-length pants are a must.
something look weird? don't panic. solution can move, smear + get darker as it develops. what you see before your rinse isn't the final result - clothing marks and smudges will almost always rinse away just fine.
first rinse
rinse at your recommended time using lukewarm water only - no soap, shaving or scrubbing. use your hands to gently rinse until the water runs clear, then pat dry.
you may look much lighter afterward, that's normal. you're rinsing away the cosmetic bronzer, while your actual tan continues to develop underneath for the next 24 hours.
make it last
moisturize daily, keep showers short, avoid unnecessary exfoliation, long hot showers, baths + frequent shaving. chlorine, salt water, sweating, saunas and active skincare can all make your tan fade faster especially on the face + hands.
product recommendations
what you use at home matters. moisturize daily with a gentle lotion free of mineral oil + petroleum, which are commonly found in many drugstore formulas. lightly fragranced or fragrance-free is best. shea butter and nourishing oils are totally fine — just avoid anything overly heavy or oily that sits on the skin.
in the shower, stick with a gentle shower gel rather than a heavy cream-based body wash. skip anything exfoliating, including scrubs, beads or textured formulas, and avoid sulfates when possible. the simpler + gentler your routine, the more evenly your tan will fade and the longer it’ll last.
when to book again
most tans last around 7–10 days with proper care. before your next appointment, allow your current tan to fade + fully remove any leftover color for the cleanest, most even application.
don't want to do the prep yourself? COMING SOON you can book The Prep 30 minutes before your tan and we'll have everything you need waiting for you.
make this a regular thing
if spray tans are part of your routine, a membership makes keeping up with them a little easier. enjoy your regular Shade appointments at preferred pricing, plus 50% off add-ons, 10% off retail + priority booking.
how’d we do?
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