Spray Tan Preparation & Aftercare Tips | NW GLW Tacoma
Achieve the best results and a flawless glow with our expert tips on spray tan preparation and aftercare. Whether you're in Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Puyallup, or Lakewood, our guide ensures your luxury airbrush spray tan lasts longer and looks better. Take a look at a look at some of my spray tan clients.
Pre-Tan Care
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PRE-TAN PREP
Hair Removal
All waxing or sugaring should be completed 24–48 hours before your appointment.
Nails & Pedicures
Schedule nails and pedicures before your tan, ideally the day before, so you can fully enjoy soaking services without affecting your results.
Exfoliation & Shaving
Exfoliate and shave the day before your appointment using a non-oil-based product.
We recommend the NW GLW BARE Exfoliating Bar or Scrub for optimal prep.
Product Avoidance
Avoid Dove, Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, Native, coconut oil-based products, or similar products for at least one week prior.
These can leave a barrier on the skin and interfere with proper color development.
Showering Guidelines
For the most even, long-lasting results, avoid showering immediately before your appointment.
Skin should be clean, fully dry, and settled. Please allow a minimum of 4 hours after showering before your tan.
Deodorant
Please avoid deodorant before your appointment, as it can react with the solution and affect color.
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DAY OF YOUR TAN
What to Wear
Arrive in your best “Adam Sandler” attire — loose, comfortable, dark clothing. Think oversized sweats, tees, and flip flops.
Wear loose, dark clothing such as sweats, an oversized top, and flip flops.
Avoid tight clothing, bras, leggings, or anything that may create pressure lines.
Disposable undergarments are provided if desired.
Any clothing worn during your tan may come into contact with solution. While it typically washes out, NW GLW is not responsible for staining.
Please leave all jewelry at home.
You will be guided through simple poses during your session. Your appointment is approximately 20 minutes total.
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PROCESSING & RESULTS
Your tan will process for 2–12 hours, based on your custom service.
During this time, avoid water, sweating, and washing hands.
Results typically last 7–14 days, depending on prep and aftercare.
All previous self-tan must be fully removed before your appointment.
Tanning over existing product can result in uneven, heavy-looking color.
Sunburns
We cannot tan over sunburned or peeling skin. This will lead to uneven results and may deepen visible damage.
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LOCATION & ARRIVAL
📍 1947 Dock Street
Tacoma, WA 98402
Street parking is available.
Parking is also permitted in stalls 11–40 in the Henry Parking Garage located next to the shop.
If we are with a client when you arrive, we will be out shortly.
What to Wear:Think Adam Sandler off-duty energy — oversized, loose, and comfy. Baggy sweats, a hoodie, sandals… the whole vibe. We already know you’re cute, so skip the tight clothes (for the love of your tan 🤍). Loose is key to keeping everything smooth and flawless.No Oils or Lotions: Do not apply oils or lotions before your tan. These products create a barrier on your skin, causing the tanning solution to bead and preventing proper development. If you have very dry skin, please let us know ahead of time so we can advise on the best prep for you. For more details, visit our Airbrush Spray Tanning FAQ's.Avoid Certain Soaps & Products: Skip using Dove, Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, or any other moisturizing soaps or scrubs. No bar soap unless purchased from NW GLW — many soaps leave a residue that blocks the tanning solution.Skip Deodorant: Deodorant is not recommended before your appointment, as it can turn green upon application. Tan Lines: Tan lines are optional! Disposable panties are provided for women, and men must wear boxers or briefs. If you choose to wear your own undergarments or swimsuits, please note: they may stain, and NW GLW is not responsible for any damage. For bridal-specific tanning tips, check out our Bridal Spray Tan Guide.During your appointment, I’ll guide you through a few quick poses to make sure every area is perfectly blended. After your spray, you’ll have a moment to check everything before we finish with the drying processYour session will take about 20 minutes from start to finish. Take a virtual tour of The GLW Studio to see where the magic happens.
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What to Wear:Think Adam Sandler off-duty energy — oversized, loose, and comfy. Baggy sweats, a hoodie, sandals… the whole vibe. We already know you’re cute, so skip the tight clothes (for the love of your tan 🤍). Loose is key to keeping everything smooth and flawless.No Oils or Lotions: Do not apply oils or lotions before your tan. These products create a barrier on your skin, causing the tanning solution to bead and preventing proper development. If you have very dry skin, please let us know ahead of time so we can advise on the best prep for you. For more details, visit our Airbrush Spray Tanning FAQ's.Avoid Certain Soaps & Products: Skip using Dove, Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, or any other moisturizing soaps or scrubs. No bar soap unless purchased from NW GLW — many soaps leave a residue that blocks the tanning solution.Skip Deodorant: Deodorant is not recommended before your appointment, as it can turn green upon application. Tan Lines: Tan lines are optional! Disposable panties are provided for women, and men must wear boxers or briefs. If you choose to wear your own undergarments or swimsuits, please note: they may stain, and NW GLW is not responsible for any damage. For bridal-specific tanning tips, check out our Bridal Spray Tan Guide.During your appointment, I’ll guide you through a few quick poses to make sure every area is perfectly blended. After your spray, you’ll have a moment to check everything before we finish with the drying processYour session will take about 20 minutes from start to finish. Take a virtual tour of The GLW Studio to see where the magic happens. *
✨ Spray Tan Aftercare Guide
Post-Tan Care
Your bronzing solution will develop over time. Here’s how to care for your spray tan to maintain a beautiful, long-lasting glow, especially for our clients in Tacoma and surrounding areas like Gig Harbor and Puyallup.
Processing Time:
Let your tan develop for 6–10 hours before showering. (If you chose the Express Rapid Tan, follow the timing given during your appointment.)First Shower:
Rinse with lukewarm water — avoid hot water, as it will fade your tan faster. It’s normal to see color washing off; this is just the cosmetic bronzer.Gentle Care:
Skip exfoliants, loofahs, or washcloths. Pat your skin dry with a towel—rubbing will exfoliate your tan prematurely.Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!
Hydrated skin = longer-lasting tan. We can’t stress this enough! We offer moisturizers made exclusively with The Bubblery in Leavenworth, WA, crafted just for your spray tan.
Shop our full collection: tan extenders, mousses, sprays, mitts, and back applicators.Sunscreen Tips:
Avoid spray sunscreens and those with oil-based formulas, as they will break down your tan. Zinc-based sunscreens are best. We recommend: Koola, SunBum, Elta MD, and Supergoop.
⚠️ Reminder: your spray tan is not sun protection.When It’s Time to Say Goodbye:
As your tan fades, it should do so gradually and naturally with proper care. For a fresh start, we exclusively offer The Bubblery’s custom products: safe-for-tan soaps, scrubs, body frosting lotions, and more. Shawna from The Bubblery and I have worked together to bring you the best ingredients and fragrances for your glowing skin!
Questions?
If you need more guidance or have specific concerns, feel free to reach out anytime. We’re here to make sure you love your glow!
Ready to achieve your perfect glow? Book your custom spray tan appointment now and follow our expert preparation and aftercare guide for the best results."