← Spray Tan Guides

1. Step 1

   Book for the result you actually want

   Tell the studio whether you want a subtle healthy glow, event color, stage or photoshoot depth, or vacation maintenance. For most first-time men's appointments, a conservative, natural-looking custom airbrush tan is a better starting point than the darkest option because it lets the artist match undertone, facial hair, body hair, and skin dryness without creating an obvious line.

2. Step 2

   Trim or shave 24 hours before

   Shave your face, neckline, chest, back, or legs at least 24 hours before the appointment if those areas are part of your normal grooming. Fresh shaving can leave irritated skin and open follicles that grab more DHA. If you keep facial hair, trim the edge cleanly so the artist can blend around the beard line instead of leaving a sharp patch.

3. Step 3

   Exfoliate without oil

   Use an oil-free body wash, exfoliating mitt, or gentle scrub the day before. Focus on elbows, knees, ankles, knuckles, heels, and any area with rough or dry skin. Skip heavy oils, body butter, and thick moisturizer after exfoliating because residue blocks solution and can make the color develop unevenly.

4. Step 4

   Arrive with clean skin

   On appointment day, skip deodorant, cologne, aftershave, face oil, lotion, hair product on sprayed skin, and makeup. Continue using sunscreen when you will be outdoors, then cleanse it off any skin that will be sprayed immediately before the appointment. These products can turn solution green, repel DHA, or create streaks. If you are coming from work or the gym, ask whether the studio has cleansing wipes or time for a quick rinse before the tan.

5. Step 5

   Choose what to wear during the appointment

   Most studios let male clients tan in briefs, swim trunks, disposable underwear, or nude depending on comfort and studio policy. Wear whatever tan line you are willing to keep for the next week. If you want underwear on, choose dark fitted briefs or trunks that sit exactly where you want the line.

6. Step 6

   Wear loose dark clothes home

   Bring a dark loose shirt, loose joggers or drawstring pants, and slides or sandals. Avoid socks, tight waistbands, compression shorts, jeans, dress shirts, watches, and backpacks until after the first rinse. Pressure and sweat are the two fastest ways to mark a fresh tan.

7. Step 7

   Follow the exact rinse reminder

   Rinse timing depends on the solution and target depth, not on gender. A rapid tan may rinse in 1-4 hours; a classic tan may need 6-8 hours or overnight. Use the studio's rinse reminder instead of guessing, then rinse with lukewarm water only, no soap, and pat dry.

8. Step 8

   Protect the tan from gym sweat

   Avoid workouts, sauna, hot tubs, swimming, and heavy sweating until after the first rinse and ideally for 24 hours. After that, moisturize daily, use gentle body wash, and pat dry. Men who train often should book the tan after the hardest workout of the week, not right before it.