Prep + Aftercare Guide
A flawless tan starts with the right foundation. Every Bare session includes our Pre-Tan Primer to help your tan apply evenly, develop beautifully, and fade nicely.
Before Your Session
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Prepping your skin makes a noticeable difference to how your tan applies, develops, and fades. Exfoliating and arriving with clean, product-free skin creates a smooth, even base so the solution can adhere properly — helping prevent patchiness, grabbing on dry areas, and uneven fading. In short: better prep = a more flawless finish and a longer-lasting glow.
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Any remaining tan can affect how your new tan applies, leading to uneven colour or patchiness. For the most seamless result, grab an exfoliating mitt and remove old tan in the shower at least 24 hours before your session — even if it’s your first spray tan, exfoliating creates a smoother base. Focus on dry areas like elbows, knees, ankles, hands and feet for a clean, even canvas.
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Complete any hair removal at least 24 hours before your session. This allows pores and the skin barrier to settle, helping your tan apply more evenly and fade more cleanly.
If shaving, use a fresh razor and avoid heavy oils or creamy washes afterwards. If waxing, book it a day or two prior. On the day of your tan, arrive with clean, dry skin and no moisturiser or deodorant.
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If you’re booking any beauty appointments that may affect the skin — such as facials, spa treatments, brows, nails, or exfoliating services — schedule them at least 24 hours before your tan. This helps ensure your skin is settled and prepped for the most even, long-lasting result.
On The Day
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For the most even result, have your final shower at least 4 hours prior to your session. This gives your skin time to settle and return to its natural balance before tanning. If you love a fresh finish, a quick cool rinse at the end can help skin feel calm and ready.
In your final shower, avoid bar soaps and creamy/oil-based body washes, as they can leave residue on the skin. Choose a gentle, oil-free cleanser instead.
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For the most even result, arrive with clean, dry skin and no makeup, skincare, moisturiser, deodorant, perfume or SPF.
Some products can leave a barrier on the skin and affect how the solution applies and develops — especially oil-based or alcohol-heavy formulas. A clean canvas helps your tan go on flawlessly and fade more evenly.
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Wear loose, dark clothing after your session to minimise rubbing while your tan develops. Any bronzer transfer is typically washable, but if you prefer a completely no-transfer option, choose our Clear tan.
Clear applies transparent (no visible bronzer) and won’t transfer onto clothing, bedding, or towels — just a clean glow that develops beautifully over time.
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Avoid water, sweating, and friction until your rinse time. This means skipping workouts, saunas, swimming, and tight clothing so your tan can develop evenly and set beautifully.
After Your Tan
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After your session, you’ll receive our Tan Guide via email with the recommended rinse time for your selected shade.
Hands & face: we recommend a quick wipe over with a baby wipe or damp cloth 15-30 minutes after your tan.
Until your full rinse time, keep skin cool and dry. Avoid showering, swimming, saunas, exercise, and anything that may cause sweating or water contact so your tan can develop evenly.
Most shades are best left on for 6–8 hours or overnight. If you’ve chosen Rapid, rinse within 1–3 hours to prevent overdevelopment.
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At your rinse time, shower using warm water only — no soap, scrubs, or exfoliating gloves on the first rinse. Keep it quick, then pat dry with a towel (don’t rub) to protect your developing glow.
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Hydrated skin = a longer-lasting, more even fade. Begin moisturising after your second shower (or 24+ hours post-tan), then apply daily to maintain a smooth glow. For best results, avoid bar soaps and creamy/oil-based body washes, and moisturise morning and night.