FAQs

Please visit this page for prep & maintenance tips.

Use the The Shade Ritual Hydrate Lotion 2-3x a day as well as our Sunless Tanning Soap in the shower. Please avoid baths, saunas and steam rooms until you want to remove your tan.

For more info, find my prep & maintenance guide here.

Most tans last 7-10 days. We highly suggest following the maintenance steps to help your tan last as long as possible.

Women may tan completely naked. If you’re going to tan in underwear we suggest a small G-string, non textured, non lace, and not too thick of sidebands. Some ladies even wear their swimsuit bottoms (avoid tie bottoms.). You’re welcome to cover up your breasts with a bra/swim top, just be aware you will have distinct tan lines if you wear undergarments. We also provide complimentary disposable panties for each spray tan and have a shop of what-to-wear suggestions!

Men may spray with boxers or a sock that will cover the entire private area. BYOB & BYOS (Bring your own boxers & bring your own sock!)

First of all, we are sorry if you had a bad spray tanning experience in the past. As part of the sunless community, we want everyone to have a positive spray tanning experience & outcome. At The Shade Ritual, we pride ourselves on beautiful, even & natural-looking spray tan outcomes. Color consultations, custom mixtures, the desired outcome, and the detailed spraying process all provide a level of spray tan we are confident you will keep coming back for.  If your color has ever developed in “peach/orange” tones it’s likely the DHA % used on your skin was too high or the processing tan was left on too long.  We will listen to your concerns, tan desires and create a custom color that suits your skin type.  Each client has detailed skin notes that allow us to know what to adjust on any tan.  

Congratulations, what an exciting time! We love enhancing your beauty for your BIG day! At The Shade Ritual we want you to feel confident & comfortable in your tan. If you are feeling nervous, book a trial tan. Brides who choose this route usually book the trial and put the tan to use for the Bridal shower or Bachelorette party. If you do not want to book a trial that is completely fine as well. Your 1 hour Wedding Spray will cover your desired outcome and color consultation. Also, check out our rave reviews and weddings & events for more bridal pics, reviews & information.

If you have completed a The Shade Ritual trial tan, you will know which day of your tan you liked your color the most. If you did not do a trial, generally Brides enjoy day 2 post spray tan appointment the most. If you’re traveling to your wedding or have events leading up to it, we will teach you how to maintain your color tanning even up to a week in advance of your big day!

Lots of women spray during this time! We suggest consulting with your OBGYN so you feel comfortable with this process. Bring proof of spray tan approval from your doctor to your appointment.

RAPID - Rinse-off time is between 1-6 hours post tanning application depending on the desired outcome for a deeper sunless tan. This is the most convenient spray tan! Processing time varies based on custom color, the desired outcome, and how we see the color setting on your skin. The rapid tan completely rinses off in your first shower and takes about 6-12 hours to fully develop back. Some clients may deepen up to 24 hours post rinse. With the Rapid tan, after your initial rinse, you need to wait at least 6-12 hours to moisturize your skin as you do not want to block color development.  (A small amount of face moisturizer may be applied post rinse.) 

EXTENDED - Tan is done developing at hour 8 post tan application. You may leave your extended custom color on longer to align with your shower/sleeping schedule (it will not deepen after hour 8.) Following the initial rinse, the color will be present. If you are going to sleep on your tan please wear looser longer cotton sweats without tight elastic (waistband or ankles) and a looser darker long sleeve shirt.  

We encourage you to avoid the following while you’re tan is processing: Liquid spills, dishes, laundry, cleaning, yard work, sun exposure, animal licks, breastfeeding, cooking, exercise, sweating, cuddling, and being physically intimate.

A common misconception is that one tan option is “better” than the other or lasts longer. Both RAPID & EXTENDED have the same DHA percentage allowing both options to absorb in equal comparison. Once we learn your skin profile, it is possible your skin may prefer one or the other. We suggest the most often the RAPID tan as it’s the most convenient (less marinating time & leaves less room for development error.) But some people prefer EXTENDED. We will help educate & guide you, but ultimately it is your personal preference and tan outcome result that will help you choose what tan is best for you! 

Prior to your spray tan working out is okay. You must complete your workout and shower at least 6 hours prior to your spray tan for best results. Wait at least 12 hours post spray tan initial rinse to workout again. Take short lukewarm showers and pay dry post shower while you’re spray tanned. Try to not excessively sweat while you’re spray tanned, avoid hot workout classes until you want to start the tan removal process.

We always encourage consulting your doctor for skin conditions prior to spray tanning. Some skin conditions affect spray tan development as the tan lives on the outermost layer of your skin the Stratum Corneum. We are happy to provide a “test tan area” on your body prior to a full body spray appointment if you have a skin condition. We want you feeling comfortable and confident that our spray tanning service is right for your skin.

ABSOLUTELY!!!  Every ethnicity can spray tan.  Since we custom mix every tan, each skin type can achieve a beautiful glow.  Different months/seasons also affect the evenness of every skin tone.  Often times the “fade out” process of the spray tan is even less noticeable on olive/darker skin tones.  The spray tan outcome depends on your current level of visible undertones, your natural hair, skin & eye color and any unevenness in your natural skin tone.  Imbalances in your skin can be blended beautifully with a spray tan and we welcome every ethnicity & every body type!  

It is not recommended to tan while you have a sunburn. Recommended skin recovery to be able to sunless tan is 2-3 weeks post burn/peeling. The skin goes through a repair & shedding process post burn. Spray tan will adhere to the damaged skin resulting in a shedding process of both your burnt skin cells taking the spray tan along with it in the same peeling pattern. Not a good look!

Add-ons enhance the overall spray tanning experience. Additives help the life of the tan, how the tan sets, and the overall scent of the spray tan. Our options include PH balancing prep spray, talc-free coconut drying powder, odor neutralizer, body contouring, extra coat, anti-aging drops, and DHA booster.