A group spray tan is easier when everyone follows the same simple preparation plan. A little advance coordination helps friends avoid last-minute shaving, tight clothing, or rushed arrivals that can affect comfort and results. Before your appointment, share a checklist with the group and confirm any salon-specific instructions. Focus on preparing skin, choosing easy-to-wear clothes, and leaving enough time for each person to check in and get tanned without feeling hurried.
Exfoliate Before Your Visit
Exfoliate the day before your appointment, not immediately before you leave. Use a gentle body scrub or exfoliating mitt to smooth dry areas such as elbows, knees, ankles, and hands. Rinse thoroughly so no scrub, oil, or residue remains on the skin. Avoid harsh scrubbing, which can leave skin irritated and uneven.
If you shave or wax, do it before the appointment rather than afterward; follow the salon’s guidance on timing. Arrive with clean, dry skin and skip moisturizer, body oil, perfume, and deodorant unless the salon says otherwise. These products can leave a barrier on the skin and may affect how the tanning solution applies.
Choose Clothes That Won’t Rub
Wear loose, dark clothing that is easy to put on after your tan. A roomy shirt or dress, loose pants, and slip-on shoes help reduce rubbing while the solution develops. Tight waistbands, snug sleeves, bras, socks, and close-fitting shoes can press against freshly treated skin and leave marks.
Ask the salon what to wear during the session, since preferences and available options may differ. Bring a hair tie if you have long hair, and avoid bringing valuables or accessories that could get in the way. If anyone in your group has questions about coverage or changing, check with the salon ahead of time so they can feel prepared.
Coordinate Appointment Timing
Book enough time for the whole group to arrive, check in, and take turns without crowding the schedule. Confirm the appointment length and arrival instructions with the salon, then share them with everyone. Ask the group to arrive together if that is requested, but avoid arriving so early that people have to wait in a busy lobby.
Plan around what comes after the appointment. Each person should know how long to leave the tan on before showering and what activities to avoid during that period, based on the salon’s directions. Build in travel time and avoid scheduling workouts, swimming, or events that could cause sweating or friction before the first rinse.
Share One Group Checklist
Send everyone the same short checklist a day or two ahead: exfoliate the day before, arrive with clean and product-free skin, wear loose dark clothes, and bring any requested items. Include the appointment time, location, parking or arrival details, and the salon’s contact information. A shared message makes it less likely that one person misses an important instruction.
Encourage each friend to mention skin sensitivities, relevant products, or questions directly to the salon before the visit. Group plans can change, so confirm the final head count and timing in advance. At Harbor Glow in Portsmouth, NH, guests can check the salon’s instructions before their appointment to help the group arrive ready.
A smooth group tan starts before anyone steps into the salon: exfoliate gently, wear loose clothing, and coordinate timing and aftercare as a group. Share the salon’s instructions with every friend and leave room for questions. Contact the salon before your visit to confirm the details and help everyone feel ready.