Glow by Gabby Spray Tan FAQs | Get Your Best Glow

make the most of your tan 

Tan Care and Frequently Asked Questions

Our expert tips for your
extraordinary glow

Tan Care

  • Pre Tan Prep

    SHOWER, SHAVE, + EXFOLIATE!​

    Shower, shave and exfoliate at least 4-6 hours before your tan- showering too close to tan time will cause your tan to not lay as well on your skin! Use our exfoliating mitt to scrub your entire body. A high quality exfoliating mitt is key to ensuring you’ve removed all old tan and dead skin! Take care of waxing, manicures, and pedicures the day before your appointment.

    Do not use lotion the day of your tan, but hydrate WELL in the days leading up to your tan! Moisturized skin is key! However, fresh lotion on your skin will create a barrier that does not allow the solution to lay evenly. Drink lots of water too!

    Remove deodorant and makeup before your appointment. You'll need clean, fresh skin. I have wipes available for you if you are not able to remove either one before your appointment.

    Also! DO NOT let yourself get sunburnt before your tan, a tan can cause even 4-week-old burns to peel.

  • Tan Time

    When you come for your tan we will walk you through the whole process + have a color consultation! You’ll want to remove all jewelry, wear loose/dark clothing and loose shoes. Flip flops are best. No leggings, tight jeans, etc. 

    The type of solution you are tanned with will determine how long you will have to wait before getting wet. It varies from 1 to 12 hours (sign up for our rapid tan if you are wanting to rinse within 1-6 hours!). While your tan is setting plan not to get wet, sweat, or wear anything tight! That means no shower or exercise. You do not want to sweat the solution off or cause streaking so please do not plan to participate in outdoor events before your rinse time.

    In the event there is rain please be prepared with an umbrella, long pants, socks, and shoes

  • Post Tan Tips

    Once your tan has developed, your first shower should be a rinse only. Avoid using loofahs and any body washes with exfoliants during the life of the tan. Use our mild and moisturizing shower gel. DO NOT USE DOVE or any skin firming, anti-aging lotions. They are alcohol-based and are known to fade tans.

    You may shave but the more you shave the quicker your legs will fade. Moisturize your skin daily, more than once a day if possible. Pat your skin dry. Never rub your skin with a towel as it can rub your tan off.

    Avoid pools, hot tubs, and baths. The longer you soak in water, the more your tan will fade. Wearing a waterproof sunscreen during pool or hot tub time will help protect your tan from fading. Spray tans will not protect you from the sun. Wear sunscreen!

    Avoid waxing or exfoliating of any type. Once your tan starts to fade you may exfoliate and scrub to remove what remains on your skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No, absolutely not! Every solution we use is made of the highest quality, natural ingredients. Typically, a person turns orange from being sprayed with too much solution or a higher percentage of DHA. We can ensure you this will not be an issue!

  • Read over our Tan Care tips above! You'll find all the pre tan instructions you'll need. And remember to complete the waiver that was sent to you upon booking your appointment. Every client must have a waiver on file.

  • We suggest 1-3 days before your event to account for the 24 hours it takes to fully process. If you're tanning for a vacation we would suggest tanning 1 day before in order to have the tan last as long as possible during your trip!

  • The entire tanning process takes about 10 minutes, from start to finish. Please allow an additional 15 minutes before we start for mobile tans. Expect us to be in your home approximately 20-30 minutes.

  • The typical spray tan will last 7-10 days with proper care and upkeep. It is important to follow the steps detailed in our Tan Care section to get the best quality tan possible.

  • Expect to have a consultation at the time of your appointment, but your rinse time will depend on the solution you are sprayed with. Most solutions require you to wait 8-12 hours before rinsing. Rapid solutions require 3-6 hours before rinsing. All solutions take a full 24 hours for the color to fully develop.

  • Develop time is the 24 hours required for our solution to completely process on your skin - this process will continue after you rinse off the bronzer. Rinse time will vary based on your desired darkness. We will discuss your rinse time at your appointment, but it won’t need to be left on for more than 12 hours.

  • Our Irondale studio is a home address, park anywhere available on the street!

    Our downtown studio has street parking out front as well as a free lot underneath the bridge directly to the left of our building (if you're looking at it).

  • We are comfortable with whatever you are comfortable with! Some clients choose to go topless, some wear a two piece or underwear and some go completely nude. We do request that male clients plan to wear boxers or briefs. Regardless, make sure to have darker, loose fitting clothing to put on after we're done!

  • We accept cash & Venmo. Credit cards will incur a $3 transaction fee.

  • We tan pregnant women all the time, but we will always refer you back to your doctor for the official ok!

  • All we need is good lighting, a little bit of space, and access to an outlet. Upon arrival at your house we will determine the best place and pop up our tent. No worries, the only thing in your house we'll be tanning is you! Your furniture and floors will be safe!

  • No! You will need to wait until after you rinse before ever getting wet or sweating. If you decide to workout the day after your tan plan to wear looser clothing at your workout, ideally a top with a built in bra or no bra at all. You will also want to do something low intensity so you don't sweat too much! It won't ruin your tan, but we don't recommend it.