First spray tan? You are in the right place.
You do not have to know what to wear, what color to ask for, or when to rinse. I’ll walk you through it.
Walking into a spray tan studio for the first time can feel intimidating when you don't know what to expect. At Luxe, there are no generic automated booths and no guessing. Every appointment is private, relaxed, and custom-formulated for your skin chemistry.
Solo Artist Care
Every single tan is personally mixed and sprayed by Sarah.
What actually happens from start to finish.
Here is your complete 10-step guide so you know exactly what to do, what to expect, and what happens at every single stage of your appointment.
Before you come
Exfoliate gently the evening before your appointment, paying special attention to dry areas like elbows, knees, and ankles. Shave or wax at least 24 hours prior so your pores have settled.
Tip: Arrive with clean, bare skin—skip heavy moisturizers, body oils, perfume, or deodorant.
What to wear
Wear loose-fitting, dark clothing and easy slip-on shoes or flip-flops to your appointment. Avoid tight leggings, sports bras with tight straps, or jeans with stiff waistbands that create friction.
Tip: Loose dark t-shirt dresses or roomy lounge pants are ideal.
When you arrive
You'll step into our quiet, welcoming studio located inside Grace & Grit Hair Design at 2353 Airline Drive in Bossier City. There's no chaotic waiting area or rush—just a calm, welcoming space.
Tip: Ample free parking right in front of the building.
Your private appointment
Every session is strictly one-on-one. You have private changing time behind our studio curtain to undress to your exact comfort level (dark underwear, swim bottoms, strapless bra, disposable bottoms, or bare).
Tip: Zero judgment, zero awkwardness. You decide your preferred tan lines.
How your color is chosen
We talk about your event, your skin undertones (cool, warm, neutral, olive), and how deep you want your color. Sarah formulates and mixes a custom solution specifically for you before spraying.
Tip: You don't have to guess or choose a shade—Sarah handles the chemistry.
What happens during application
Sarah guides you step-by-step through a few simple body turns. The fine airbrush mist feels cool and refreshing. Barrier cream protects your palms and soles, and the entire spray takes just 5 to 7 minutes.
Tip: Sarah tells you exactly where to look and place your hands throughout.
Drying and leaving
We apply a gentle drying pass and a shimmer-free setting powder so your skin feels silky, dry, and clean rather than sticky. You slip back into your loose clothes ready to tackle your day.
Tip: Sarah writes your exact personalized rinse time on your appointment card.
Development time
During development, stay away from water, heavy sweat, or rain. Rapid formulas develop in 2 to 6 hours before rinsing; Overnight formulas develop while you sleep (8 to 12 hours).
Tip: What you see right away is cosmetic bronzer; the true tan develops underneath.
Your first rinse
Take a quick lukewarm rinse with water only—no soap, shampoo, or loofahs. When cosmetic bronzer washes down the drain, do not worry! Your actual color continues developing over the next 24 hours.
Tip: Pat your skin dry gently with a towel; never rub.
Keeping your glow going
Starting after your first rinse, moisturize twice daily with a tan-friendly lotion. Drink plenty of water and avoid aggressive physical exfoliants. Your custom color will fade evenly and naturally over 7 to 10 days.
Tip: Hydrated skin equals an even, seamless glow that fades like a real sun tan.
The things first-timers worry about most.
If you have questions you’re nervous to ask out loud, you are not alone. Here are the five biggest concerns every first-timer has—and how we eliminate them.
“Will I look orange or unnatural?”
No, never. Orange results happen when automated spray booths over-saturate fair skin with cheap, high-DHA formulas featuring yellow undertones. At Luxe, Sarah holds master certifications in color theory and molecular biology. She custom-blends violet, olive, or neutral bases calibrated specifically to your natural undertone so your tan looks radiant, sun-kissed, and authentic.
“What am I supposed to wear during the tan?”
Whatever makes you feel comfortable. You can wear dark underwear, a swimsuit, a strapless bra, disposable bottoms provided at the studio, or nothing at all if you want zero tan lines. Sarah is a professional and treats every client with total dignity and respect.
“Is the appointment private?”
100% private. Luxe is a dedicated one-on-one studio suite. There are no other clients in the room, no revolving staff, and no cameras. You have complete privacy to undress, get sprayed, dry, and dress at your own pace.
“How do I know what color or level to ask for?”
You don’t have to know! You just tell Sarah about your upcoming plans (e.g. "I’m in a bridesmaid dress next Saturday" or "I just want a healthy glow for vacation"). Sarah assesses your skin tone and formulates the exact custom mix for your goals.
“Will aftercare be complicated or high-maintenance?”
Not at all. After your first water-only rinse, aftercare is simple: moisturize once or twice a day, pat dry gently after showering, and stay hydrated. You don't need a complicated 10-step routine.
“Sarah did my spray tan for my wedding and it was a wonderful experience. I was so nervous about getting my first spray tan, but she made me feel completely comfortable. The tan was flawless and looked so natural in photos.”
Ready for your first custom glow?
Tell me what you’re getting ready for, and I will handle the color theory, formula, and rinse schedule. Private appointment. Zero judgment.
Luxe Spray Tans & Shoppe · 2353 Airline Drive, Bossier City · Serving Shreveport & Bossier City