# Best Hacks to Get the Most From Your Tanning Salon Trip > Want better results from every tanning salon trip? Learn how to prep your skin, tan more evenly, and maintain smooth hydrated skin. Learn more. Source: https://sodamntanned.com/best-hacks-for-your-tanning-salon-trip/ Author: Glowie Published: 2026-05-23T13:23:04+01:00 Modified: 2026-03-23T14:28:04+00:00 --- A tanning salon visit shouldn’t be a random “show up and hope for the best” situation. If you want better colour, a more even tan, and skin that still looks good days later, there are a few simple things that make a massive difference. The truth is, getting the most from your tanning salon trip starts before you even walk through the door. From prepping your skin properly to locking in your glow afterwards, the right habits can help your tan develop more evenly, last longer, and look far better overall. Here are the best hacks to help you tan smarter and keep your skin looking its best. ![Woman applying moisturiser to sun-kissed legs as part of an after sun routine](https://sodamntanned.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/inline1.webp) ## 1. Exfoliate Before Your Appointment If you want an even tan, smooth skin is non-negotiable. Dead skin cells create a rough, uneven surface, which can make tanning results look patchy or dull. Exfoliating before your salon visit helps create a fresh base so your colour develops more evenly. **Best exfoliation tips:** - Exfoliate 12 to 24 hours before your tanning session - Focus on dry areas like elbows, knees, ankles, and hands - Use a gentle scrub or exfoliating mitt rather than anything too harsh - Avoid oily exfoliators that can leave a barrier on the skin Think of it this way: if your skin is flaky going in, your tan won’t magically fix it. ## 2. Arrive With Clean, Product-Free Skin This is one of the easiest tanning hacks, and people still skip it. Perfume, deodorant, makeup, heavy body lotion, and even some oils can interfere with tanning results. They can create a layer on the skin that stops UV exposure from being as even as it should be. Before your salon visit: - Shower beforehand if possible - Remove makeup - Skip perfume and deodorant - Don’t apply heavy creams or oils right before tanning Clean skin gives you the best chance of an even, natural-looking result. ## 3. Use a Quality Tanning Lotion If you’re not using a proper tanning lotion, you’re leaving results on the table. A salon-friendly tanning lotion can help hydrate the skin, support a more even tan, and improve your overall colour payoff. Moisturised skin tans better than dry skin, full stop. **Why tanning lotions help:** - They help keep skin hydrated during tanning - Hydrated skin can support more even-looking colour - They often contain skin-conditioning ingredients - They can help your tan look smoother and last longer Not all lotions are created equal, though. Use products designed specifically for tanning beds or salon tanning routines, and ask the salon team what suits your skin type and goals best. ## 4. Start Gradually Instead of Going Too Hard Too Fast This is where a lot of people sabotage themselves. Trying to do too much too soon usually doesn’t lead to a better tan. It just increases the chance of overdoing it and irritating your skin. The smarter move is building colour gradually. **A better approach:** - Start with shorter or beginner-friendly sessions - Increase exposure gradually as recommended by salon staff - Give your skin time between sessions - Stay consistent rather than cramming sessions together A tan built properly tends to look better, last longer, and come with far fewer regrets. ## 5. Know Your Skin Type Your tanning plan should match your skin, not someone else’s. Fair skin, sensitive skin, dry skin, and naturally olive skin all respond differently. What works brilliantly for one person can be a terrible idea for another. Knowing your skin type helps with: - Choosing the right tanning schedule - Picking the right lotion - Avoiding overexposure - Getting more even, realistic results If you’re unsure, ask the salon for advice. A good salon will help you tan smarter, not just faster. ## 6. Hydrate Your Skin Daily If you remember one skin-maintenance tip, make it this one: **moisturise every day**. Dry skin sheds faster, and when skin sheds faster, your tan fades faster. Keeping your skin hydrated helps maintain a smoother surface and can help your tan stay looking fresher for longer. **Skin hydration hacks:** - Use a good moisturiser morning and night - Pay extra attention to dry spots - Drink enough water throughout the day - Avoid products that leave your skin feeling stripped or tight Your tan lives on your skin. If your skin is neglected, your tan won’t hang around looking good. ## 7. Don’t Shower Immediately After Tanning A little patience helps. After a tanning session, avoid jumping straight into a hot shower. Giving your skin a bit of time before washing helps you avoid drying it out unnecessarily, especially if you’ve just had a session and your skin needs a chance to settle. **Aftercare tips:** - Wait a little while before showering - Use lukewarm rather than very hot water - Keep showers short - Pat skin dry instead of rubbing aggressively with a towel Hot water and rough drying can be surprisingly good at wrecking a nice glow. ## 8. Avoid Over-Exfoliating Once You’ve Got Your Tan Exfoliation before tanning? Great. Aggressively scrubbing your skin once you’ve got a tan? Not so clever. Once your colour is looking good, the goal shifts from prepping the skin to maintaining it. Harsh exfoliation can speed up fading and make your tan disappear unevenly. To make your tan last: - Skip rough body scrubs for a few days - Use gentle body wash - Avoid abrasive gloves or brushes - Moisturise instead of scrubbing at dry patches Maintenance is less glamorous than “tanning hacks,” but honestly, it’s what separates a decent tan from one that looks properly good. ## 9. Wear Loose Clothing After Your Appointment Tight clothing can rub against your skin and leave you feeling uncomfortable after tanning, especially if your skin is warm or sensitive. Loose, soft clothing is the better move after your session. It helps you stay comfortable and avoids unnecessary friction on the skin. Good options include: - Oversized T-shirts - Soft joggers - Loose dresses - Anything breathable and non-restrictive It’s a small thing, but small things add up. ## 10. Keep a Consistent Tanning Routine A one-off session can give you a boost, but consistency is usually what gives you the best results over time. Rather than tanning randomly, work out a sensible routine with your salon. A steady approach helps maintain your colour without the constant cycle of fading and starting over. Consistency helps with: - Building colour gradually - Maintaining a more even tan - Avoiding overdoing it - Getting more predictable results In other words: stop treating tanning like a last-minute emergency fix. ## 11. Use Tan-Extending Skincare If you want to maintain your glow, choose skincare that supports it. Some body lotions and aftercare products are specifically designed to help maintain tanned skin. These can help keep your skin soft, smooth, and looking fresh between sessions. Look for products that: - Focus on hydration - Support skin softness and smoothness - Are gentle and non-stripping - Fit into your normal daily routine The easier it is to stick with, the more likely you actually will. ## 12. Be Honest About Your Goal Do you want a subtle glow? A deep bronze? A maintenance routine? Something event-ready? Knowing what you actually want helps the salon recommend the right setup for you. Too many people just say “I want to be darker” and then act surprised when the process doesn’t match their expectations. Be clear about: - Your current skin tone - Your tanning experience - Your target result - Any concerns about sensitivity or dryness A better plan gives you better results. Not exactly shocking, but still worth saying. ## How to Maintain Healthy-Looking Skin While Tanning Getting a tan is one thing. Keeping your skin looking good while doing it is the real win. Here are the basics that matter most: ### Moisturise daily This helps keep skin soft, supports even-looking colour, and slows that dry, flaky fade. ### Drink more water Hydrated skin generally looks better, feels better, and behaves better. ### Avoid harsh skincare Strong exfoliants, drying soaps, and overly hot showers can all make your tan fade faster. ### Don’t overdo tanning sessions More is not always better. A sensible routine usually gets better-looking results than trying to rush it. ### Listen to your skin If your skin feels dry, irritated, or stressed, back off and let it recover. ![After sun skincare flat lay with lotion aloe and water for tan aftercare](https://sodamntanned.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/inline2.webp) ## Related Tips And Helpful Resources If you want to build a better routine around your salon visits, it also helps to read our guide on [how to make your tan last longer](https://sodamntanned.com/how-to-make-your-tan-last-longer/) and browse our [tanning creams](https://sodamntanned.com/product-category/tanning-creams/) for products that support smoother-looking skin. For a broader health view on sunbed use, the [NHS sunbed safety advice](https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/sunbeds-safety-advice/) page is worth a read too. ## Final Thoughts The best tanning salon hacks are actually pretty simple: prep properly, hydrate consistently, use the right products, and don’t go overboard. If you want a tan that looks smoother, lasts longer, and sits better on your skin, the answer usually isn’t some magic shortcut. It’s just good prep and better maintenance. At **So Damn Tanned**, we’re all about helping you get glowing results the smart way. A little effort before and after your tanning salon visit can make a huge difference to how your tan looks and how long it lasts. So yes, exfoliate, moisturise, wear the loose tee, and stop attacking your skin with lava-temperature showers. Your tan will thank you.