Should I Get My Nails Done Before Or After My Spray Tan?

Book your nail appointment BEFORE your spray tan. Soaking, scrubbing, steaming, exfoliating, nail polish remover, drying agents, and finally, the lotion and oils that you come into contact with during a manicure and pedicure will remove your spray tan in those areas.

When to book your nail appointment so that your spray tan isn't washed off.
Get your nails done BEFORE your spray tan.

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When we are getting ready for a special event we are often having our nails professionally done. The mani-pedi relaxing girl moment before we slip into the bridal gown, our bridesmaid frock, or prom dress.

It’s a girl’s mini-vacation before her BIG performance.

Should I Schedule My Manicure Before Or After My Spray Tan?

I have what I call the “Beauty Timeline” for getting all of your beauty routines organized and in the right order so that you aren’t going to have anything ruined…..you can read more about that here.

When it comes to your nail appointment I prefer that you get your nails done BEFORE your tan.

BEFORE?

Yes, before.

The quick answer is I don’t like anyone messing up my work. But the long answer is that all of the soaking, scrubbing, steaming, exfoliating, nail polish remover, drying agents, and finally the lotion and oils that you can come into contact with at the nail salon will wreak havoc with your airbrush tan.

Simply stated getting your nails done after your tan pretty much guarantees that your tan is going to be stripped, faded, and removed in areas that probably won’t make you a very happy girl.

Messed up tan=Sad girl

Related Articles:

Will My Spray Tan Stain My Acrylic Or Gel Nails?

Sunless tanning solutions only work with the amino acids in your SKIN. Since your polish or gel nails do not contain amino acids and are not alive then the sunless tanning product won’t be able to work on the painted on coating on your nails.

But the bronzers in the spray tan solution can leave an off-color if it’s left on the polished nails.

If you are wondering how to protect your gel or acrylic nails from the bronzer in the spray tan gently wiping the nails off after your tan is all that you need to do.

If you have a fresh manicure or a light color that might make you worried about staining.

No worries, just bring it to my attention and we can make sure that your nails are clean and bronzer free before you leave the shop.

Can My Spray Tan Stain My Natural Nails?

The bronzers in the spray tan if left to sit on your nails can over time leave a slight tint to your natural nails.  A clear coat of polish or simply wiping your nails after the tan is applied will remove the bronzer so that it doesn’t stain.

Dry damaged nails seem to have more of a problem with this so if you have this problem please apply a clear coat of nail polish prior to your nail appointment to protect your natural nails.

Events To Spray Tan For:

Getting Your Nails Done The Same Day As Your Spray Tan

Schedule your nail appointment in the morning and your spray tan in the afternoon!

Ask your tech to:

Getting Your Nails Done AFTER Your Spray Tan

As I have already said this is NOT my favorite scenario. BUT I understand that there are situations that make this your only option.

When getting your nail appointment AFTER your spray tan you need to follow a few RULES!!

Here are the things NOT to do:

  • NO exfoliating of the hands, arms, legs, ankles, or top of feet
  • NO soaking gel nails off
  • NO steaming, scrubbing, or rubbing
  • NO lotion or oil

I know those are all the best parts of a mani-pedi but they are also the things that will damage your tan.

How To Get A Mani-Pedi AFTER A Spray Tan

  • Remove all polish/gel before your spray tan so your nail tech doesn’t need to use nail polish remover or acetone to take your gel off
  • Wait till after your first shower to have your nails done
  • Choose a polish change or mini or express pedi service when getting your nails painted
  • Skip the lotion and oil to keep your tan safe

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kathrynannswope
Hi, I'm Kathryn! I'm here to help you have the best spray tan experience possible. I spend my days creating beautiful sunless tans in my Northwest Ohio spray tan studio and sharing everything I know about how to get the perfect spray tan and how to build a boutique spray tan business here on my spray tan blog.