How to prepare for a spray tan in Anchorage

A good spray tan starts before you step into the studio. A little preparation helps the color apply evenly, and the right rinse timing helps you get the depth you want. Here is how to plan your visit to Top Notch Beauty on Spenard Road.

Choose a tan that fits your schedule

The classic Top Notch Tan has a 6–8 hour rinse window. The Top Notch Rapid Tan lets you rinse in 1–3 hours, depending on your chosen depth. Rapid color continues developing after the first rinse.

Those are planning ranges, not a reason to guess. Jaimie will give you the exact rinse time for your solution and color goal. Choose an appointment that leaves you able to stay dry and rinse when instructed.

About 24 hours before: gently exfoliate

Top Notch Beauty recommends gently exfoliating about 24 hours before your appointment with a basic loofah or washcloth. Avoid heavy exfoliating oils. Focus on an even, gentle pass rather than aggressive scrubbing, especially around dry elbows, knees, and ankles. Avoid introducing a strong new exfoliant just before your tan.

Share any recent peels, retinol use, skin irritation, allergies, or other treatments with the studio. Do not tan over sunburned or broken skin; contact Jaimie to discuss rescheduling if your skin is irritated.

Plan hair removal and other appointments first

Schedule waxing and nail services before your spray tan. Waxing afterward can remove color, and freshly waxed skin needs time to settle. Tell the studio if you are combining services so the timing can be planned for you.

If shaving is part of your routine, shave 24–48 hours before your spray tan appointment. For waxing preparation and aftercare, see your first Brazilian wax guide.

Moisturize daily—do not skip it

Top Notch Beauty recommends moisturizing at least once a day leading up to your appointment and continuing daily afterward, once your first rinse is complete and Jaimie has cleared you to resume your routine. Make moisturizing a regular skin care habit, whether you are getting a tan or not.

You can apply a non-greasy, non-oily lotion on the day of your appointment. Do not shower within one hour of your spray tan. Leave at least one hour between applying lotion and your appointment; do not apply it within that final hour. Dry, flaky patches can absorb extra tanning solution and contribute to uneven color, so arriving with well-moisturized skin matters.

Arrive clean and avoid oils and other products

Before application, avoid body oil, greasy or oily lotions, deodorant, perfume, makeup, and sunscreen residue. These can interfere with an even application. The non-greasy, non-oily lotion guidance above is the exception—there is no need to skip moisturizer all day.

Keep your usual sun protection when outdoors. If you need sunscreen on the way to your appointment, tell Jaimie so you can plan to remove it before the tan; do not trade sun safety for preparation.

What to wear—and an Alaska weather tip

To the appointment: Wear loose-fitting, dark clothes and easy sandals.

During the tan: Bra and underwear, swimwear, or nude—whatever you are most comfortable with.

Skip tight leggings, fitted jeans, and anything that presses or rubs against freshly applied color. Choose clothes you do not mind getting temporary bronzer on.

In Anchorage, the trip home deserves a little planning. Bring an umbrella for rain or wet snow, and a roomy outer layer that will not drag across your skin. Arrange your footwear and warm clothing before the appointment so getting dressed afterward is easy.

At the studio: talk through your color and comfort

Tell Jaimie whether you want a subtle glow, more depth, or color for a specific event. Mention previous spray tan results you liked or disliked. You can ask questions about positioning, clothing options, and the process before application begins.

Before the first rinse: stay dry

Until your assigned rinse time, avoid showering, swimming, heavy sweating, and activities that rub the skin. Keep water off your developing tan. If you get an unexpected splash or notice a mark, text the studio for advice before trying to scrub or fix it yourself.

Set a reminder for your rinse time before you leave. Rapid is not a shortcut to skipping aftercare, and leaving a solution on longer is not automatically better.

Your first rinse and the days after

Follow Jaimie’s instructions for water temperature, cleanser, and when to resume your normal shower routine. You may see temporary bronzer rinse away; that does not necessarily mean the developed color is gone. With a rapid tan, allow the remaining development time before judging the final result.

Once cleared to resume your routine, cleanse gently, pat rather than rub with your towel, and moisturize at least once a day once Jaimie has cleared you to resume your routine. Avoid exfoliating mitts and abrasive scrubs while you want to preserve your tan. Pools, hot tubs, and repeated soaking can affect how it fades; ask how to plan around them.

Ask Jaimie about TANÉ cleansing bars, featured on the spray tan page, and which cleanser and moisturizer suit your skin and solution. Product choice and individual skin care both matter; no tan has a guaranteed lifespan.

Getting ready for a wedding or vacation?

For a wedding, the studio recommends a trial 2–4 weeks beforehand and usually schedules the final tan 2–3 days before the event. Your own timeline may differ, so share the date, travel plans, and any waxing or nail appointments early.

A trial gives you time to see the color, practice the rinse, and decide what you want for the main event. For a first-ever tan before a vacation or photos, ask for a similar planning conversation instead of squeezing it in at the last minute.

Book your spray tan in Anchorage

Explore Top Notch Beauty’s spray tan options and check live availability in Square. Not sure whether classic or rapid is right for you? Text Jaimie with your event date and schedule.