First-timers
You'll know exactly what happens before you arrive.
Most first-timers are not worried about the colour. They are worried about not knowing what to expect. So here is the whole thing, start to finish.
Exfoliate 48 hours ahead and again the night before with a non-oil-based product, focusing on elbows, knees, ankles, heels and underarms. Shave 12 to 24 hours before, or wax 24 to 48 hours before.
Shower no sooner than three hours before your appointment. Afterwards apply no lotion, oil, deodorant or perfume. Wear loose, dark clothing and open-toe shoes.
Your natural tone, undertone, the depth you want, your timeline and any areas that need extra attention. Disposable undergarments are available if you would like them. Wear as much or as little as you are comfortable in.
Barrier goes on hands, feet, elbows, knees and ankles first, then the airbrush application, then a moisture seal and finishing powder where appropriate.
Rapid solutions rinse in 3 to 7 hours; original solutions need at least 8. Warm water only, no soap or loofah, rinse until the water runs clear, then pat dry rather than rubbing.
Moisturise once or twice daily with fragrance-free, sulfate-free products. Skip hot baths, saunas, chlorine, saltwater and exfoliants.
The three things people actually worry about
Looking orange
Orange comes from a solution whose undertone fights yours. Colour selection here starts with your natural tone and undertone rather than a universal bottle, which is the entire reason the result reads as skin.
Streaks and dark hands
Hands, feet, elbows, knees and ankles absorb more colour because the skin there is thicker and drier. Barrier placement on those areas is part of the application, not an afterthought.
Not knowing the rules afterwards
You leave with your rinse window and aftercare written down. Full detail lives on the prep and aftercare page.
First-timer questions
Will I look orange?
No. Every solution is custom-blended to your natural tone and undertone, using formulas with balanced undertones rather than one universal bottle. Orange results come from a solution that fights your undertone — which is the exact problem The Sunless Method is built to solve.
I have never had a spray tan. What actually happens?
You get prep instructions before you arrive. At the appointment your natural tone, undertone, desired depth and timeline are discussed before anything is sprayed. You leave with your rinse window and aftercare written down, so there is no guessing afterwards.
What do I wear during the appointment?
As much or as little as you are comfortable in. Disposable undergarments are provided if you would like them.
What do I wear afterwards?
Loose, dark clothing and open-toe shoes or flip-flops. Avoid tight bras, leggings and sneakers until after you rinse — anything tight can rub the colour while it develops.
Ready to look sun-kissed, not spray-tanned?
Book the Brentwood studio, or text your ZIP code and date to ask about a mobile appointment.