Pre & Post Tanning Tips from Celebrity Spray Tan Artist Ally Zwonok
Insider techniques for a flawless, red-carpet-worthy TAN Naples glow.
A truly beautiful spray tan doesn’t come from the solution alone—it comes from the preparation, the technique, and the way you care for your skin afterward. After nearly two decades working behind the scenes with brides, celebrities, and public figures, Ally Zwonok has perfected the subtle, professional rituals that create the most believable, second-skin glow.
These aren’t generic tips.
These are the exact insider practices we use on clients before they step in front of cameras, bright lights, or a wedding aisle.
If you want your tan to look soft, smooth, and expensive, this is your guide.
Before Your Appointment: Ally’s Private Prep Ritual
1. Exfoliate Like You’re Polishing Glass
The secret to an airbrushed tan?
Zero texture. Zero residue. Zero oils.
Exfoliate 24 hours before your appointment using:
Sugar Scrub for a clean, oil-free polish
Exfoliation Mitt to sweep away dullness
Purity Excel Remover (200ml or 440ml) if you have old tan buildup
“Think of exfoliation as priming a masterpiece. It’s the quiet step that makes the biggest impact!” -Ally
2. Come In Bare—Truly Bare
No lotion.
No oil.
No deodorant.
No perfume.
No makeup.
“Even the tiniest bit of lotion or deodorant changes the chemistry of your skin and tan. Bare skin is best..” - Ally
3. Time Your Shaving Properly
Shave or wax 24 hours before your appointment- not the morning of.
“Freshly shaved legs = open pores. Open pores = dotting. Give your skin a day to calm down.” - Ally
4. Wear the Right Outfit (this matters more than clients think)
During your tan, wear whatever you’re comfortable in- or nothing.
After your tan, wear:
Loose, dark clothing
No bras with seams
No leggings
No straps rubbing shoulders
Ally’s note:
“Friction is actually the enemy of fresh colour! Let your skin breathe in loose fabrics!” -Ally
After Your Tan: How Celebrity Clients Protect Their Glow
1. Rinse With Intention
Your first rinse sets the tone for the next 7–10 days.
For the Signature Tan → rinse at 8–12 hours.
For the X-Press Tan → rinse based on your depth goal:
1 hour – soft, subtle glow
2 hours – natural golden
3 hours – richer bronze
4 hours – deep, luxe tan
“Don’t judge your tan right after rinsing. The magic happens over the next 24 hours as the colour quietly deepens.” -Ally
2. The First Shower Rule
Use lukewarm water only, no soap, no scrubs, no shaving!
“Watching the bronzer rinse off can feel dramatic, but don’t worry- your tan isn’t going anywhere. That’s just the cosmetic layer washing away!” - Ally
3. Hydration Is the Non-Negotiable
If you want a smooth fade, hydration is everything.
Use:
Tan Extender Lotion for prolonging colour
Body Renew Moisturizer for daily hydration
Tan Water for face/neck refreshes
“Hydration and moisturizing is the difference between a five-day tan and a ten-day tan, don’t skip it!” - Ally
4. Avoid Sweat and Heat the First Day
For the first 24 hours, skip:
Hot yoga
Long walks in the sun
Intense workouts
Steam rooms
Tight gym clothes
“This is your permission slip: no gym for 24 hours. Your tan slims and defines you, so you’ll look toned without lifting a finger! “ - Ally
5. Completely Remove Your Old Tan Before the New One
One of the biggest misconceptions in sunless tanning is the idea of “layering.”
This is not a tanning bed- more colour does not mean a better result.
A spray tan should never be applied over leftover patches, old solution, or uneven fade.
If you don’t remove the old tan fully, the new one will cling to dry spots and buildup, creating darkness in some areas and patchiness in others.
For a flawless, expensive-looking finish, always start with a truly clean canvas.
Ally’s go-to tools for flawless removal:
Purity Excel Remover (200ml or 440ml) - the most effective option for full-body tan in 60 seconds
Glowbomb Bath Bomb – A self tan removing bath bomb that removes tan in 10 minutes
GlowOff Eraser Mousse - Formulated with powerhouse exfoliating natural ingredients in 5 minutes
“You can’t layer your way to a good tan. You can only prep your way to one.” -Ally
Ready for Your Best Glow Yet?
Whether you're stepping into the spotlight, the camera frame, or simply into your day feeling radiant, these rituals are the foundation of your most flawless TAN Naples glow.
Book your luxury spray tan at TAN Naples and experience the difference expert prep makes.
