Whether you’re new to spray tanning or just need a refresher, this guide has you covered—from prep to post-tan care.

OATS offers the best custom spray
tans on California’s Central Coast!

Each tan is hand applied with an ultra-fine mist airbrush gun for a smooth, streak-free glow.

With multiple shades to choose from, you and your technician will select the perfect blend for your skin tone and desired look.

Our spray tan solutions are plant-based from sugar beets and sugar cane and are completely paraben, gluten, sulfate, and cruelty free!

Appointment Prep & Aftercare

    • Get all other beauty treatments done: that includes facials, waxing, mani/pedi treatments, etc.

    • Remove body hair by shaving or waxing.

    • Exfoliate your entire body using an exfoliating mitt or washcloth. Pay special attention to elbows, knees, ankles, neck, and underarms.

    • Avoid oils, oil-based products, or bar soap as they can leave a film or barrier on your skin.

    • Hydrate by drinking water. Hydrated skin = longer-lasting color.

    • Shower normally at least 4 hours before your session—Avoid using soaps or body washes, especially Dove, Dial, Ivory, or anything “moisturizing”.

    • No deodorant, lotions, perfumes, or body sprays at least 8 hours before your appointment. (You may apply lotion that morning if your session is in the evening.)

    • Wear or pack dark, loose-fitting clothes—no denim or tight fabrics. If rain is in the forecast, cover up completely because water will ruin your tan-in-progress.

    • There is a bronzer in the solution so you will get an “instant tan” but it will wash off after your first shower.

    • It’s recommended to put down old/dark sheets if you’re sleeping in your tan because the initial color can rub off a little bit, but will wash out completely.

    Ladies:
    Wear dark-colored undergarments or swimsuits, or tan topless if you’re wearing a strapless/backless outfit. If topless isn’t your thing, bring adhesive-style coverage—we can’t work around traditional bra straps.

    Men:
    You must wear dark-colored boxers or briefs. No exceptions.

    • Stay in your dark, loose clothing while your tan develops.

    • No sweating, water, tight clothes, bras, or sports bras for at least 8 hours for a Regular Tan and 1-4 hours for a Rapid Tan.

    • At your first rinse:

      • Use only your hands (no washcloths or loofahs) and sulfate-free body wash

      • Stick to washing “the essentials”

      • Use cool or lukewarm water and pat dry

    • Hydrate and moisturize daily—Body butters and rich lotions are perfect, but avoid ingredients that break down your tan like oils, petroleum, alcohol, and acids.

    Important Notes:

    • Spray tans do not offer sun protection. Always apply SPF.

    • If swimming, it’s best to moisturize your skin before you dive in. Try to limit water exposure to 10–15 minutes at a time. Use waterproof SPF and apply a tan extender after to keep your color strong through your trip.

    • We also have an amazing Tan Extender and Bronzing Mousse for purchase that will keep your tan lasting even longer! It’s great for touching up your tan while on vacation, or just for everyday use.

FAQs

  • The best time to tan is a day or two before the event or vacation. This allows for the tan to be at its maximum and last as long as possible.

    We don’t recommend doing your tan the day of your event because you will have a period of processing time (8+ hours for Regular Tan, 1-4 hours for Rapid Tan) and the cosmetic bronzer can rub off on your clothing.

    However, if that’s the only option, then choosing the Rapid solution is best.

  • Regular solution needs to stay on your skin for at least 8+ hours before you can rinse it off.

    Rapid solution has a quicker developing time and is only left on your body 1-4 hours depending on depth of tan.

    • 1 hour for a light tan

    • 2-3 hours for a medium tan

    • 3-4 hours for a dark tan

    Your artist will go over levels with you and together you can choose a shade that’s best for your skin tone and what you would like to achieve from the tan.

    The Rapid solution is great if you can’t leave it on all day or night, or if you have a same day event or travel plans. Rapid is time sensitive though, so make sure you have access to a shower in the time frame for your selected shade or it will get very dark.

  • Your tan will last anywhere from 7-12 days depending on your daily activities and caring for your skin.

    Skin type, lifestyle, and aftercare can impact results. We’ll help you build a body care routine to extend your tan.

  • The tan application itself takes about 15-20 minutes, and we use a proprietary plant based solution derived from sugar beets and sugar cane. Our solutions are 100% paraben free, gluten free, sulfate free, and cruelty free. 

    We’re not exaggerating when we say we’ve mastered the art of sunless tanning. Our goal is for no one to guess your tan isn’t natural, and we pay close attention to the areas that often give spray tans away (you know the ones).

    Plus, your comfort and results are our top priorities—always.

  • Nope! You’re welcome to wear as little or as much as you are comfortable with during the appointment. However, males of any age are required to wear undergarments during their appointment. No exceptions.

    We also provide hair nets, disposable thong underwear and sticky feet to protect areas from getting unwanted tanning solution.

  • Yes, spray tanning is safe while you're pregnant, but feel free to consult with your doctor for concerns.

    There aren’t any official studies of spray tan inhalation during pregnancy, however, the filtration system in our tanning room filters out any over spray so you won’t be breathing it in. If you’re still concerned, you may wear a mask while doing the spray tan and then do face at the very end.

    Please let us know if you are pregnant so we can take extra precautions for your session.

  • No. Spray tans do not offer sun protection or a “base tan.” Always use sunscreen when outside.

  • Before your first rinse, avoid any water, sweat, or handwashing. After rinsing, avoid:

    • Soaps with SLS (sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate)—most drugstore body washes contain this.

    • Lotions with mineral oil or petroleum—these break down your tan.

    • Products with acids or retinol (AHAs, glycolic, citric acids, or anti-aging creams)—they exfoliate the skin and will cause fading.

    Use sulfate-free or naturally based products and stick to “soaping the essentials.”