THE GUIDE
The BARGO Guide
Your Checklists
Pre-Tan Checklist
- Exfoliate and shave the day before.
- Finish waxing, nails and facials before your tan.
- Arrive with clean, dry skin: no lotion, deodorant, perfume or makeup.
- Wear loose, dark clothes and easy sandals.
- Let us know about any sunburn, irritation or recent skin treatments.
Post-Tan Checklist
- Until your first rinse: stay dry, cool and sweat-free.
- First rinse: at the time on your card. Lukewarm water only. Rinse until the water runs clear, then pat dry.
- First soap shower: at the time on your card. Shower as normal, then start moisturizing.
- Body wash: clear, sulfate-free and oil-free, with no exfoliating acids or beads.
- Moisturize daily, and wear sunscreen outdoors. Your tan doesn’t protect you from the sun.
Tan Insurance
Your tan leaves our appointment looking its best. Tan Insurance is everything you can do from there for full development, longer wear and a subtle, even fade. Open what you need.
Before your tan
- Moisturize daily in the days leading up to your appointment.
- Drink plenty of water. Hydrated skin is primed skin and gives your color an even base to develop on.
- Pause retinol and exfoliating acids at least 1 day before. Resume once your tan has peaked and you notice it fading.
- Book waxing, facials and massages at least 48 hours ahead.
Until your first rinse
- Sleep in loose clothes on darker sheets. If you run warm, turn the temperature down.
- Skip intense, sweaty or heated workouts. A walk or gentle yoga is fine.
Showers and swimming
- Keep showers short and lukewarm, and gently pat dry instead of rubbing.
- Limit hot tubs, saunas, baths and long swims in chlorine or the ocean. Life is short, so use your judgment rather than cutting these out entirely. Ask us for tips to boost your tan mid-vacation or afterward.
- Wear gloves when washing dishes or giving baths.
Your beauty routine
- Spray perfume on your clothes, not your skin.
- Shave sparingly, with a sharp razor and shave gel.
- Hold off on retinol and exfoliating acids until you notice your tan fading.
- Go easy on hand sanitizer. The alcohol dries out your skin and lifts color.
- Body oils, heavily scented soaps and bar soaps can strip your tan early.
- Pause clarifying shampoos, dandruff washes and glossing hair products made with heavy mineral oil. They can quietly strip color around your face, neck and chest, and run down your body as you rinse.
Fading and your next tan
- Stay hydrated and moisturize consistently.
- Around day 7, gentle exfoliation helps your tan fade evenly.
- Before your next appointment, remove whatever is left for a fresh start.
Spray tan safe products
Your tan lives in the outermost layer of your skin. Anything that speeds up shedding or strips that layer shortens your tan’s life. Gentle, pH-balanced products help it stay longer.
- Body wash
- Clear, sulfate-free and oil-free, with no exfoliating acids or beads.
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Sulfate-free, gentle or color-safe formulas. Light natural oils like argan or jojoba are fine. Avoid mineral oil.
- Body lotion
- Hydrating and fragrance-light. Look for glycerin, aloe, hyaluronic acid or shea butter.
- Body oil
- Jojoba, used lightly and only after your first soap shower.
- Face
- A gentle cleanser and hydrating moisturizer. Save retinol, AHA/BHA and strong vitamin C serums for when your tan fades.
- Sunscreen
- Oil-free, mineral-based. Sheer or tinted formulas avoid a white cast.
Questions about a specific product? Just ask us.
FAQ
What should I wear?
This is a judgment-free zone. Go nude, wear a dark bikini, or use our disposable thong and pasties. Wear as much or as little as you’re comfortable with. We ask men to wear bottoms throughout the appointment; underwear or a swimsuit is perfect. Afterward, change into loose, dark clothing and easy sandals.
How long does my tan take to develop?
Plan on 3–8 hours before your first rinse. You’ll get exact instructions at your appointment. Need a shorter rinse time? We offer rapid solutions at no extra cost.
What’s the difference between my first rinse and my first soap shower?
They’re two separate steps, and both times are on your card.
First rinse: lukewarm water only, with no soap and no scrubbing. This washes off the bronzer you see right after your appointment, so the water will run brown. That’s normal, and it isn’t your tan washing away. Rinse until the water runs clear, then pat dry. Your color keeps developing after this rinse.
First soap shower: once your tan has fully developed. Shower as normal with a gentle, sulfate-free body wash, then start moisturizing.
Until your first soap shower, skip soap, lotion and sweaty workouts.
How long will my tan last?
On average, your tan will last 7 days. By following the Pre-Tan and Post-Tan Checklists, you’ll maximize your results and can extend your tan to 10+ days.
I’ve never had a spray tan, or I had a bad experience. What do I need to know?
Nothing. Just follow the Pre-Tan Checklist and we’ll handle the rest, including guiding you through every pose. If a past tan didn’t go the way you wanted, tell us. We’ll walk you through how we can reach your goals this time.
How does a mobile tan work?
All we need is a space with an outlet. We bring everything else and leave your space exactly as we found it. We’ve tanned in bathrooms, kitchens and even garages, so anywhere can become your own private tanning salon.
Where do you travel?
We serve Nashville and regularly travel to Brentwood, Franklin and College Grove.
Can I spray tan while pregnant?
Many people do. We encourage you to rely on your healthcare provider’s guidance and clearance. We aren’t medical professionals, and we’ll gladly welcome you into our tent whenever you’re ready.
How old do I need to be?
Clients must be 18 or older, or have a parent or guardian sign a waiver on their behalf.
When should I book?
- Wedding: 2 days before. Brides, we never upcharge for your big day. Let us know you’re tanning for your wedding so we can go over Tan Insurance together. We recommend a classic solution with about an 8-hour rinse time, so plan your day around it.
- Photos or a special occasion: 1–3 days before.
- Vacation or travel: 1–2 days before.
- Prom or formal: 1–2 days before.
- Red carpet or spotlight event: 1 day before.
- First-timers and can’t-live-without-a-tan clients: anytime. Thursdays are popular, leaving plenty of time to develop and rinse before the weekend.
- Weekly tanners: Friday morning with a rapid solution (3–5 hour rinse) to glow through the weekend and into your week.
- Every-other-week ritual: Wednesday or Thursday, with time for a classic solution (6–8 hour rinse).
Can I work out?
Yes, once you’ve had your first soap shower. For the first day or two, choose lower-intensity, well-ventilated workouts and dark workout clothes, since leftover bronzer can transfer onto light fabric. Our solutions include DMI, an ingredient that helps your tan hold up for active lifestyles.
Can I travel with a tan?
Ideally, travel after your first soap shower, once your tan has fully developed. Depending on your plans and travel time, leaving after your first rinse can work too. Just ask us.