Spray Tanning Instructions for Fitness & Bodybuilding Competitors
Achieving the perfect competition tan is essential to your fitness and bodybuilding show appearance. Following these detailed instructions will ensure a smooth and flawless tan for your event. Remember, the judges will assess your tan as part of your overall presentation. If you do not follow these instructions correctly, we cannot guarantee your results. This guide covers everything from pre-tan prep to post-competition touch-ups.
OCB Canadian True Naturals
JULY 19, 2025 - THORNHILL, ON
Week Before the Show: Preparation
Exfoliate 2-3 Times:
Gently exfoliate your skin top to bottom using an exfoliating mitt or glove with baking soda and a natural body wash.
Avoid using bar soaps, store-bought exfoliating products, or loofah poofs, as they may not exfoliate effectively.
Pay extra attention to dry areas such as elbows, knees, hands, and feet.
Proper exfoliation ensures the tan adheres smoothly and dries faster.
You should do this 2-3 days the week before the show.
Moisturize Daily:
Keep your skin hydrated by moisturizing daily in the days leading up to your tan.
Do not moisturize on the day of your tan, as it can interfere with the tan's ability to stick to your skin.
Shave or Wax:
Shave at least 8 hours before your tan appointment.
If you plan to wax, do so at least 72 hours before your appointment.
Protect Your Nails:
Apply clear nail polish to both your fingernails and toenails to prevent staining.
Day 1: Tanning Session (The Day Before the Show)
Your first spray tan session will involve up to 3 coats. These coats will develop throughout the day for a natural yet dramatic glow.
Consider bringing dark sheets/towels to protect the bedding, as the tan can rub off on surfaces.
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Exfoliate:
On the day of your appointment, create an exfoliating paste with baking soda and a natural body wash. Apply it to all areas to be tanned, rinse well, and dry off completely.
Avoid Certain Products:
Do not apply deodorant, lotion, makeup, cologne, perfume, or oils before or after your tan. These products can affect the PH balance of your skin and cause an uneven tan or greenish hue.
Dress Properly for Your Appointment:
Wear loose, oversized clothing black (e.g., long-sleeved t-shirt and drawstring sweatpants with no elastic). Cotton or faux satin/silk fabrics are ideal.
Avoid red clothing, as it may turn the tan green.
Avoid shirts with buttons & zippers.
Women will be tanned nude
Men should wear a disposable undergarment (or a new clean sock if they prefer) and must have all genitals covered. ( If you do not provide you will be required to purchase on the day of. )
Arrive on Time:
Be punctual for your appointment. Ideally arriving at least 5 minutes early to get checked it. If you are late, a fee will be applied, as the schedule is tight.
Post-Tan Care:
After your tan is applied, stay in your loose clothing. Do not practice posing in your suit, as this may leave lines in your tan.
Do NOT touch your skin with your hands otherwise the palms of your hands will get extremely dark & it's very difficult to remove once it's set. ( Be cafeful getting changed & wipe your hands with a baby/makeup wipe if you do accidentally touch your body)
Avoid any water contact or sweating, and be cautious when drinking or using the restroom to prevent streaks in the tan.
Day 2: Touch-ups (Morning of the Show)
(Competition Day):
You’ll receive 1-2 more coats of tan to deepen the color and ensure evenness.
Allow the final coat to dry completely.
Be careful to avoid tight clothing or any contact with your skin until your tan is fully set.
You may require on-site ( backstage) final touch-ups.
We recommend having body glaze/gloss applied to enhance your stage appearance stage.
Be on Time:
As with Day 1, be punctual Ideally arriving at least 5 minutes early to get checked in for your touch-up appointment. A $fee will apply for any delays.
Wear Loose Clothing:
After your touch-up, continue wearing loose clothing until you are ready to dress for the competition.
Wear loose, oversized clothing black (e.g., long-sleeved t-shirt and drawstring sweatpants with no elastic). Cotton or faux satin/silk fabrics are ideal.
Avoid red clothing, as it may turn the tan green.
Avoid shirts with buttons & zippers.
Wait 1-2 hours before putting on your suit.
Important Reminders:
The Judges Will Evaluate Your Tan: The judges are assessing your entire physique, including the quality of your tan.
Follow All Instructions: If you fail to follow these instructions precisely, we cannot guarantee the results or the outcome of your tan which may impact your competition results. An even and tan plays a significant role in your overall presentation and scores.
Post-Tan Care Is Crucial: Proper care after your tan is just as important as preparation. If you don’t maintain your tan properly, it can lead to streaks, fading, or uneven coloring, which can hurt your chances in the competition.
By adhering to these steps, you’ll be able to achieve the perfect competition-ready tan that will enhance your physique and presentation on stage. Good luck with your show!
FAQ ( Fitness & Bodybuilding Competitors)
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No, you should remove all jewelry before your tanning session. Jewelry can create uneven spots or streaks, as the tanning solution may not reach those areas properly. Remove all rings, necklaces, earrings, and watches prior to your appointment.
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It’s possible. The tan may rub off slightly onto your suit, especially before it’s fully set. Wearing a dark-colored or black suit helps minimize visible stains. Make sure your tan has had enough time to develop and that you are completely dry before putting on your suit. Our tanning team will guide you on when it’s safe to change.
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Yes, once your spray tan has fully dried and developed (usually the next day), you can apply makeup. Your makeup artist will assist with selecting the correct tones for the stage and ensuring that products won’t disrupt your tan. Avoid applying anything to the face immediately after tanning.
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Avoid water, sweat, or steam at all costs before the tan has had time to set. Be especially careful with washing hands, using the washroom, or doing anything that could cause moisture on the skin. Any exposure can lead to streaks or uneven development. If needed, our tanning team will be on-site for corrections but it’s not ideal.
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Yes. Even with naturally deeper skin tones, a spray tan helps even out skin tone, enhance muscle definition, and provide the consistent finish required under harsh stage lighting. We will tailor the number of coats to suit your skin tone—no one-size-fits-all approach.
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Consult your dermatologist first. Conditions like eczema or psoriasis can affect how your skin absorbs or holds a tan. We’ll adjust application methods based on your skin's needs.
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Wait until your tan is completely dry and set before posing or doing any physical activity. Avoid sweating or rubbing the skin to prevent marks or premature fading. Ideally, save all movement-intensive activities for after your final touch-ups on show day.
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Day 1 builds your base tan with multiple coats to create a deep, even color.
Day 2 is for top-ups and finishing coats, giving your tan its final stage-ready depth and definition. Do not rinse or shower on Day 2 unless explicitly told to do so by your tanning technician.
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Your natural skin tone will temporarily darken to mimic a sun-kissed or competition-ready tan. It does not permanently change your skin color. The tan will fade gradually as your skin naturally exfoliates. Proper aftercare will help it fade evenly.
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No. Applying self-tanner between your professional sessions can cause uneven color, patchiness, or streaks. If you need touch-ups, ask your tanning technician for the best solution.
Do not apply lotion, deodorant, perfume, or any other product over your spray tan.
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Women: Yes, a light coat will be applied to your face on Day 1 to create an even, seamless look. It’s designed to complement your body color without being too dark.
Men: Your face will be sprayed only on Day 2 to match your body tan and enhance definition under stage lights.
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Yes. The two-day process ensures optimal color, tone, and definition for stage lighting.
Day 1 lays the base tan, while Day 2 enhances depth and allows for touch-ups after sleep, movement, or clothing friction. Skipping either day can result in an uneven or incomplete stage look.
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Slides/sandals
Dark /black loose clothing with no zippers or buttons
Baby/makeup wipes for palms hands/bottom of feet
Clear Nail polish ( protect staining- should be applied and dried before first tanning session)
Baking Soda
Exfoliation Glove/Mitt
Dark/black sheets to protect your bedding
Dark /black towel to sit on
Men ( clean new sock or disposable thong ) for genitals
****All clothing/fabric items should be washed at least once before use ****
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