Step by Step DIY Competition Tan Using Pro Tan

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Editor’s Note: Updated January 31, 2024.

Doing your own tan for a bikini, figure, physique or bodybuilding show may seem like a scary job better left to the pros. After all, you have spent the better part of your life dieting, training and getting ready for this show. So why risk getting on stage with a DIY tan?

Why? Because it is really easy and convenient and saves a TON of money. Plenty of pro-level athletes competing at bodybuilding shows do their own tans. Many natural competitors do so because smaller shows managed by these federations often do not have a tanning company at the venue.

For me, the last pay-per-tan straw came in 2016 when I competed at the NPC Masters Nationals. I got up at 3 am to make a 5 am tanning appointment to make a noon show. After my tan was applied, I shivered in front of a fan for half an hour while it dried to a tacky mess. Then I put on my robe and struggled to lug me and my gear to kingdom come without ruining the tan. Nine hours and $150 later, I had a tan.

But how can one possibly look their best when they forego sleep, are on their feet and cannot eat right? This bologna was not for me!

Getting It Right

The next year, I decided to try my hand at doing my own tan. The product I used was okay and good enough to get me to try again the next year. This time, though, I found the perfect product — Pro Tan — and fell in love with the results.

I am able to apply this tan mostly on my own, at home, the hotel and the venue. It is far more breathable and less sticky than other tans and leaves less product on my sheets and towels. And, I save a TON of money. One bottle each of the Pro Tan base and bronzer got me through three shows and left me with enough for another three shows. In all, I spent less that entire year than I had for a single show in years past.

So, how did I do it? I’ll explain the process using a Saturday show as an example.

Keep in mind, with all competition tans, perfectly conditioned skin is key to a smooth, radiant tan. Even when I had spray tans done by others, I took care of my skin well in advance and appliers always commented on how beautifully product adhered to my skin.

What You Will Need

I was able to buy everything on this list below through Pro Tan, Amazon Prime and my local big box store. I am describing the process using Pro Tan Overnight Competition Color Base Coat and Pro Tan Instant Competition Color Top Coat. Please keep in mind that different tan products may have different protocols.

Total cost is about $145. Keep in mind that you will need to purchase a good portion of this list whether you get a spray tan or do it yourself. And the products can be used again in following years. Pro Tan products have a generous expiration date. The products I purchased in 2018 were still good two years later, in 2020. Though you will want to test products for effectiveness if you open them and use them across years.

Exfoliating gloves, exfoliating towel, shea butter lotion and beeswax lotion bar.

2 Weeks Out

As I mentioned earlier, having well-conditioned skin in advance of the show will ensure tanning products adhere evenly and absorb well.

Beginning at least two weeks before your show, exfoliate your entire body using one pair of the exfoliating gloves and an exfoliating towel to reach your back. Aim to do this every other day, or about three times a week. Early in my prep career, I tried using an exfoliating sugar scrub instead because of the moisturizing benefits. I came back to this method, though, because I hate cleaning a slippery tub every time I use it.

Pay particular attention to areas with thicker skin, like heels and feet, knees and elbows. Also be sure to gently exfoliate your neck. This area tends to make for blotchy-looking tans if missed in the exfoliating process.

Generously moisturize with shea butter lotion and use a lotion bar on hands, feet, elbows and knees every other day as well. I generally leave the lotion bar on my nightstand and apply right before bed.

Your goal here is to remove a buildup of dead skin cells and leave behind soft skin that makes a lovely canvas for the tan.

 

 

My hair removal products: shaving cream and a razor and Nair Brazilian Spa Clay hair remover.

Wednesday Before the Show

Remove hair from your entire body — women and men alike — even if you have fine hair. Though invisible to the eye from a distance, hair holds posing oil and can impact your look on stage.

Since my hair is fine, I use shaving cream and a razor to remove most of it. I have a partner shave my back (yes, even women have back hair) and other hard-to-reach areas. If you have coarse hair, a product like Nair may work better.

Though I prefer shaving cream for most of my body, I use Nair’s Brazilian Spa Clay hair remover for my bikini area and armpits. This is the most effective product I’ve found for women who don’t opt for a bikini wax.

Use products of which you are familiar or give new ones a whirl long before peak week. This is not the time to experiment with products that may give you a rash.

This is also the reason I advise removing hair well in advance of your tan. You don’t want to have open pores and “wounded” skin when your tan is applied.

 

 

Shower with the baby wash and exfoliate one last time. Then begin applying your first coat of Pro Tan base.

Thursday Evening

With skin prep under wraps, you’re now ready for the fun part — the tan. This is the point where all your work will come to life. A tan makes a huge difference in your appearance, on and off stage.

First, take a shower and wash your hair. If you have medium or long hair, wrap it in a towel to prevent it from touching your skin. Wash entire body with Aveeno Baby Wash and Shampoo using the second pair of exfoliating gloves and the second exfoliating towel. Use new ones as they will not be laden with chemicals from previous showers.

I’ve also heard of people using a paste made from baking soda and water. But I have used the Aveeno wash for many years (it was recommended to me by skin conditioning mentor) and never had a problem regardless of the brand of the tanning product.

At this point you will no longer be able to use soap or deodorant as both can react with chemicals in the tanning solution, causing a green cast.

Pat dry and begin to apply the Pro Tan Base Coat. Use latex gloves to prevent your hands from being stained. If you have a partner to help with your back, the process is easier. However, it is certainly doable on your own.

Watch this video for instructions on how to apply the Pro Tan Base Coat. This video shows how to apply with a sponge applicator. You can also apply as a spray. However, the spray method will get product everywhere and is slower than the sponge method.

First coat of Pro Tan base on my left leg as compared to my normal complexion on my right leg.

Pour about 1/2 cup of the base coat into a 3-cup plastic container. Stand on a towel or cleanable surface and apply to your body with the terry cloth or sponge applicator. Start at the bottom of your body and work up, beginning with the legs, then buttocks, abs, chest and arms. If you are on your own, put the applicator on the back lotion applicator to apply to your back and check coverage in a pair of free-standing mirrors facing each other.

Apply in long, vertical, even strokes. Don’t rub the product into your skin. Don’t worry about overlap or making the tan look smooth at this point. Avoid applying the base coat to feet, ankles, knees, elbows, hands, neck and face. These areas take the color quickly and will be too dark with multiple coats.

Let dry for about 10 minutes and then dress in dark, loose fitting clothes. Sleep on dark colored or old sheets and pillow cases to prevent stains.

Don’t worry about the color not being super dark at this point. You will be applying an additional base coat and the bronzer before you step on stage.

Note: if you are really fair skinned, you may opt for a second base coat on Thursday night. However wait 4-6 hours to see how the color develops before doing this. For the sake of comparison, see the photo on the left showing my normal complexion versus one coat of the base coat.

Second coat of Pro Tan base on my left leg versus regular skin tone on right.

Friday Morning and Evening

On Friday morning, take a cool shower to rinse off, but DO NOT use any shampoo or soap. Yes, a lot of the product will come off with the shower, but it will have definitely stained your skin. If you skip this step, you may get a buildup of product and the tan could become sticky and smudgy.

On Friday afternoon or evening, apply the second coat of Pro Tan base in the same manner as you did on Thursday. This time, apply a very, very light coat of the base to the tops of your feet, ankles, knees, elbows and the back side of your hands. Also apply a light coat to your neck, blending from your chest to your jaw bone. I do not apply tan to my face. Rather, I accomplish this with makeup.

Since most of my shows are out of town, I typically travel early afternoon and apply this coat when I am at my destination. At this stage, you will also need to be careful about how you use the restroom. Urine and water will streak and spot your tan. Be mindful about what you are doing. Pee in a cup if necessary, wash your hands with a wash cloth or baby wipe and lean way over the sink to brush your teeth.

Again, wear dark, loose-fitting clothes and sleep on dark colored or old sheets and pillow cases. If I am staying at a hotel, I bring old sheets, pillowcases and towels with me. I lay them over the bed so I don’t stain the hotel’s linens. They are also handy for chairs and floors. Hotels have been known to charge for tan stains and we bodybuilders don’t want to wear out our welcome.

Friday night, sit back, relax and unwind. Relish the fact that you can do this whole thing at your convenience, in your hotel room or home and wear nothing but flip flops if you so desire.

Pro Tan top coat applied on Saturday morning. Two coats of Pro Tan base, applied on Thursday and Friday.

Saturday Morning

Rise and shine, but do not take a shower this morning and do not put on deodorant or lotions of any kind.

Today is the day for the Pro Tan Instant Competition Color Top Coat. Apply it with a new applicator in the same manner as the base coat, in long, vertical, even strokes. This is a mouse rather than a liquid, so make sure you are not applying it with a heavy hand. For tips, watch the “How to Apply Top Coat” video on the Pro Tan website. There are links for women and for men.

This is the product that will make your tan pop and much darker. I apply the top coat in the hotel room several hours before I step on stage to allow it time to cure. I can then decide if I need an additional coat, but I have never needed one.

That’s it! Now you can tend to your makeup and head to the venue.

Be sure to bring touch up supplies, like the bronzer, applicator and a few rags, backstage for emergencies. I put my tanning supplies all together in a drawstring backpack and attach it to my wheeled cart with my other things.

Then, enjoy your time in the spotlight, get lots of pictures…..and smile!

Pro Tan Instant Competition Top Coat, formerly called Bikini Bronzer, and posing oil. Some federations provide assistance backstage for applying posing oil and bikini bite. Others do not. Check beforehand, so you can bring them with you if necessary.

Competing in the NGA Monster Mash in 2018 with a DYI tan. Notice how much lighter the tan appears on stage under the bright lights. This is why it is important to have a dark tan for bodybuilding competitions.

 

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