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What is a Spray Tan?
Only like the coolest thing ever. A spray tan is a better way to get the look of a glow without the harmful effects of the sun. A sunless tanning solution is applied to the skin by an airbrush technician with an HVLP machine and spray gun by hand. Your airbrush technician will guide you through different positions to ensure full, even coverage on your skin. This solution will remain on your skin for 1-8+ hours (depending on which solution you choose) and will be rinsed off. While the solution is on your skin, it will react with the outer, dead skin cells to create a tan result. The ingredient in sunless tanning solution that actually makes you tan is Dihydroxyacetone (also known as DHA). To learn more frequently asked questions about spray tanning, visit our FAQ page.
Hydrate & Moisturize Leading Up to Your Spray Tan
Starting at least 1 week BEFORE your spray tan, apply moisturizer daily (2x daily in the winter or if your skin is dry) to keep your skin hydrated. Hydrated skin will help the tan develop and fade evenly. Don't forget to hydrate from the inside out by drinking water!
Shower & Exfoliate 12 Hour Before Your Appointment
Showering too close to your appointment time can mess with your skins pH levels which can lead to improper development of the spray tan solution and undesirable results. While in the shower, you'll want to use a physical exfoliating mitt to slough off dead skin. Because the spray tan solution needs to react with the outer most layer of skin, exfoliating too close to your appointment could cause no tan result to occur.
Remove Unwanted Hair the Day Before Your Spray Tan
You do not have to shave to get a spray tan if you enjoy it there! If you prefer to remove any unwanted, best to remove it at least 12 hours before your appointment. Most methods of hair removal are a form of exfoliation like shaving, waxing or sugaring. If these methods were used after your tan, it would take your hair and tan off with it! Also keep in mind that laser hair removal cannot be performed on tan skin as it can cause burns, so best to get these done in advance.
Do Not Apply Any Products On the Skin
No makeup. No deodorant. No lotion. No perfume. No oils. Any product left on the skin will create a barrier that the spray tan solution cannot penetrate, leaving you pale in those areas. Deodorant left on will turn your underarms green! Keep this in mind when booking other services as well such as massages, manicures, pedicures, facials, etc.
Wear Dark, Loose-Fitting Clothing to Your Spray Tan Appointment
Leave all the tight clothes at home and get cozy. Long sleeves and long pants are best because they prevent any skin-on-skin contact and protect your tan while it develops. Do not put your bra back on after your appointment. Also sandals are easier to throw on afterward!
Consider Any Needed Accommodations for the Season
If it is pouring rain outside (or in the forecast), best to dress in layers, closed toe shoes and bring an umbrella. If it's peak summer and there's a heat advisory, be sure to have your A/C bumping in the car & at home. Maybe pack a towel to sit on in the car ride home if it's too hot to wear shorts. Be mindful with tank tops and the seatbelt rubbing on your shoulder.
Undress to Your Comfort Level
Spray tan solution is applied to bare skin, so be prepared to disrobe to your comfort level. Be mindful that whatever you choose to leave on (bra, thong, etc) WILL leave a tan line! With the popular trend of high-cut bikini bottoms and strapless tops, consider the outfits you plan to wear with your spray tan and where tan lines would be created. A professional spray tan artist will never judge you and will make you feel comfortable through out your appointment!
Go Home and Do Nothing Until It's Time To Rinse
While you are marinating in spray tan solution, do not sweat or get wet. You'll want to avoid washing dishes, giving baths to kiddos, no crying over someone's crusty son or any activity at all that would make you sweaty. Also be mindful when brushing your teeth AND any kisses from your cat or dog--spray tan solution tastes sweet to our furry friends which can leave you with polka dots of tan on your body. Avoid touching your skin with the palms of your hand and any skin-on-skin contact (crossing legs, sleeping with head on arms, etc).
No Soap & Lukewarm Water Rinse Time
When it's time to rinse off your spray tan solution (1-4 hours for Rapid Rinse, 8+ hours for Classic Rinse) you will rinse off with lukewarm water in the shower until the water runs clear. You can use your hands to gently wash off the cosmetic bronzer. Do not use ANY kind of soap--yes, that means you cannot wash your hair. The sulfates (ingredient in most soaps that make it lather) in shampoo will strip the tan off. So when the shampoo suds rinse down your body it will leave you with tiger stripes on your body. Same goes for most body washes and bar soaps. You can take a real soap shower 24 hours after your appointment.
Make Your Tan Last Longer
Use a Tan Extender Lotion daily to keep your skin hydrated (helping your tan last longer) and give you a little color boost. Active ingredients in most skincare products will cause your tan to fade faster, in addition to the fact that we wash our face often. Tanning Face Drops can also be added to your skincare routine to keep your face tan going the extra mile. Avoid anything that will exfoliate your skin, such as rubbing yourself dry with a towel or shaving. Also avoid extreme heat such as hot tubs, hot baths or saunas. The chemicals in pool water and the salt water in the ocean can both cause your tan is fade sooner.
Ready for Your Next Tan?
Make sure all of your old tan is off before your go in for your next appointment. Commonly missed spots include back of legs, back, back of arms and neck. You'll want to do everything you can to exfoliate your skin and hydrate leading up to your next spray tan. When you're ready to book, visit my booking page.