How is the spray tan solution applied?
The solution will be applied by the beauty therapists. The client will stand in a Spray booth. The therapists will use a Spray Gun and check all areas are covered evenly for natural tan.
What does the solution consist of?
The solution will consist of
1) A Bronzer
2) A Developer
The bronzer is the instant colour the client will see on her skin. It acts like a colour guide to the therapists so she can see where the tan is being applied and can check the tan is even and natural.
The bronzer and developer starts to work together over the next couple of hours after the spray tan is carried out and the tan will deepen and become absorbed into the skin. It is recommended that a spray tan is left on the skin for no less than 6 to 8 hours.
The bronzer will wash off in the shower and the developer will continue to work with the skins naturally occurring melanin. The results can be slightly lighter than the original spray tanned look. When washing the tan off care must be taken to ensure the entire product is removed, it is suggested that a flannel or sponge is used and the client is encouraged to ensure the water runs clear. Once washed off the client needs to pat herself dry rather than briskly rubbing and then apply an oil free moisturizer / maintainer to keep the tan looking its best as long as possible.
Is it safe?
Yes, the therapist must obviously check for contra indications and if necessary a patch test can be done 24 hours prior to the tan, however most brands contain natural ingredients.
Some brands DHA is extracted from Sugar Cane Plants and is a safe and natural alternative to chemical DHA.
If the client is pregnant or has allergies you may want to advise them to see there GP first or offer them the patch test.
How long will the Tan last?
Providing that the client has exfoliated well for 3 -5 days prior to the tan then most tans last up to 10 days.
What should I wear after the treatment?
Loose fitting clothes are recommended to put on directly after the tan. Then once the client gets home then it is suggested to wear as little as possible around the house. It is advised to be mindful of getting the tan on light garments and soft furnishings although it will wash out of most materials, however nylon and polyester may stain.
What should I wear during the spray tan?
Knickers and bra, just knickers, bikini, or just bikini bottoms, some clients will go nude. Old clothes are always a suggestion.
Should I protect my Hair & Nails?
It is suggested that you ask the client to tie his/her hair back so it doesn’t get in the way during the tanning. You can ask the client to wear a shower cap if they have fair hair.
Although the tan won’t damage the client nails it is advisable to put Vaseline or oil over the nails prior to spray tanning as a protective barrier.
When do I wash off the tan and how do I do this?
We recommended regardless of brand all tans are left to develop for no less than 8 hours. It is suggested that the client sleeps in the product for a deeper longer lasting tan as the chemicals DHA will continue to develop and deepen the tan.
When the client is ready to wash off the tan it is suggested the client showers off the tan colourant.
§ Stand under the shower and allow the running water to rinse all traces of tan away until the water runs away clear.
§ The client can use shower gel or soap to wipe over the skin.
The client should refrain from exfoliating the skin if this is their daily routine, for approximately 3 days after the tan.
Once the client has stepped out of the shower, then it is suggested that the client pats herself dry with a dark coloured towel rather than rubbing there skin rigorously. This will ensure the tan does not get rubbed lighter by accident in certain areas, especially if the client has not exfoliated prior to the tanning very thoroughly.
How do I maintain my tan?
Once the client has washed off the tan, he or she should moisture head to toe using only an oil free moisturizer – normally brand recommended. This is because oily moisturizers promote skin cells rubbing off easier and therefore leading to patchy areas of skin. Brand moisturizers also help to maintain the fake tan for longer. Begin exfoliating as usual after day 3, to ensure a gradual fade of the tan and to prevent the skin looking patchy.
Do I still need to use an SPF if I go in the sun as I am now brown?
Yes, the fake tan is not a natural tan where the client’s melanin produces has allowed darkening of the skin resulting in a tan. Underneath the fake tan is white skin which is prone to damage and burning and will be as sensitive to sunlight as normal. So SPF’s are still very important.
