Care
Preparation
Hydrate - Aim for 2L of water daily in the lead-up to your spray tan. Being hydrated internally, paired with topical hydration, results in a longer-lasting tan. Yay!
Shave and Exfoliate - Be sure to shave areas and exfoliate from head to toe using an exfoliating mitt the night before your appointment. Exfoliation is key to a great tan, and it's imperative to thoroughly remove any existing spray or self-tan. Focus on drier areas of the body such as elbows, knees, and ankles, etc.
Beauty Appointments - Your spray tan should be the last step in your beauty routine. Massages, waxing, and nails should all occur prior to your spray tan. Please ensure that any appointments are scheduled more than 24 hours before your spray tan.
Wash your Hair - Ensure you wash your hair before your appointment (or plan out your hair washing schedule). We want to avoid washing your hair during the first rinse of your spray tan, as this can interfere with its development.
No Products - Skip all lotions, deodorants, oils, fragrances, and makeup on the day of your appointment. Arrive at your appointment with clean skin. Products can create a barrier between your skin and the DHA, resulting in an uneven spray tan and altering the colour.
Timing - To ensure your spray tan looks flawless for your special events, timing is everything. We recommend scheduling your spray tan appointment 2 days before an event to allow the colour to fully develop, settle and reach its optimal tone. For vacations, it’s best to tan 1 day prior to departure to achieve your perfect glow that will last throughout your travels.
What to Wear
During your Appointment - You can wear whatever you please whilst being sprayed: a bikini, bra, thong, or nothing at all. We don’t mind, as long as you feel comfortable! We also have disposable g-strings available.
Post Spray - It is recommended to wear loose, dark clothing after a spray tan. Avoid silk, satin, or any materials that may cause excess sweating. Avoid bras, leggings, jeans, or enclosed shoes. Loose fitting tracksuit, dress or pjs are recommended. If you're sleeping in your tan, wear long sleeves and pants to bed to prevent transfer to your palms or other areas of the body.
Post Spray
Avoid - Do your best to avoid skin-to-skin contact for the entirety of your spray tan's development. Avoid water, such as washing hands, doing dishes, bathing the kids, or being in the rain, as water droplets will affect the development of your spray tan.
The First Rinse - It is imperative to follow your spray tan artist's advised wash-off time. Washing your spray tan early can cause it not to develop to your desired colour, while washing off late can result in overdevelopment. The first rinse should be water only. The first shower should consist of lukewarm water for only a couple of minutes. Using the palm of your hand, gently glide over the body to ensure all bronzer is removed. Don’t panic if it appears as if your tan is going down the drain, this is just the cosmetic bronzer! Pat the skin dry with a towel, avoiding rubbing motions. Your spray tan will continue to develop in colour for the next 18-24 hours. Do NOT moisturise after the first rinse!
Exercise - Avoid high-impact exercise for the first 18-24 hours, as your spray tan is still developing after the first rinse.
Second Shower - Now you can introduce tan-safe body washes and lotions. Ask me in the studio what is safe for you, as some body washes and lotions will strip your tan, resulting in it fading faster and altering the colour. Moisturise after every shower, treat your skin as you would your hair. Would you shampoo your hair and not use conditioner? Didn’t think so!
Protect - Apply a natural SPF daily, as spray tans do not contain SPF!
Saunas & Swimming - After enjoying saunas, pools, and spas, it's important to shower promptly to remove chlorine and other chemicals that can fade your tan. Follow up with moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated and protect your tan's longevity!
Hydrate - I know I have said this once, but I will say it again. Hydrate both internally and topically. If all the steps have been followed correctly, your spray tan will last 7-10 days!
Removal
Remove Old Tan - The removal of your old spray tan can be a dreaded chore, however, it doesn’t need to be hard! It comes down to how well you cared for your tan. If you forgot to moisturise or drink water, your tan will be stubborn and stick to dry skin and areas, this is a reminder to take better care of it next time! Follow my simple removal steps below:
1. Invest in a good quality exfoliating mitt. It will be the best thing you ever do.
2. Apply Gel Tan Remover, sit on dry skin for 5-8 minutes, remove in a warm shower using an exfoliating mitt (both available in the studio for purchase). Not only will this remove old tan, but it will prep your skin for your next!
Questions
Questions - Further questions? Please contact me!