Spray Tan Prep
What To Do After Your Appointment and For The Rest of The Day
-
Your Tan will start to develop around the 4 hour mark and is fully finished 24 hours later. While your tan is developing, avoid water at all costs - no washing dishes, scrubbing a bathtub, or anything that could potentially splash water on you. That means avoiding the rain too!
-
No sweating or working out. If you're an avid gym goer, spray tan on your rest day. Also, please mention this when you are booking your appointment, as I have some sweat resistant solutions.
-
Avoid skin-to-skin contact. Obviously, with someone else but also think of your classic relaxation positions - Are you a leg-crosser? Do you rest your head on your arm when you sleep? If so, make sure those areas are covered by fabric (why I suggest long pants and long sleeves) so that no skin is touching until after your first shower. Sleeping naked is not ideal as you will most likely experience rubbing on the skin/tan.
-
Wait 8-12 hours to shower after your spray tan if the regular solution was used. This gives the tanning solution the ideal time to set. While you can shower sooner, it will lighten the color and lessen the longevity of your tan. If an express/rapid solution was applied, you can shower much sooner, 2 to 6 hours later, depending on your desired level of tan. Before I leave, I will advise you on your rinse time.

Benefits of Spray Tanning Infographic



Benefits of Spray Tanning Infographic
Frequently Asked ?'s
-
How long will my Spray Tan last?
-
The tans last an average of 7 to 10 days. The longevity of your tan varies based on your skin type, level of fitness, daily activity, and how well you maintain your spray. Like a suntan, a sunless tan fades gradually as your skin cells shed. To help maintain your tan, apply lotion twice daily. I have products that work WITH your spray tan, they are specifically formulated to all work together. Want a long-lasting glow? Regularly scheduled follow-up tans will get you there.
-
You can also purchase products that will maintain / extend your tan at home, that are formulated to work together with your spray tan solution.
-
Are Spray Tans Safe?
-
Yes. Sunless tanning is a safe and proven method for obtaining a tan. The active ingredient, DHA, is derived from sugar beets and is FDA-approved for sunless tanning. This is much safer than harmful UV rays, which are proven to age your skin and cause cancer. As with any personal product, sensitivity can occur, but it is very rare. Sunna Products have actually improved some skin conditions. [this is not a medical claim]
-
Do Spray Tans look Natural?
-
Yes, as long as the color is customized to your specific skin tone. I always customize the tan color to the individual client to ensure a natural-looking tan every time. Something out of a bottle may not look as natural.
-
Will a Spray Tan Give me Sun Protection?
-
No, an airbrush spray tan does not protect you from the sun. It is recommended that you use sunscreen when out in the sun. (always, everyday)
-
I got a sunburn, can I get a spray tan over it? (new or old)
-
This is definitely not recommended. Most artists will not spray over burnt/sun damaged skin as doing so can immediately cause the skin to dry out and start to peel, even if you're not peeling yet or its an old sunburn. Your tan will appear patchy/ blotchy and uneven. If you have an urgent situation we can review on case by case basis.
-
How Often Should I Spray Tan?
-
How frequently you choose to tan is a personal preference. I recommend every two weeks.
-
What Should I Wear to my Appointment?
-
To prep for your spray tan appointment, you will want to wear (or bring with you to change into) long pants, a long-sleeved shirt - think loose joggers, not leggings, - and flip flops. I recommend going commando after so as to keep fabric from rubbing to tightly on your skin. Keeping your skin covered protects your tan and ensures there is no skin-to-skin contact that could alter the color and evenness of the tan (For example: legs touching when you sit or walk). For this reason, we do not recommend sun dresses or shorts. Additionally, flip flops allow your feet to breathe because tight shoes can lead to the color getting really light or really dark. Plan to take your shoes off as soon as you can and let them be free for the rest of the day. If it's raining, which happens a lot on Vancouver Island, I recommend wearing footwear such as Ugg's or a loose fitting rain boot. No socks either.
-
As for the appointment itself, female clients are allowed to wear (or not wear) whatever they want - this is up to your discretion and comfort level. If you choose to wear a bathing suit or undergarments, just remember that where they sit on your skin will become your tan lines, so choose wisely and take into account any upcoming vacations or events requiring specific attire (did anyone say “off-the-shoulder bridesmaids dress”?). I recommend dark-colored garments for anything that you do choose to wear.
-
Male clients are required to wear undergarments. Disposable undergarments will not be provided, so please be prepared or you will be asked to reschedule your appointment.
-
How Many Days Before Your Wedding Should You Get a Spray Tan?
-
The ideal time is 2-3 days before the start of your wedding festivities, including your rehearsal dinner or any other pre-wedding events. It’s better to be too far from the wedding than too close. If you’re not sure when to schedule, I recommend erring on the safe side or calling for advice.
-
I offer a clear express solution which has zero bronzer, so that means no colour transfer! This is ideal for Brides, bridal parties or any important event you may have coming up.
-
I also recommend a trial tan approx 1-2 weeks before so we can customize your tan and trouble shoot any issues that may arise, with plenty of time.
-
Should I Exfoliate Before my Spray Tan?
-
YES! This is such an important step in prepping your skin for the tan. BUT, do not exfoliate too close to your appointment, I recommend the night before.
-
Ever get your brows waxed and then try to put makeup on, only to discover it doesn’t stick? It’s the same concept here. When your skin is so fresh post-exfoliation, it won’t be able to hold on to the tan. Make sure you don't exfoliate any closer than 8 hours before your appointment.
-
How Do you Wash your Face after a Spray Tan?
-
If you want to do a mask or peel, do it the night before your tan. After your tan, you should wait until your first shower to wash your face. Pare down your skincare routine after your tan. Products intended to remove acne, even texture, or brighten the skin will likely remove your tan, too.
-
It’s normal for your hands and face to fade more quickly because you wash those areas more frequently. A touch-up spray like the "Keep Me Sunkissed Face Water" and "Gradual Tanning Lotion" can help extend the life of your tan on your hands and face. These are available for purchase Here
-
Will Swimming Ruin my Spray Tan?
-
Yes. Chlorine and saltwater both break down the spray tan formula quicker than normal. If you choose to go swimming, you may notice a rapid fade of your spray tan.
-
Does the Spray Tan come off on your Sheets?
-
You may experience color transfer on your sheets after your spray tan. I recommend sleeping covered in dark-colored clothing for this reason or dark sheets. If you find that the solution has transferred to your sheets, NBD. Throw ’em in the wash, and it should come right out. Ditto if any transfers to your clothes.
-
What Takes Off my Spray Tan?
-
If you’re ready to say goodbye to your tan, you can use lemon juice, baking soda, exfoliating gloves/scrubs, or take a hot bath (with Epsom salts for an extra push). Want our hottest secret? Dove bar soap is actually incredible for removing your tan. (for this reason, it not a great product to use on a regular basis, especially before your tan, as it contains moisturizers that create a barrier on your skin)
-
Can I Apply a Spray Tan Over an Old Spray Tan?
-
You can, but it’s always best to start with your natural skin as a base. This is key for achieving an even tan. Spraying over top of another spray tan or at home self tanner always risks looking patchy or blotchy.
-
How Can I Fix a Patchy Tan?
-
How to fix your tan depends on when in the life of the tan you're experiencing issues. You can always call for tailored advice, but here are some general rules:
-
Right after the tan: Circular motion during your first post-tan shower will blend out 90% of issues, but it has to be the first shower.
-
For a fading tan: The best approach is to remove the spray tan.
-
SOS patchiness: If you don’t have time to remove the tan, throw a little cosmetic bronzer on to help blend the patchy area.
-
