Tan Care
Preparation - Lotions/Makeup
You CANNOT have any lotion, makeup, sunscreen or oil on your skin at the time of your appointment, even if it has been applied earlier in the day. You should also avoid the shower as soaps can leave behind a film. If you must shower please rinse and do it 8 hours before your appointment. We have makeup wipes in the salon if you need to remove makeup prior to your appointment. If you have anything on your skin your tan will end up streaked, we recommend a pretan exfoliation.
DO NOT USE DOVE, BATH AND BODY WORKS OR ANYTHING WITH MOISTURE BEADS!
We cannot guarantee our tans if you use over the counter products, there is a difference between professional and over the counter for a reason. The final result of your tan depends on your ph balance and many of these products can cause unfavorable results. Also many products that are sold as natural etc may still carry oils that adversely affect your tan.
Chapsticks/lip balms/glosses/lipsticks & mascaras are okay to have on during and after your tan. We recommend using lip balm to protect your mucous membranes during your tan.
It is best to remove your deodorant before your tan, if you have residual deodorant on you may notice green while you process, it doesn't stay that way
This step is crucial in the final results of your tan. Shave, shower and exfoliate 24 hours prior to your tan.
Shave with conditioner for best results, some razors with wax strips can also leave a residue try to avoid them.
Exfoliate with a mild oil free exfoliant, we have several options in studio for you. Oily exfoliants leave a film and will cause streaks.
Shower with the right soap and do not shower within 8 hours of your appointment. Using the wrong soaps can leave film and leave you streaked and orange or without color. We do not guarantee our tans when you use over the counter products or fail to follow directions. If you absolutely must rinse off before your tan use cool water and no product.
Spray Tanning - What to Expect
If it is raining or snowing the day of your appointment, it is recommended that you bring an umbrella and/or wear protective clothing - such as long pants, long sleeved shirts and a sweatshirt.
Try not to touch your skin to see if you are sticky. The solution does feel sticky while it is in the developing phase before your first shower and this is normal. If you touch your skin and do not wash the insides of your hands, your palms may end up becoming stained because palms are not supposed to come in contact with the spray tan solution. If you do accidentally touch your skin wash the insides of your hands as directed by your spray tan specialist!
When needed, wash only the insides of your hands while the spray tan is developing. The most effective way to do this is with hand sanitizer or an antibacterial wipe. If you do not have these available, you can also use a paper towel or towel with soap. Be cautious when water splashes and when drinking, use a straw
Immediate After Care
It is recommended that you do not shower for 10-12 hours if you use our basic formula and 2-6 hours if you use our rapid formula. Showering before the 10-12/2-6 hour time frame may lighten up your color and impact the results of the spray tan. We will explain specific instructions for your tan when you leave the salon
No sweating, swimming, getting wet or exercising until your first shower after your spray tan. Doing so may cause streaks. In the days following your tan use a water proof sunblock to protect your tan from salt water and chemicals, we carry one that doesn't strip your tan
DO NOT wash your face before your first shower. This also goes for not washing any makeup off your face while your tan processes
There is a bronzer in the solution, which means that you will have some color immediately after you are sprayed. The color will continue to darken as the solution develops. Your color will lighten after you shower off the bronzer. You will see color coming off in your first shower. This is normal. Your spray tan is not washing off, it is just bronzer.
Shower before working out or sweating. Working out with the bronzer on may cause your tan to streak. We recommend rinsing the bronzer off, then working out and then taking a full shower - just so you do not have to take two showers back-to-back.
Go easy around water the day you get sprayed – this includes everything from doing dishes to brushing your teeth. While you can still do these things, it is recommended that you use caution when you are near water to ensure you do not mess up your spray tan.
We do NOT RECOMMEND wearing vinyl/rubber gloves to do housework the day you are sprayed. We recommend waiting until after your first shower to wear those types of gloves.
If you have small children, it is recommended that you bathe them prior to your spray tan or have someone else bathe them that day. Also if you are breast feeding we must cover your breasts as they can leak and streak your tan, we also do not want baby to have a spray tan.
If you are wearing your spray tan to bed, we recommend wearing long sleeves and long pants or covering your hands with socks while you sleep. This will prevent the spray tan from transferring to your hands while you're sleeping and making them extra dark!
Long Term After Care
Pat dry after your shower. Vigorous rubbing will exfoliate your skin and your tan will not last as long.
DO NOT exfoliate with loofas, body scrubs, body washes or soaps with exfoliating beads until your tan starts to fade away.
We recommend using our tan friendly body wash for best results. DO NOT use scented body washes - such as Victoria's Secret and Bath and Body Works. Non-scented/fragrance-free body washes and soaps are RECOMMENDED. DOVE OR OTHER SCENTED BODY WASHES AND SOAPS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED. Aveeno lotions are also NOT RECOMMENDED! Using the right soap extends the life of your tan and helps for an even fade
Limit the shaving of your legs, as this is also a form of exfoliating. You can still shave your legs, however we do not recommend doing it daily.
The tan is not going to just disappear, you are going to notice it fading. You can start exfoliating when you notice it is starting to fade and/or in preparation for your next tan.
Face washes containing salicylic acid and/or benzoyl peroxide are NOT RECOMMENDED because they can eat away at your spray tan. Your face will fade faster as you wash it more frequently.
Acne spot treatments are also NOT RECOMMENDED during the week your spray tan is on.
Moisturizing helps extend the life of your tan and it helps your tan to fade more evenly. We recommend using our tan extender lotion..or a hydrating, non-scented/fragrance-free lotion! SCENTED LOTIONS - I.E. VICTORIA'S SECRET & BATH AND BODY WORKS - ARE NOT RECOMMENDED! Aveeno lotions are also NOT RECOMMENDED!
Your spray tan will last 7 to 10 days. The more you moisturize, the longer the tan can last. Check out the product page for the m oisturizers I carry.
It is recommended to moisturize at least once a day, however twice a day is encouraged. You can start moisturizing after your first shower. For best results we also offer a tan extender lotion. NON-SCENTED/FRAGRANCE-FREE moisturizer is RECOMMENDED!
Always wear sunscreen when out in the sun. We also recommend mixing moisturizer with your sunscreen and putting both on at the same time each time you would normally apply your sunscreen - especially after prolonged exposure to the sun, being in the ocean or being in the pool. This will extend your tan. Also putting a waterproof layer of sunscreen in the pool and hottub puts a protective layer between your tan and chlorine.