During the Tanning Application
During the Tanning Application
Getting a spray tan for the first time may be a little daunting for some so here is an outline of what to expect and how to make the most out of your spray tan session.
Upon arrival your tanner may provide you with some items:
- a tanning cap to put over your hair (this helps to prevent tanning liquid overspray from getting onto your hair however the spray is such a fine mist that even when a tanning cap is not worn there is no noticeable effect of wet or tanned hair etc.)
- a disposable g-string (this is for those who prefer not to wear their own underwear and for those who do not want to wear swimwear or get sprayed nude)
- moisturiser or sorbolene (this is for applying to the places on your body that are prone to absorbing excessive tanning liquid resulting in darker patches including most commonly the palms of your hands, fingers, toes and back of your wrists, however also sometimes elbows, knees and ankles). This item is regarded as essential and if your tanner does not offer moisturiser or sorbolene to use, it is strongly recommended to take your own along and apply it yourself just before the tanning application commences.
Do not touch your body in any place once you have moisturiser or sorbolene on your hands as this will have the same effect as having put product on your skin before the tan. Follow the instructions of your tanner! Each tanner might have slight variations in the various positions that you will be required to stand in whilst you are being sprayed, however generally they are the same and your tanner will guide you through them.
Certain factors such as time of the month, diet and medications such as anti-depressants may affect the pH balance of your skin and the overall result of your tan may be blotchy. You can get around this by using an oil neutralising skin product such as MagicTan Amplifier Prep Gel before the tanning application commences for a guaranteed perfect tanning application.
Once the tanning session is over
Your tanner might offer you talcum powder sprinkled on a tissue or cotton wool ball. Tthis is to lightly dab on your underarms to prevent sweating and running/dripping of the tanning residue (remember you will not have any deodorant on) until you can wash your tanning residue off in the shower several hours later. If your tanner does not offer you talcum powder to use, don’t worry, just apply some when you get home.
Take extra care when getting dressed not to rub off any of the tanning residue onto your clothing. Although the tan will wash out of your clothing, it might leave untanned patches on your skin. If possible do not wear a bra, ideally leave barefoot (if you can!) or if you must wear shoes, wear flip flops or thongs – no enclosed shoes. It is advisable to wear a cotton sarong tied loosely as a dress around your neck as this is easy to put on and won’t rub or cause any friction against your skin.
Most importantly, when your tan is developing, do not get any water on yourself! This means no showers, no swimming, no exercise (no sweating), no washing dishes, no walking outside in the rain, etc. Even a single drop of water will wash off the tanning residue leaving a white mark which will remain untanned. You should also take care when eating and drinking when the tanning residue is developing as you can accidently wash off the tan around your mouth by licking your lips or taking a big swig of drink which will go on the corners of your mouth. If unsure, use a straw!
It is recommended that you schedule your tanning appointment as late in the day as possible so that you can come home and allow your tan to develop whilst you are asleep at night. This will minimise the risk of damaging your tan. Also, sleeping in your tan will mean that you give it at least 6-8 hours to develop which should result in a deep fully developed beautiful tan.
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Before your tan
During the tanning application
Caring for your tan afterwards
Tan removal