So, you’ve got the best tanning solution on the market, but the secret to a perfectly bronzed bod is also down to the before and after care. Here’s a few tips for your clients to help them achieved that tropical glow.
Tanning Prep
Exfoliate Exfoliate Exfoliate!
Possibly the most important thing your clients can do to avoid a patchy tan is to get scrubbing! Any areas receiving the spray tan should be gently exfoliated with a pH neutral exfoliator 24 hours before your appointment. This is particularly important on any dry areas where there’s a build up of rough or dead skin (it can’t all be glamour) such as knees and elbows.
To shave or not to shave
If your client likes to shave/wax/use any kind of hair removal method, this should be done 24 hours in advance to avoid the tan solution pooling in the newly exposed pores. If they like to wax, they may want to do this 2-3 days before the appointment to allow any inflammation to go down. Any wax/removal cream residue should be thoroughly cleansed from the skin.
Moisturise
Knees, elbows and particularly dry patches should be lightly moisturised after hair removal/showering 24 hours before the tan is applied to prevent uneven tone. Apart from that, no body lotions should be used anywhere else prior to the appointment as this will prevent the solution from penetrating properly.
Aftercare
Gently does it
To get the most out of a tan, it’s best to have cooler showers and avoid any harsh rubbing with towels which can lead to premature fading and patchiness. Instead, pat the skin dry and wash in water that’s comfortably warm but not steaming hot!
Exfoliate
Surprisingly, this is the best way to ensure a smooth result that fades evenly! Clients should carefully exfoliate every 2-3 days and then more thoroughly before their next tanning appointment to remove any residual tan and create a perfectly clean canvas. This is particularly important for weekly tanners!
Moisturise
Yes, please do, lots! Regular moisturising will help the tan to stay that gorgeously deep bronze for longer. However, heavy oil-based lotions can potentially remove spray tan, so it’s best to use gel-based, ph neutral formulas that will hydrate and condition without stripping the colour away.
What if my client is pregnant?
No Problem!
Feeling glowy and beautiful is just as important (if not more so!) during pregnancy, so if your customer is happy to be spray tanned, then there is nothing to say that you can’t provide this service for them. However, it’s always best to be cautious when spraying someone pregnant or anyone that has concerns about skin sensitivity. To protect yourself and them, there are a few things you can consider to keep everyone safe and feeling relaxed.
Ventilation
Make sure the room you are spraying your customer in has good ventilation. If necessary, you can suggest that the client briefly holds their breath while you spray areas near or on the face. It’s also a good idea for them to keep their eyes and mouth closed to eliminate exposure to the sensitive mucous membranes.
Patch Test
It may seem like a faff, but doing a patch test 24 hours before spraying a new/pregnant client is a great way to make sure no reactions will occur. To do it, simply dip a cotton bud into the solution, swipe it onto a discrete area (such as behind the ear or the inner arm) and then the client can inform you of any adverse effects before the session the next day.
Comfort and Care
Most importantly, communicate with your client and make sure they feel comfortable and relaxed at all times. If they don’t feel they can stand for long periods of time, offer breaks or suggest they lean on something for support. Make sure they have a drink to hand, and be understanding if they want to stop the session at any time for any reason.
