Spray tanning - Do's and Don'ts

As some of you may or may not be aware, I qualified in Beauty back in 2009. (Yes, a whole 10 years ago, time flies!)

I then worked in my parents beauty salon for at least 5 years and I have continued to do mobile beauty since this.

So here are the do's and don'ts when it comes to SPRAY tanning (although a lot of this will also apply for self tanning).....

1. PATCH TEST - If you've never had a spray tan/fake tan before, ALWAYS make sure to have a patch test before you go ahead. There is a product called Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) in majority (if not all) of spray tan solutions as this is what interacts with your own skin chemistry to turn it tan, or bronze. I have had a client who was allergic to DHA and she wasn't even aware. Thank god for the patch test because she came out in blotches!

2. Exfoliate - at the bare minimum THE DAY BEFORE YOUR TAN - Depending on what product you use for this, a lot of products leave chemicals or residue on your skin for quite sometime after applying, this can make your tan runny.

Exfoliation is a great way to help get your tan off when you're due for your next one. If you are faced with a tough time exfoliating any tan off, these few things have worked a treat over the years; a wet towel in the bath and use the towel as the exfoliater (Brilliant for stubborn areas!), toothpaste, nail varnish remover (be careful as this is not great for your skin or for sensitive skin to be honest, but has worked on multiple clients of mine), or the typical mits!

3. If you need to shave or have any hair removal for that matter, it is best either 2 days before, or once again, at the bare minimum (and this is pushing it!), the day before your tan. Why? Well, i'm hoping it's obvious to why it shouldn't be AFTER having a fake tan (removal of the tan would happen, or create patches). Having hair removal just before your spray tan (same day hair removal)- Once again.... chemical residue, wax residue (dependant on hair removal procedure of course), can also lead to a patchy tan. Even shaving gel makes a spray tan go runny!

4. Deodorants and Perfumes - If your a spray tan pro, I'm hoping you know the answer to this one! BIG NO NO to wearing these the same day as a spray tan as the chemical reaction between most perfumes and deodorants will results in green armpits/neck/wrists or sometimes even a runny spray tan (dependant on the deodorant). HOWEVER, that being said, I have noticed (even on myself); when it is a very hot/humid day where you know you'll be prone to sweat under your armpits (when you sweat immediately after having a spray tan (because sweat = wet) it causes patches in your tan) I have worn deodorant to prevent getting white patches from my sweat. You might be thinking....What about the green pits situation though Gem?? The chemical reaction of the spray tan turning green against deodorant only lats a few hours, and my motto became 'Id rather be green under my pits for a few hours than having white patchy armpits for just over a week!'. So even though its a big no no (for hulk purposes) I was able to deal with the green armpits for a little to prevent a patchy tan - This is obviously not for everyone!

5. Moisturiser..... before spray tan? NO NO and NO.

99% of moisturiser (not a scientific or studied percentage, i pulled it out of thin air due to experience!) creates a runny and sticky tan. I made this mistake 10 years ago on one of my first spray tans my mother gave me. I moisturised in the morning (and perfumed my neck - stupidly), and needless to say it took about half an hour to dry myself enough to put my clothes back on and I walked out with my hulk neck.

After a spray tan? YESSS! Once your spray tan has developed and you've washed off the top layer, moisturiser is essential in your spray tan staying even and lasting longer.

6. Spray tan clothing;

Best to wear baggy or loose clothing, tight clothing will leave marks and patches on the tan while it is developing. Most clients come in with flip flops or sandals. It is also better to opt for hair up if you have long hair (even though a beautician should ideally provide you a shower cap) its best to keep all hairs out of the way of the spray gun. (Especially if you're blonde!) I'm hoping this ones mostly common sense, but i'll state it just in case....NO LIGHT COLOURED CLOTHING. Have fun getting that out in the wash, that's all I can say.

I also wouldn't advise sitting on a white toilet seat while your tan is developing. My mothers one is now pink thanks to my sister.

One last thing which I also thought was common sense but one of my old clients actually did this.....

NO SUNBATHING WHILE YOUR TAN IS DEVELOPING

Obviously, this will make you sweat it off.

Have I missed anything? Give the blog post a comment if I have!

Gemma - LikeGem

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