HAIR REMOVAL
All body waxing, including facial waxing (lip) should be done at least 48 hours prior to your tanning appointment. If shaving is your thing, 24 hours is fine but remember most shavers have a gel or moisturizer strip on them so wash yourself properly again once shaved.
Shaving right before your spray tan appointment isn’t ideal because it can also make your skin sensitive and react to the tanning solution.
TIP: If you feel you need to shave your legs or underarms after being tanned – use hair conditioner – NOT soap and always use a fresh shaver. This will help it glide over the skin!
Lightbulb Moment
You know what a marinated raw chicken fillets looks like with the skin left on? Your pores could look like that if you shave on the day. Not a good look!
HANDS AND FEET
All manicures and pedicures should be done before your spray tan NOT after. The acetone used for nails and massage oils / moisturisers used during pedicures will strip your colour away.
EXFOLIATION – BODY SCRUBBING
Start exfoliating 5 days before your tan. This timeframe would be the ideal scenario but if you have not left yourself enough time to do that, then start as soon as you can. Better late then never!
This will slough away the dead, dry skin cells leaving your body as a fresh canvas. Don’t forget knees, elbows and front lower legs.
Preparing your skin properly is the key to a great tan and a more even tan reduction as it wears off.
Lightbulb Moment. Remember when you last painted a wall and you didn’t bother sanding down the walls properly? Preparation is everything.
SHOWERING
Removing your deodorant, perfume, body moisturizer and makeup from the day gives you a better end result. Ideally, showering a few hours before your spray tan appointment is preferred. Use a tan safe body wash as it will be SLS free (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate). We sell and recommend Naked Tan Body Cleanser.
SLS is the ingredient in soaps, shampoos and body washes etc that creates the ‘ foaming’ element in soaps. It strips the natural oils from your skin.
Don’t wash your hair during this pre-tan shower either. All of these things can leave a residue over your body that will act as a barrier on your skin, resulting in a patchy tan.
Lightbulb Moment It’s pure habit to automatically put on your deodorant right now but don’t. You’ll end up looking like Shrek – all green under the arms caused by chemical reaction. It will eventually go after a few washes BUT … no thanks!
WHAT TO WEAR
Wear loose darker clothing to your appointment just in case the cosmetic bronzer ruins your lighter colour clothing.
You should wear free flowing and comfortable clothing and stay free from wearing anything tight fitted after your tan. If you are wearing pants make sure they are loose and baggy. If you are stuck for ideas of what to wear a tanning dress will do the trick. Don’t wear a bra either! After Tan dresses are available in the salon.
Remember this is a really important stage of the development of your tan so be careful what you wear.
TIP: Always avoid wearing jeans or leggings and pants that are tightly elasticized around the ankles.
Lightbulb Moment Tight fitting pants with waistbands will effect the result around your stomach area. Not a good look jf you’re going to be wearing a bikini!
POST TAN INSTRUCTIONS
When you’re home
SHOWERING
Always follow the developing time you have been given. Have a quick 40 second – 1 minute shower. Always avoid hot showers when you are tanned, as much as you might enjoy them your tan wont. Following this same showering process during the entirety of your spray tan will help it to last longer. Unfortunately, having a nice long bath is not advised while tanned either.
When you’re in the shower and the bronzer rinses off don’t panic. Its not your tan going down the drain. The cosmetic bronzer is more a guidance for your tanner. Your tan will still develop.
TIP: Don’t wee in the shower! Urine can be quite acidic and can strip the colour right off your legs!
DRYING AFTER SHOWERING
Be careful when are you drying yourself after your shower. Only pat dry. Your bathroom towels are abrasive and can exfoliate your tan right off. Using a tan safe towel is best because this will protect your tan and help it last longer. We stock the Original Tan Towel – designed specifically for all tanning lovers.
MOISTURISING
Apply a non-oily moisturizer morning and night as this will continue to keep your body hydrated. It also reduces tan – breakdown and will keep a patchy tan at bay longer too! Dry and dehydrated skin speeds up the process of your tan fading because your skin cells are shedding faster.
MORE TIPS TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR TAN
Drinking water will also help your tan last longer too. Staying hydrated internally does reflect on the outside.
Don’t exercise after your Spray Tan. Sweat is your enemy right now.
Exercising in general while tanned will speed you the fading process, including frequently showering after exercising . You’ll notice areas such as feet (because of your socks and runners), under breasts and shoulder (sports bra rubbing on your skin) will fade down faster effecting the result of your spray tan.
