Do you dream of a beautiful, bronzed glow without the risk of sun damage?
Look no further than the magic of spray tanning - a safe and convenient way to achieve a natural-looking tan applied with a specialised mist. For those who want a healthy-looking tan year-round or for special occasions, it’s a popular choice and one of our most requested beauty salon treatments.
Preparing for Your Spray Tan
Exfoliation is Key: Before getting a spray tan, exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells. Exfoliation creates a smooth, even canvas for the tan solution to adhere to. Use a gentle scrub or mitt 24 hours before your appointment, avoiding harsh scrubs that can irritate your skin.
Shaving and Waxing: Schedule any waxing appointments at least 24 hours before your spray tan. This allows your skin enough time to heal and prevents irritation from the tanning solution.
Shaving can be done any time before your spray tan, but avoid using shaving oils on the day of your tan. These oils can form a film preventing the tanning solution from penetrating properly. Splash with cold water after shaving to calm the skin.
Moisturise Dry Areas: To prevent a patchy tan, pay attention to commonly dry areas like elbows, knees, ankles, hands, feet and back of the heels. Apply a light layer of moisturiser the night before your appointment.
While they often go unnoticed, cracked and calloused heels will soak up colour. For visibly smoother skin from heel to toe, pamper yourself with a pedicure before your spray tan appointment.
Avoid using heavy lotions on the day of your appointment; these can prevent the tanning solution from reaching the skin, creating a patchy tan.
Protect your nails: Applying a coat of nail polish to your fingernails and toes is a simple step that can make a big difference. The tanning solution can stain your nails, leaving an unwanted discolouration. Even a simple clear coat will suffice as protection. While our technicians will use gentle tan removal wipes on your nails after the application, taking this extra step at home provides even more protection.
What to Wear
To ensure a flawless and comfortable spray tan experience, here’s what to wear to your appointment:
Dark and Loose: Opt for loose-fitting, dark-coloured clothing like flowy dresses, joggers, and oversized cotton t-shirts. This minimises the risk of product transfer from the tanning solution discolouring your clothes. Tight clothing or clothing with straps can create unwanted indentations or streaks in your tan.
Footwear: Skip the shoes and wear flip-flops or sandals. This allows your feet to dry and prevents solution transfer onto shoes. We provide disposable rubber flip-flops if you don’t have your own.
Undergarments: We’ll provide you with disposable undergarments to wear during the spray tan application.
Hair clips: If you’ve got long or medium-length hair, don’t forget to bring some hair bands or clips to pin it up. We’ll provide you with a disposable hair bonnet to protect your hair. No one wants to spend their evening washing tanning solution out of their hair!
The Spray Tanning Process
Finding Your Perfect Shade: During your consultation, our experts will help you choose the ideal shade for your skin tone and desired level of darkness. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and experiment to find the perfect shade.
The Application Experience: At Creative Touch, we use top-of-the-line tanning solutions (Sienna X and Crazy Angel) and experienced technicians to ensure a flawless application. The process involves standing in a ventilated spray booth whilst our technician expertly applies the solution using an airbrush. You may be asked to raise your arms or hold specific positions so that we can ensure an even coverage.
Drying and Developing: After application, your tan will need time to dry completely. We’ll provide specific instructions on how long to wait before you can get dressed, but it’s usually 10 to 15 minutes. The tan will continue to develop over the next few hours, reaching its full effect in 6-8 hours. Avoid showering or sweating during this time.
Aftercare and Maintenance
Extend the Life of Your Tan: Make your gorgeous glow last longer! Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser daily to keep your skin hydrated. Avoid harsh soaps, hot showers, and excessive sweating, as these can strip away the tan. Limit sun exposure and wear sunscreen to protect your skin.
Dealing with Common Issues: If you experience streaking, unevenness, or slight fading, don’t panic! Light exfoliation can sometimes even things out. For more stubborn areas, consult your technician about targeted solutions.
Removing Your Tan: When it’s time to say goodbye to your tan, avoid harsh scrubs or chemicals. The best way is to let the tan fade naturally. A gentle exfoliator followed by an astringent can speed up the process. Moisturise afterwards to keep the skin hydrated.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Spray Tanning Safe?
Professional spray tans use safe, CE-approved ingredients. If you have any concerns, consult a dermatologist.
- What Ingredients Are Used?
Most spray tan solutions contain DHA (dihydroxyacetone), a sugar-based ingredient that reacts with the amino acids in your skin to create a temporary tan.
- How Often Can I Get a Spray Tan?
You can get a spray tan as often as once a week, but it’s best to allow your skin a few days to breathe between applications.
Book Your Spray Tan Today
With these tips and our professional spray tanning treatments at Creative Touch, you’re sure to achieve a beautiful, long-lasting, sunless tan that will leave you feeling confident and bronzed all season long!
You can book your tanning appointment with us online, or contact us today if you want to find out more.