THE SPRAY TAN PROCESS

Preparation before a spray tan is just as important as the spray tan itself. Good prep and after care, can help ensure you achieve an amazing tan.

24 HOURS BEFORE YOUR SPRAY TAN

  • Start moisturising your skin every day before you appointment. Especially pay attention to dry areas - such as elbows, knees, hands and feet.
  • Exfoliate 24 hours before your appointment. 
  • Hair removal 6-24 hours before your appointment.

DAY OF YOUR SPRAY TAN

  • Shower at least 1 HOUR BEFORE your appointment, using an oil free body wash and remove all makeup, moisturiser and deodorant. Wash under your armpits.
  • Your skin needs time to settle between showering and tanning. Therefore don't shower to close to your appointment time. Allow time for your your body temperature to drop and for your pores to close before you arrive to your appointment. I can't stress enough how important this is. This step is important, and can make or break your tan development. (Don't shower 10-15 minutes just before you arrive).
  • ​​Wash & dry your hair before your tan appointment (reasons explained further down).
  • Don't wear any makeup, moisturiser, perfume and/or deodorant to your appointment.
  • Wear (or bring with you) loose, dark coloured clothes to wear after your spray tan has been applied. A dressing gown, your pjs or an oversized t-shirt is perfect. 
  • Avoid clothes with straps, or anything tight around the bust, waist or thighs. 
  • It can also be a good idea to bring a towel with you, so you can put it on your seat for the drive home.

AT YOUR APPOINTMENT

  • Parking is available outside the front door.
  • ​​Janelle will greet you and take you through to the tanning studio.
  • Janelle will discuss with you the type of tan you are wanting. Light, medium or dark? Janelle will ask questions about your skin, determine your skin type and the best solution for you. Janelle will be able to answer any questions you may have.
  • You will then be left alone while you undress and get comfortable. You can choose to wear a disposable g-string & hair net.
  • Janelle will return and apply a small amount of tanning barrier cream to your palms, knuckles, knees, ankles & toes.
  • Your spray tan will then be applied using a spray gun. The overall tanning process only takes 5-8 minutes.
  • You will then be given time to dry yourself with a hand held air dryer. Janelle will leave you alone at this time so you can take a moment to examine your tan in the mirror.
  • Janelle will then come back and check if any touch ups are needed, Janelle can do this there and then. Please don't be afraid to point out any areas you are concerned about. Better to ask than worry. Janelle will using a blending brush on your hands and feet.

AFTER YOUR SPRAY TAN

  • AVOID WATER AND SWEATING whilst your tan is developing. 
  • Leave you tan on for the time advised (Janelle will let you know what time to wash off, to ensure you achieve your desired depth of tan).
  • In the shower, simply have a quick rinse (1 minute) using warm water and low water pressure.
  • First rinse - don't use any soaps, body wash, shaving cream or shampoo/conditioner (this can cause 'streaks' in your tan, not a good look). 
  • Simply use your hands to wash/massage the bronzer from your body. You will see the bronzer wash off.  A simple rinse under water, until the water runs clear, is all you need to do.
  • When you step out of the shower, simply pat yourself dry with a towel. Don't rub your skin with the towel.
  • After your shower you will notice that you don’t look as tanned as you did. You may have the beginning of a light tan. The DHA needs time to fully develop into a 'brown' colour. Don’t worry…your tan will now continue to develop, deepen & darken over the next 24 hours.
  • If you notice any 'streaking' in the tan after your first shower, then the bronzer may have not all washed off, and you may need to hop back into the shower and rinse again. Please know that using soap, body wash or shaving cream in your first shower can cause streaking, so please avoid using any of these during your first rinse. Water only, using your hands to massage off the bronzer.
  • ​Wait until your SECOND shower to apply body moisturiser. The DHA in your tan needs time to develop and this is best done with your skin free of any lotions.

TIPS FOR LOOKING AFTER YOUR SPRAY TAN

  • MOISTURISE, MOISTURISE, MOISTURISE. Morning and Night.
  • ​Invest in a pH balanced, quality body wash and moisturiser and use them every day. ​This will ensure your tan lasts 7-10 days. Moisturising DAY & NIGHT will also help your tan to fade evenly (rather than going patchy). It will also help immensely when it's time to scrub off your old tan.
  • Cheap body wash and cheap moisturisers wont help your tan. If they are not pH balanced, the natural acidity of your skin + crappy ingredients, can slowly turn your tan orange. Your skin wont be hydrated and your tan won't last. Invest in a good body moisturiser.
  • Gradual tanning moisturisers can be really good for extending the life of your tan. You can start applying a gradual tanning moisturiser around day 3 into your spray tan. 
  • Avoid long hot showers (quick showers are best).
  • Swimming in chlorinated pools will lighten your tan & shorten the life of your tan.
  • Spas are highly chlorinated & may remove your tan completely.
  • High intensity workouts and saunas (sweating) can shorten the longevity of your tan.​

REMOVING YOUR OLD SPRAY TAN

  • ​​​Your tan will last 7-10 days. How long your tan lasts depends on many factors (pre-tan prep, skin hydration, even your hormones can have an effect). Eventually though, your tan will begin to fade, or look patchy.
  • To remove your old tan, step into a steamy shower (allow time for your skin to soften) & then use a tan exfoliating mitt to scrub off your old tan.
  • Tan-remover mitts, tan-remover foams & exfoliating scrubs are available to purchase at Bronze Intentions, or most supermarkets & chemists.