Almost everyone knows about the spray tan, but many are hesitant and uninformed about the process of receiving a professional handheld spray tan that is customized to each person’s individual skin tone, type, and goals. This unknown has led people to stray from this beneficial opportunity for self care and luxury, and instead opt for booth tans and home tanning, resulting in low quality results. Having a professionally trained, certified and educated spray tan artist to guide the client along the way will always lead to superior spray tans and golden glows.

From the moment the client walks through the door, special attention is given to provide the best experience possible. During the consultation, the goals and expectations of the client are discussed, and the client is educated on the sunless tanning process as well. A broad range of designer tanning solutions are available to choose from, and the best option will be decided by variables such as special occasions, skin type, skin tone, skin imperfections, and time available for processing. Classic tanning solutions offer overnight processing with wear time from 8 to 12 hours. The most modern and popular options are for rapid processing, with rinse time from 30 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the depth of the tan. Remember though, although it’s a rapid tan with a quick rinse time, the final results are not apparent until after 24 hours, as with all spray tans. After completing a thorough consultation discussing medical history too, the client is prepared for the spray tanning session. 

If any other services such as teeth whitening or red light therapy are included, these are performed prior to the tan. Afterwards, the client has the option to remove any residual makeup with complimentary water wipes or to remove body lotions and deodorant with pH balancing mitts available for purchase. Spray tans cannot be performed on skin that isn’t cleansed from any surface barriers, as this will affect the appearance and quality of the tan, including streaking, patchiness, and discoloration. The client has a private area to undress and prepare the skin, if necessary, while the spray tan artist mixes together the perfect custom blend of ingredients. Once everyone is ready, the client has the option to also receive a prep spray which balances the pH of the skin, allowing the spray tan to penetrate and develop to the best of its ability, and the option for a post hydration spray which keeps the skin moisturized, block any spray tan odor, and nourishes the skin with additional nutrients.

The client can be dressed to any comfort level that’s best for their desires, and please no need to feel uncomfortable undressing to the nude. It’s a professional experience and every body type is accepted and appreciated and beautiful. Everyone deserves the opportunity for self care and to have a healthy sunless glow, and they will never be judged. If full nudity is not a desire, wearing any undergarments or bathing suits is acceptable. Disposable underwear, bras, and nipple covers are available complimentary if needed.  Please know that any clothing left on the body will create tan lines. 

Once the client is positioned in the tan arena, the spray tan artist will instruct and guide the process, helping the client to know the positions to stand and when to move. For some people, lotion is applied only to dry areas to help prevent discoloration from the solution.The actual spraying time is usually around 10 minutes, so it’s a very quick process once started.  Sometimes the spray tan artist will use a brush or sponge to blend the solution onto the skin on areas that need special attention. The spray tan gun also has air that blows from it and from the hose to help assist in drying the solution onto the skin. This is super important to have the solution dry before any clothes are put on after the tanning experience. A powder, which can be unscented or scented, with shimmer or not, is applied to the body at the end to help the tan stay dry as it develops and helps prevent color transfer onto the clothing. This is why it’s important to wear dark loose clothing afterwards with sandals or slides. Lastly, the spray tan artist will remove any spray tan solution on the palms and nails of hands and feet.

After the entire tanning process, the client has a private area to get dressed and prepare to leave. The spray tan artist will provide exact details of the rinse time. Please follow these instructions accordingly, as extending rinse time too long can cause undesirable results. Depending on the spray tan chosen, the bronzer can be quite dark, so ensure to plan around that if necessary. Make sure to follow all aftercare instructions and be ready to enjoy your gorgeous and natural sunless tan for up to 10 days. The artist is always available to answer any questions and concerns, and they love to receive pictures of the final tan after it’s fully developed, too! Now that the unease of receiving a professional spray tan has lessened, come pamper yourself and let the professionals do all of the work for you.