Top Tanning Tips

Hi Guys

Today I thought I'd talk about the tanning advice I give my clients and some top tips I've picked up along the way.

First off I've mentioned this before I'm sure but you absolutely must patch test a brand new client. This protects you from any comeback incase of client reactions, and it prevents any likely hood that the client will react to the tan when full spray is applied. This must be done st least 48 hrs before the first tan.

All waxing, threading and shaving must be done 24 hours prior to spray tan as must a fully proper exfoliation with a mitt, exfoliating sponge or equivalent. Trying to exfoliate with a normal sponge, loufa or puff is not going to cut it this does not remove enough of the dead skin cells and will end up with the tan either going on patchy or wearing off patchy.

Hydration.... I advise every day, on the run up to the tan until the day, to keep moisturised with an oil free moisturiser. Most tanning companies sell pre and post tanning products as well as extending products that can be a great retail opportunity too, these products are compatible with the tan therefor will compliment the treatment. On the day of treatment the body must be free from any lotions potions, creams, perfumes and deoderants, these things create a barrier and can cause the tan to discolourso although the skin needs to be hydrated it also needs to be completely clean and dry on the day of spray.

Now most of that information you probably already know but there are a few other little tips I picked up that will ensure a perfect finish.

1. HANDS, be sure that at the very least barrier cream is applied to the knuckles and rubbed in thoroughly, tan will grab on the knuckles  especially when dry.
2. If the entire hand is dry applying hand cream all over immediately before tanning will help the tan absorb evenly.
3. The palms of the hands need a lot of barrier cream to prevent the 'baked bean' look.
4. Cuticles and nails on hands and feet should be protected with either barrier cream or vasaline, they can discolour with the DHA leaving the tell tale signs of a fake tan behind.
5. Dry areas need a little barrier cream rubbed in thoroughly to avoid that 'snake skin' look.
6. FEET, obviously the ankles and around the bottom of the feet are dry so extra cream should be used here, I also put a layer of barrier cream across the top of the feet because they catch a lot of the over spray making them very dark compared to the rest of the body.

After spray tanning the nails palms of the hands need to be wiped clean either with a baby wipe or prep spray on couch roll.

After care advice of  gentle showering off rubbing lightly with your hands under the water until the water runs clear without using soap as this will strip the tan.
 Pat dry do not rub as again this will rub the tan off.
 Keep moisturised with an oil free mosturiser.
After 5 days the tan may be starting to fade so a light exfoliation may be required along with some type of extender if the client requires the tan to last longer.
Showers are better that baths as soaking can cause the tan to wear off quicker.

So I hope this is helpful to anyone doing tanning treatments and anyone going for a tan for the first time and is unsure of the pre tan prep.

Until next time
lots of love

Mrs G xxx