Let’s talk about the unsung hero of our trade—consultations. It’s the secret ingredient to delivering personalized, stunning spray tans. I mean, who doesn’t want a tan that’s tailored exactly just to them? It’s important to have that conversation so their glow goals align with your expertise.
A consultation is more than just asking, “How dark do you wanna be?” It’s about setting expectations early on. If your Type 1 skincare client is throwing a picture of Kim Kardashian’s darkest glow at you, gently guide them to a more realistic option. Pictures in general are not something I like to ask for, as they can create disappointment.
Building the Connection:
Start by making your client feel like a million bucks. Get chatty. Ask about their tanning history—the good, the bad, and the streaky. Find out what floats their tan boat and what’s a total deal breaker. It’s all about creating a vibe, you know? They might know exactly what they’re looking for or they are a complete newbie and need everything to be broken down for them!
Decoding the Occasion:
Why are they getting a tan? Is it a wedding, a party, or a beach vacation? A bride’s tan ain’t the same as a “spending 2 weeks in Mexico” tan. Tailor your tan to the occasion. You might recommend going darker for a vacation and a lighter clear tan for brides!
Timing Is Key:
When’s the big day? If it’s tomorrow, maybe go a tad lighter—since it’s always darkest on day one. If they’re jetting off in a few days, aim for a deeper shade to keep that glow alive.
Daily Plans Matter:
So, your client booked a rapid tan, but they are embarking on a 7-hour road trip. Or they booked a classic tan but have a training sesh at the gym tonight. Cue the dramatic music. Get the lowdown on their daily plans, so you can decide if a classic or rapid tan is their BFF.
Understanding Their Skin Type:
Warm or cool? Red or yellow undertones? Do they burn or tan effortlessly? Ask the questions, inspect the skin, and collaborate. Some clients might surprise you with their preferences—like wanting those violet undertones because they’ve been around the tanning block and know what looks good on them.
Consultations are the key to unlocking customized, flawless spray tans. Be the Picasso of tanning, not just a spray-and-pray artist. Spend those couple of minutes before each appointment to make your client feel like you’re mixing up a special tan just for them. It’s another way to stand out and set yourself apart!
This blog post was written by our master spray tan artist and trainer Natasha Lawless. Natasha has been in the industry for over 5 years and is sharing her personal experience with the issue of overspray and her opinions of the wave extraction fan after using it for 3 years.
