As a spray tan artist, ensuring your clients achieve the best possible results is a top priority. As you already should be sharing the before and after tips there are several unexpected factors that can influence the outcome of a spray tan. By understanding and addressing these factors, you can help your clients achieve a flawless tan every time.
Hormonal Changes
- Menstrual Cycle
- Impact: During their menstrual cycle, clients' skin can become more sensitive. The Ph levels can be off resulting in a lighter tan than desired.
- Advice: Use the Ph spray if a client mentions they are on their cycle and opt for a slightly darker shade
- Menopause
- Impact: Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to drier skin, which may over-absorb the tanning solution,, and common hot flashes can lead to sweating during development.
- Advice: Suggest clients hydrate their skin well before their appointment and use a moisturizer designed for mature skin. Opt for a rapid solution so there is less risk of sweating in it.
- First Trimester of Pregnancy
- Impact: Pregnancy can cause skin to become more sensitive and reactive, there are hormonal changes happening which can lead to over or under-development.
- Advice: Ensure clients consult their doctor before tanning and be sure to use a Ph spray
- Showering and Exfoliating Too Close to Their Appointment
- Impact: Exfoliating or showering right before the appointment can leave skin too raw, leading to uneven or lighter absorption of the tanning solution.
- Advice: Advise clients to exfoliate at least 24 hours before their appointment and to shower no less than 3 hours before.
- Skincare Products (AHAs, Retinols)
- Impact: Active ingredients like AHAs and retinols can make skin more sensitive and prone to streaking.
- Advice: Instruct clients to avoid using these products for at least 48 hours before their appointment.
- Medications (Thyroid, Birth Control)
- Impact: Certain medications can alter the skin's response to tanning solutions.
- Advice: Ask clients to inform you about any medications they are taking in an intake form so you can adjust the tanning process if needed.
Post-Tan Care
- Hot Showers
- Impact: Hot water can strip away the tanning solution, leading to a faster fade.
- Advice: Suggest clients opt for lukewarm showers and avoid soaking in hot tubs.
- Chlorine and Salt Water
- Impact: Both chlorine and salt water can accelerate the fading process.
- Advice: Recommend clients rinse off thoroughly after swimming and apply a hydrating moisturizer to prevent the skin from drying out.
- Bug Spray and Witch Hazel
- Impact: These products can break down the tanning solution.
- Advice: Advise clients to use these products sparingly and wash off any residue as soon as possible.
- Lotions and Products Containing Mineral Oil
- Impact: Mineral oil can create a barrier on the skin that prevents even absorption.
- Advice: Suggest oil-free moisturizers to keep their tan looking fresh.
- Bar Soap
- Impact: The high pH of bar soap can strip the tan.
- Advice: Recommend clients use a gentle, pH-balanced body wash instead. (Like the Nuda Body Wash)
- Shaving with a Razor During the First Rinse
- Impact: Shaving can exfoliate the skin, causing uneven fading.
- Advice: Encourage clients to shave at least 24 hours before their appointment avoiding razors with moisturizing strips, use a fresh razor and avoid shaving cream.
- Loofahs and Exfoliating Mitts
- Impact: These can scrub away the tan prematurely.
- Advice: Suggest clients use their hands or a soft washcloth for gentle cleansing.
By educating your clients on these unexpected factors and providing tailored advice, you can help them achieve a more even, long-lasting spray tan. Remember, thorough preparation and diligent aftercare are essential for the best results!
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.
