SPRAY TANS
Enquire about salon
Ask the salon how often their spray nozzles are cleaned and the smoothness of their sprayer application. Older spray nozzles can become clogged, making for a blotchy application.
PLAN A TRIAL RUN
Give your tan a trial run a month or two before your vacation, just to be sure. This way, you'll know right away if it’s going to make you look blotchy, smell awful, or give you that gorgeous tan you wanted
EXFOLIATE BEFORE
Exfoliate before a spray tan, so your color will last longer on the prepped skin.
Avoid slattering stuff on your skin
Don’t use lotions, a self-tanner, or makeup before you tan, as these can make discoloration possible when the color tries to absorb into your skin.
NO HOT SHOWERS
Don’t take a hot shower before spray tanning. Or, if you do, finish your shower with cold water. Hot water causes pores to sweat, unclogging them. More DHA than necessary will gather in unclogged pores, which can cause brown dots all over your body. Like a zebra with stripes, you’ll have polka dots instead.
AVOID wAXING & SHAVING for 24 hours
Avoid waxing and shaving for at least twenty-four hours prior to getting a spray tan and for two days after a spray tan. Shaving causes the skin to become irritated, leaving open hair follicles that need time to heal. Don’t risk a blotchy tan.
AVOID FACIALS for 24 hours
The same is true for facials. Facials take the grime out and unclog pores, so like the open pores a hot shower causes, a spray tan will fill the clean pore holes, creating spots. Thus, skip having a facial before a spray tan.
AVOID facial treatments
Don’t get laser treatment, microdermabrasion, or apply any medications to your face after a spray tan. Your face will appear paler than the rest of your body if you remove a layer of skin.
Unless you want a green tan skip an antiperspirant
Some antiperspirants that contain aluminum will turn a spray tan green. So opt for deodorant instead, or an antiperspirant that doesn't contain aluminum. (see tip #1454ish in Travel Tips, Tricks and Hacks).
WEAR loose-fitting clothing
Wear loose-fitting clothes after having a spray tan. This way, the friction from tight garments won't rub off the DHA and bronzer. Skip wearing a bra on spray tanning day for the same reason.
WATCH YOUR TAN LINES
If you decide to wear any undergarments—such as a swimsuit or underwear—during a spray tan, make sure they are strapless (particularly if you're going to wear anything strapless) and that you're comfortable discarding them after the spray. Most professional spray booths will provide you with disposable bras and undies. Because a bra leaves strap lines behind, think about not wearing one or investing in NuBra pasties..
WAIT ON EYELASH EXTENSIONS
Eyelash extensions take twenty-four to forty-eight hours to dry, so wait a couple of days before getting a spray tan, or apply lash extensions after having a spray tan.
WEAR SAFETY GLASSES
Wear safety glasses at all times to keep chemicals out of your eyes.
USE A NOSE FILTER
Use a nose filter to keep the fumes from entering your body.
COVER YOUR HAIR
Don’t forget to cover your hair! Professional spray tanning salons will provide you with a hair cap. If you end up with any in your hair, wash it out immediately to avoid staining it.
WEAR VASELINE
Wear a thick layer of Vaseline on your lips if you don’t want the tanning products to cover them. It's important to only apply Vaseline to your lips; if it gets on your skin, it could leave a ring around your mouth.
Don't shower and avoid activities
Don’t shower and avoid any activities that make you sweat for at least twelve hours after a spray tan. This will give the spray plenty of time to sink in and dry.
SPRAY TANS ARE TEMPORARY
Keep in mind that spray tans are temporary, lasting about seven to ten days. As the skin sloughs off, so does the tan.
HOW TO CORRECT A MISTAKE
If you attempt a DIY tan and make a mistake, consider slicing a lemon in half, getting some baking powder, and taking a shower. On the area where it looks streaky, sprinkle baking powder—a natural exfoliant—and squeeze the lemon juice—a lightener—while rubbing the baking powder into your skin. The undesirable streaks should vanish.
WEAR UV PROTECTION
You can get a real tan over a spray tan, make sure to use UV protection.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU STINK
For some people, spray tans can leave a musty, urine smell on their skin for twenty-four to forty-eight hours (sometimes longer). This smell occurs when the skin's pH balance is upset by the chemicals in the spray tanning products. Applying toner to your entire body before receiving a spray tan is the only way to prevent this. This will balance your pH and prepare your skin for the spray.
AFTER A SPRAY TAN, LAY LOW ON TANNING
Once you finish a spray tan, don’t try to tan in a tanning bed or naturally in the sun, as it will turn the color of your tan orange. Oompa Loompa time!
SKIP EXFOLIATION
After receiving a spray tan, avoid exfoliating, as this will slough off skin and remove your tan.