Here are 5 simple tips to make sure your spray tan is flawless.
- Halo - House of Beauty
- Mar 10
- 2 min read
spray tan mishaps - it happens! But, very rarely from the tan application - it's more likely due to bad pre-tan preparation and poor aftercare.
Don't get caught out!
Before your next spray tan,
read this ...
1. Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! - But not right before your appointment. Exfoliation is essential for an even tan, but timing and how you exfoliate matters. Exfoliate in the week leading up to your appointment to remove dry skin - pay particular attention to hands, elbows knees and feet and where your bra straps sit. Avoid oil-based scrubs - oils penetrate the skin deeper and can sit in the skin for a few days. This can prevent the DHA (The ingredient that gives you your tan) from developing properly.
2. Remove moisturiser, deodorant, perfume and jewellery before your appointment. These products and items can react with the tan solution on application turning the tan green. They can also act as a barrier possibly causing the tan to develop uneven. Timing is everything ... If you applied the products the day before (even 24hrs before) your appointment, be sure to have a shower on the day of your spray tan (Ideally not right before!) with warm water - hot water will open the pores up, which we want to avoid.
3. Wear loose, dark clothing.
After your initial spray tan, the solution is developing on the skin. Tight clothing can cause friction and marks, so loose, comfortable clothing is ideal while the colour develops. The beauty about having your tan at-home - you can walk around naked!
Avoid: fluffy dressing gowns, leggings, bras, strappy tight tops or dresses, socks and shoes.
Wear: Baggy t-shirt, baggy dress, shorts or Pj's - great for preventing guide colour transfer on to hands, especially if you sleep in your tan.
4. Give the tan enough time to develop.
Follow the recommended development time before showering.This will depend on whether you have the express (1-4+ hours) or the 8 hour tan solution. The guide colour (the colour you see immediately after your tan) will wash away in the shower - do not panic, this is normal and you want to rinse with warm water, gently massaging with your hand until the water runs clear. The real colour develops underneath as the DHA reacts with the natural amino acids in your skin.
NB: The express solution will start to development after showering and can take up to 24 hours. For both the express and the 8 hour solution, allow up to 48 hours for the skin to adjust and the tan to fully settle down.
5. Moisturise daily with a non oil based product.
Hydrated skin holds a tan far better. Applying a simple body moisturiser daily will help prolong your tan and encourage it to fade evenly. My go-to moisturiser is the Sienna-X collagen and melanin boost lotion available from the Halo online shop
Now you're prep-ready, why not take the next step and get your spring glow booked in.
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