First timer? I got u!
So you’ve finally decided it’s time to discover your glow. Here’s what to know before your first appointment.
1. Read the FAQ first
My FAQ covers the most common questions, and I’m not always free to answer messages, so start there. Spray tans last around 7–10 days, so book yours 1–2 days before your event.
2. What to wear
Wear dark, loose-fitting clothing to your appointment. Cotton joggers and a loose t-shirt or long-sleeved cotton top are ideal, with no skin-on-skin contact. If your clothes are too tight, you’ll be left with lines or streaks. Disposable string underwear is provided, or you’re welcome to wear your own.
3. Brides: will it rub off on my dress?
Absolutely not.
4. No sunburn within 6 weeks of your tan
Five sunburns in your lifetime double your risk of skin cancer, and I can’t spray over a recent burn. Even if it looks healed, the tan will peel straight off and take the sun-damaged skin with it. If you arrive sunburnt, you’ll need to reschedule and the appointment will still be charged. Spray, don’t lay, and wear a broad-spectrum SPF every day.
5. Listen to the aftercare
The colour you see after your appointment is a guide colour. It shows me where the product has gone, because the active ingredient (DHA) is transparent, and it must be rinsed off in the shower to reveal your result. I’ll tell you exactly how many hours to wait based on your tan goals. Rinse too early or too late and your tan may come out lighter or darker than planned.
Bring an umbrella: even one drop of rain on your tan before that first rinse can ruin it.
6. Keep the rest of the day free
After your appointment you’ll need a window of 4–8 hours (depending on the tan we choose) before your first rinse. Go home, put your feet up and let it develop. No tight clothes, no sweating and no water until you rinse. Everyone gets their aftercare instructions before leaving the studio.
7. Don’t worry
Every spray tanner was a first timer once. For your first glow I’ll never go too dark. We can always add, but we can never take away, so you’ll get a natural, subtle glow. After the compliments start rolling in, I promise you’ll be back.
8. It’s all in the prep
Your skin sheds constantly (around 30,000 skin cells a minute), so prep and aftercare make all the difference. With the right routine your tan should last 7–10 days. A great spray tan is half the technician’s skill and half your prep and aftercare.
9. An even base = an even tan
Exfoliate properly the day before you come in so dead skin is removed and your skin is an even canvas. My exfoliation mitt is designed specifically for sunless tanning: it removes dead skin, oils and old tan, and leaves skin smooth and ready. Pick one up at the studio.
I look forward to meeting you at your first spray tan! For more tips, product faves and my portfolio, follow @tancouver.
