Your questions, answered

The ingredient that tans your skin is DHA, a colourless liquid derived from sugar cane. It reacts with the amino acids in the outermost layer of your skin, which is made of dead, constantly shedding cells, so there's no skin damage. A real tan from the sun or a tanning bed comes from UV rays penetrating deeper layers of skin, causing DNA damage and premature aging.

Around a week to 10 days, depending on your skin, your prep and your aftercare. Adding the Glow Extend + Hydrate add-on gives you the longest-lasting tan.

The spraying itself takes about 3 minutes. Appointments are 30–45 minutes to allow for your consultation, spraying, drying, getting dressed and payment.

The colour you see straight away is a guide colour that rinses off in the shower. The tan itself develops over roughly 3–8 hours depending on the solution, and I'll tell you exactly when to rinse. Rinse too early or too late and it may come out lighter or darker than planned.

We decide together at your appointment. Every appointment includes a skin consultation, and I choose the solution based on your skin tone, lifestyle and the result you want.

Tancouver solutions are formulated with natural ingredients, free from alcohol, parabens and fragrance, and imported from Ireland.

Online, through my booking page. My diary opens 50 days in advance and gets very busy, so book ahead. Online booking closes 24 hours before each appointment, and only the times shown online are available. Changes and cancellations need at least 48 hours’ notice (less notice is charged the full price); use the link in your confirmation email.

No more than 2–3 days before your event. Book too far out and your tan won’t last until the day.

Manicures, pedicures, waxing, tinting, facials, lashes, Botox and similar treatments should be done at least 24 hours before your spray tan.

Most clients rebook every 2 weeks. Your skin needs to be free of the previous tan first, so exfoliate it off with a tanning mitt before you come back.

Like every business, I'm not on call. The prep, aftercare, this FAQ and my Instagram highlights cover almost everything, so check those first.

Full prep instructions come in your confirmation email, and they’re on the Services page too. In short: exfoliate 4–8 hours before (the night before is best), wax or shave at least 24 hours before, shower at least 4–6 hours before with a clear body wash, and arrive with no lotion, deodorant, perfume or makeup. A spray tan is 50% my skill and 50% your prep and aftercare.

At least 24 hours before your appointment, and the same for waxing. Tanning too soon after hair removal can cause irritation or little dots on your legs.

Dark, loose cotton clothes, like joggers and a loose t-shirt. No workout leggings, sports bras or jeans: tight clothes leave lines. Open-toe sandals, or closed shoes if it’s raining. Disposable underwear is provided, or wear your own. Bring an umbrella in case of rain.

Yes. Chlorine and salt water fade it faster. If you swim, keep it short, rinse off afterwards and pat dry. Hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms and massages are a no if you want your tan to last.

Yes. Facial skin is thinner, oilier and sees more products, so it fades first. A facial tanning mist is a great way to top it up.

No. My tans wash out in a normal wash cycle. Some you sleep in, some rinse in as little as 3 hours, and some are completely clear with no rinse.

The Bridal: a custom-mixed tan, mini contouring on the arms, collarbones and back, and a hydrating mist with aloe vera to extend your tan. The Hydra is popular with brides too.

Yes, all new bridal clients need a trial, booked at least 2 weeks before the wedding. A trial is two separate sessions, and all tan needs to be fully removed before the second.

Absolutely not. There are lots of options, including a clear tan, and we'll choose at your trial.

No. There are solutions with every level of colour, from light to dark, and I custom-mix to suit your complexion. For your first tan I always start subtle.

No. I can't spray over a recent burn, even if it looks healed, as the tan will peel off with the damaged skin. Please reschedule; appointments missed due to sunburn are still charged.

No. Always wear a broad-spectrum, spray-tan-friendly SPF.

Orange tans come from old-school formulas and poor colour matching. Just like foundation, body tan should match your undertone (cool, warm or neutral), and I mix for yours.

It depends how harsh they are. Tan tints the skin; it isn't camouflage makeup. For more noticeable lines, book The Spray + Contour, where I use a contouring pen on the lighter areas first.

DHA has been on the FDA's list of safe cosmetic ingredients since 1973. Let me know if you're pregnant and I can share the ingredient list for you or your doctor. Hormones can affect how your skin takes colour, and a pH-balancing spray can help.

Usually your skin's condition. Hormones affect your skin's pH and oil levels, which can act as a barrier to the tan. It's rare, but worth knowing.