Perfecting a spray tan involves specific attention to detail, coupled with thorough preparation and aftercare. Without proper knowledge, clients might encounter unfavorable outcomes when spray tanning, such as uneven results or an unnatural tone in color. As a spray tan artist, it’s crucial to communicate prep and aftercare information to clients before and during their appointment, ensuring they understand how their actions impact the tanning process as well as the results they will experience overall. Without this guidance, clients may unknowingly disrupt their tan’s development or reduce the longevity of their color with activities or products that prematurely fade the tan. While clients play a significant role in skin prep, artists must also be well-educated and skilled in their craft in order to deliver the five star results that clients are looking for. In this post we will dive into the mistakes that can take place from neglecting sunless practices to empower each and every sunless artist to offer a flawless spray tan experience each and every time. 

Mistake 1: Neglecting Exfoliation

Achieving a smooth, even and natural looking tan hinges on proper exfoliation. Thoroughly exfoliating the skin before a spray tan removes dead cells, creating an ideal canvas for the tanning solution to develop on. Clients should focus on dry areas like elbows, knees, and ankles as well removing any left over residue from a previous tan to ensure natural results without patchiness or overdevelopment of color.

Mistake 2: Improper Skin Preparation

Spray tanning is a collaborative effort between the client and the spray tan artist. However, some clients may not realize how big of a role they really play in getting the most flawless results. Clients must prep their skin prior to their spray tan in order for the application of the spray tan to go according to plan. This involves avoiding lotions, oils, perfumes, makeup and deodorant on the day of the spray tan. Clients should arrive at their appointment with clean, exfoliated skin, free from barriers that could interrupt the way the solution interacts with the skin, causing uneven results.

Mistake 3: Nail Prep and Hair Removal

Clients should schedule all other beauty appointments at least 24 hours before their spray tan to avoid premature fading. Appointments such as mani-pedis should be done at least a day before the spray tan to avoid premature removal of color or any residue from scrubs, lotions or oils being left on the skin that could disrupt the spray tan solution. Hair removal, like waxing or shaving, should also be done before a spray tan appointment due to the excess exfoliation that these practices create on the skin causing additional fading to the tan. 

Mistake 4: Incorrect Application Technique

The ability to achieve a natural-looking tan also requires a skilled technique and knowledgeable artist. Artists should seek out quality education to become certified in order to provide five-star sunless results. The spray tan artist’s technique should involve using an even stream of solution that is sprayed about six inches from the body to produce even courage without over saturating. When a spray tan technician is skilled in their craft, they’re able to mimic a tan-like appearance from the sun even on tricky areas of the skin, such as hands, feet, elbows, and knees.

Mistake 5: Post-Tan Care

After the spray tan, clients must follow post-tan care instructions to ensure their tan develops correctly. Clients should always have loose, dark clothing to change into immediately following their tan to avoid any smudging or transfer during the development phase. It’s also crucial to follow recommended rinse and shower times, minimize activities that cause excessive sweating and focus on hydration and regular moisturizing in order to create long lasting results. 

Mistake 6: Using the Wrong Solution

Spray tan technicians have to be knowledgeable and well-educated on the products they use as well as the way the skin types interact with different levels of spray tan solution. Selecting the right tanning solution for each client’s skin type is vital to creating natural-looking results. During the pre-tan consultation, spray tan artists should analyze the natural skin tone of each client to help them determine the best formula. Choosing a solution that is too high in DHA percentage for the client’s natural skin tone could create results that look too dark, unnatural or even pull an orange tint.

By being mindful of these common mistakes and applying the correct knowledge, spray tan artists can work with their clients to create a flawless spray tan at every appointment. Remember, practice and attention to detail will lead to mastery in your skillset and building a thriving sunless business that offers a radiant glow to clients who are obsessed with their spray tan experience. To enhance your client’s experience through premium quality products, make sure to visit X-Tan’s Pro Shop today!

Xo,

Kelly