First time spray tan clients typically have quite a few questions regarding everything that goes into the spray tan process! One of the frequently asked questions you’ll always get regarding spray tans, is how long they actually last! Clients want to know how long their spray tan will last because they want to make sure that they are able to get the most from their investment. As professional spray tan artists, it’s our job to understand the time frame that spray tans will last, as well as all the factors that play into the longevity of a tan. We can confidently say, on average, a tan will last 7-10 days with proper care. In order for your clients to see the best results from their appointment it’s important to communicate what “proper care” actually looks like. It’s crucial that we do our best to educate our clients on how they should go about preparing for their appointment and taking care of their tan afterward in order to get the tan to last as long as possible. Let’s dive into what proper care actually means when it comes to getting a tan that lasts 7-10 days or even up to two weeks!

Keep Skin Moisturized & Hydrated

In order for clients to achieve the most natural looking sunless tanning result, they have to have hydrated skin! The skin should be well moisturized and very hydrated to keep the vibrancy of color lasting as long as possible. Following pre-tan prep is crucial from both the client and artist side. Both parties need to do their part to create the best canvas for the skin to receive the spray tan solution. Paying special attention to hydrating the skin is especially important if the client has a dry skin type. In this instance, advise clients to drink a lot of water and moisturize the week or two leading up to their appointment. As a spray tan artist, you can use prep spray to add extra hydration to the skin and barrier cream to alleviate the potential of oversaturation on drier areas, such as the hands and feet, to ensure that the client has a longer lasting result. The reason spray tans fade faster when the skin is not hydrated, is because dry, under moisturized skin tends to be more flakey than well hydrated skin, which can cause the tan to naturally exfoliate more quickly.

Reduce Exfoliation 

Excess exfoliation is one of the number one factors that increases the likelihood that a client’s spray tan will fade prematurely. Exfoliation can come in the form of excessive sweating, rubbing instead of patting dry after showers and soaking in bodies of water. Although additional exfoliation to the skin will result in the spray tan fading more quickly, some of this fading can be combated. Your client’s aftercare is essential in the overall results of the spray tan. That's why it’s important to make sure the client is provided with extremely clear and concise instructions provided at their appointment so they are well aware of what steps should be taken to see the best results. 

Using Sunless Safe Products

Something that should always be communicated to our clients when it comes to post tan care is that not all products are ideal for spray tans! The ingredients that are formulated in certain products can cause sunless tans to fade more quickly. Products to steer clear from when strutting a spray tan include products that contain alcohol, mineral oil or are highly fragranced. Educating your clients on sunless safe products also provides you with a great opportunity to introduce retail into your sunless biz! One way you can allow your clients to get pro-longed results would be through products like a tan extend lotion that act as a gradual tanner. When you work with clients who are getting tanned for certain events such as honeymoons and vacations where they are more likely to be in and out of the water, tan extenders can be a huge benefit to combating premature fading of their tan. Sunless safe products that hydrate, cleanse and protect the skin should be on your client’s radar, but if they’re not, you can introduce and educate them on the items that will allow them to get the most out of their investment.

It should be no surprise that your clients want to get the most life out of their spray tan. They are investing their hard earned money into a service that will change their appearance and they want to make sure they will experience flawless, long-lasting results! As the professional, it’s your job to step in as the expert and educate your clients on their prep and aftercare in order to create this outcome for them. Producing prolonged results for  your client’s allows you to have a greater chance of getting rebooked and encourages word of mouth advertising! It’s human nature for us to share the products and services we’re obsessed with, right? Make sure you’re building a five star experience from the first communication with your client all the way through the duration of their developed results so they will want to tell all their friends and family. If you’re ready to level up your client experience, the first step is using high quality products! Stock up your kit with the most premium professional spray tan solutions in our PRO Shop!

Xoxo,

Kelly