During your time as a spray tan artist, have you ever faced the challenge of spray tanning hands!? Dealing with "spray tan hands'' can be tricky because this area requires special attention in order to achieve a natural look. The skin of the hands tends to be different from the rest of the body. This paired with dry skin that often takes place on the hands makes this area prone to an unnatural appearance if not properly dealt with. Since the active ingredient in spray tan solutions, DHA, is drying to the skin in general, it can cause dryer parts of the body, such as the hands, to be oversaturated, which can result in an orange hue. Additionally, attention must be given to inner wrist creases and knuckles to avoid white lines where the fingers bend. Perfecting the spray tan on your client's hands is vital because if a client’s hands look unnatural, this can be a dead give away they are wearing a sunless tan. The goal is to always create a tan that looks like it could have come directly from the sun. Remember, your clients are walking advertisements for your business, so mastering your technique is crucial for flawless results that build a stellar reputation for your services.

Let's delve into the secrets of mastering the technique of spray tanning hands, ensuring your application turns out naturally flawless every time. Here's a step-by-step breakdown: 

1. Apply a Thin Layer of Spray Tan-Safe Moisturizer: Begin by applying a thin layer of spray tan-safe moisturizer to the tops of the hands, covering the knuckles. This moisturizer adds extra moisture to dry areas, creating a smooth canvas for the spray tan while reducing the risk of oversaturation. 

2. Apply Barrier Cream to Nails & Palms: Prevent oversaturation of solution by applying barrier cream to the palms, inside of wrists, and fingernails. This ensures these areas don't absorb too much solution which can cause the hands and wrists to pull orange and look unnatural.

3. Instruct the Client to Make "Bear Claws": Before spraying, ask your client to make "bear claws" with their hands. Putting the hands in this position allows the client to have bent knuckles and with their fingers spread apart, allowing for even spray coverage without the development of white crepey lines.

4. Spray in an "X" Formation: When spraying, use an "X" formation over the hands with your spray tan gun. This ensures that the sides of the fingers and hands are evenly distributed with spray tan solution for a more natural looking result.

5. Blend with an X-TAN Blending Brush: After spraying, use the X-TAN blending brush to gently buff the solution into the hands and inside the wrists. This step creates a seamless blend for a natural appearance and removes excess solution that could cause the hands to develop too dark.

6. Remove Excess Barrier Cream: After the spray tan application is complete, use a baby wipe to remove any excess barrier cream and solution on the palms and fingernails. This step helps to ensure that any unwanted solution is removed so that the nails and palms do not become stained during the spray tan application.

Pro Tip: Keep in mind the "Feathering Technique“ for a more natural development of color. When you slightly pull your spray tan gun away from the inner wrist area while tanning the arms, the spray tan will develop into a result that mimics a natural UV tan.

We hope these tips assist you in achieving perfect spray tanning results every time! If you have interest in leveling up your spray tan technique, X-Tan carries all of the equipment, products, solution and tools needed to bring an elevated skill set into your sunless business and provide your clients with a premium sunless experience!

Xo,

Kelly