AT OUR LEEDS ROAD SALON....
Your spray tan will be applied by a qualified therapist using a special spray gun and in our purpose built spray tan wetroom. If this is your first ever spray tan we have provided a step by step guide to help you below, however you are welcome to ring us on 01423 870334 if you have any other questions.
What happens when I come for a spray tan?
When you arrive for your appointment we will ask you to complete a short questionnaire. This helps with assessing your skin and provides us with information that we will hold for future appointments. We will decide on the best colour for your skin type. We take you to your changing room where you can safely leave your clothes and belongings, though we ask that you do not bring items of value as we cannot be held responsible for them. Also please do not bring small children to your appointment. We will provide all you need including a robe, sticky feet to stop the tan going onto the soles of your feet, and we also have paper pants and hair nets if required at a small extra cost. You can be sprayed wearing whatever you feel most comfortable in and if you wish you can wear nothing at all (females only). If you feel more comfortable wearing something on top then we recommend bringing a small bandeau/bikini top, or rolling up a vest to cover the breast area. We prefer not to spray tan over a bra as straps can cause the tan to streak. While you change we prepare the most suitable percentage of tan for your skin ranging from subtle to extra dark. When you are ready you are taken next door to the spray tan room to stand (still wearing your robe) on a small platform where we apply a barrier cream to the driest areas of your body...namely hands, elbows, knees and around the ankle. At this point please advise us of any areas you are concerned about. We will then ask you to turn around facing the back wall and remove your robe. We begin to apply the spray tan to your back area and to the backs of arms and legs from a short distance away. The spray will feel cold on your body. From there we turn you and continue to spray the rest of your body and your face. Once we have finished the first layer we will start over again and re-spray you wherever we feel is necessary. We prefer to 'double spray' to ensure that the tan is even and not absorbed into the pores as can occasionally happen, especially on legs. The entire spray process should take no more than ten minutes. You then return to the changing room, stand to dry for a few minutes and then dress carefully in loose clothing before heading for home where you will shower off the base colour anywhere between 2 and 8 hours later depending on the tan selected. As we also have four fab tanning units you are welcome to use these to dry and intensify your tan. We would recommend a maximum of three minutes as it is important that you do not sweat. Three minutes is just perfect and a popular way to dry off after a spray tan. There is a small additional charge for this.
And for a 'MAN TAN'?
We do many spray tans on men of all ages, shapes and sizes. The principle is mostly the same for a man as it is for a woman. Differences....well if you have a lot of body hair the tan will still take to the skin as the air pressure from the gun parts the hairs as we spray. If you have little or no hair on your head we will spray lightly over that area to blend with your face and body. Please note we don't have appropriate paper underwear for men as it is not readily available unfortunately (and we do not spray naked men!!) so we recommend that you wear some dark coloured boxers, some Speedo's or even a thong....if you have one.
What do I need to do before I have a spray tan?
It is the clients responsibility to prep skin before a spray tan. This includes exfoliating drier areas, shaving legs etc and moisturising your skin . Please exfoliate the neck/cleavage area most carefully as there is often a build up of product in this area and it is unsightly when sprayed.
Please do this at least 24 hours before you visit us.
So....if you need to exfoliate then it must not be close to the time of your tan and definitely NOT on the day of your tan
Moisturise the day before but again NOT on the actual day as this will cause a barrier. Ensure that all moisturisers, deodorants etc are then washed clean from your skin and please note that we cannot be held responsible for your mistakes.
ONCE AGAIN....WE CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR MISTAKES
Allow all previous sunless tans to fade for 7 days prior to new application
Do not shave or wax on the day of your treatment, especially with shaving foam
Remove all make-up, perfumes, moisturisers and deodorants prior to your treatment, especially around the neck area
Wear loose, dark clothing and flip flops or loose sandals
Wear old, dark underwear as tan cannot always be removed from light colours
And finally please avoid sunburn as we cannot spray over burnt or peeling skin
And what about after?
You will need to wear the guide tan for anything from 2 till 8 hours before showering off
Try to avoid wearing or sitting on light fabrics (and leathers) for a few hours after your treatment
Do not wash your hands for at least 4 hours after having a spray tan
Do not wear tight clothing
Do not shave for at least 12 hours, and again always avoid shaving foams
Be careful with your choice of shampoo as cheaper all in one brands can occasionally streak your tan.
Do not exercise or swim until the day after your spray tan however remember that chlorine can affect false tan so we do not advise that you do so if you really need your tan to last
Please try not to touch your skin while the tan is developing as you will stain your fingers and palms....however if this happens you can exfoliate it away gently with a fine pumice or foot file or remove it with an exfoliator.
And finally....
To look after your tan:
PLEASE PLEASE DON'T GET CAUGHT IN THE RAIN WHILST YOUR TAN IS DEVELOPING. WE CANNOT EMPHASISE HOW IMPORTANT THIS IS!! BRING A BROLLY AND SOME SENSIBLE CLOTHES TO COVER UP. ONCE AGAIN...WE CAN NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR ERRORS ONCE YOU LEAVE THE SALON!
Apply a non oily moisturiser morning and evening after your tan
Pat skin dry after showering....do not rub
Take care when exercising as heavy sweating may cause your tan to fade
Avoid long hot showers and baths and also avoid swimming pools and hot tubs
Avoid all Dove hair and body products and Aveeno moisturisers as these contain oils which can strip your tan. Also certain anti-aging products may have a negative effect (We recommend Nivea or Palmers Cocoa Butter as a moisturiser)
Remember that your tan can also be affected by hormonal changes ie pregnancy, menstruation, breastfeeding etc.
How long will my tan last?
With care it should last at least one week but we are regularly hearing from clients who have had ten days and longer. Obviously everyone's skin is different and much of it is down to your daily routine....but.....our tans really are fabulous!! We only buy in the best for you.