SPRAY DAY – THE FIRST DAY OF COLOR

So you've got a great tan, now what?

The best way to proceed at this point is with caution. Even though your skin may feel dry and normal, remember there is a chemical reaction occurring.

Over the next 2-8 hours, (depending on what type of spray tan you have received),we suggest that you have an approach towards water as if you are the Wicked Witch of the West. While you won’t melt, water or moisture related products such as lotion and hairspray can and will affect your tan.

We recommend not scheduling hair styling, manicures, or pedicures for during your tan’s curing time. Instead, schedule any appointments for the following day or for before your tanning appointment. DO NOT use any cosmetic foundations or concealers!!

How to Approach Clothing & Furniture

It is recommended that you stay in your loose fitting clothing, with as much of your body covered as possible, before your initial rinse. Make sure to sit on furniture that is lighter in color than your tan. This same approach should be used in all types of upholstery, including both fabric and leather car seats, carpet, and all types of clothing.

If your appointment is later in the day and you are unable to rinse before you go to bed, you may see some color rub off onto your sheets and bedding. Not to worry, however, as most sheets are cotton and the color should come out with a normal wash.

Yeah, it's cool, but hands off!

A natural thing to do after receiving your tan is to want to touch it. While showing your tan to family or friends, you'll probably want to lightly rub your arm or leg in a “Look, isn’t it great?!” gesture. We take great care in providing tans without orange hands, so help us out and don't do it! It is also natural body posture to rest your hands on your legs, but try not to do that either. If you do happen to slip, though, no worries! A cotton ball and some peroxide, or a sanitizing wipe will usually take it off.

DAY TWO-INTRODUCTION TO WATER

Huh, so that's what I look like!

Over the last 2-8 hours, as your tan has been developing, you may have noticed you have been becoming quite a bit darker. That’s okay! DHA, the chemical additive that is bronzing your skin, has had its curing time and has literally changed your overall color. The color you walked out of the salon with was created with the use of what’s called a “color guide.” The color guide is added to the solution we spray you with to allow us to see exactly where the solution is being applied, to try to minimize unevenness. It’s truly the color guide we are concerned with “rubbing off” onto fabrics and such described on the previous page. Your initial rinse is getting ready to change all that.

As you shower, you will see quite a bit of color going down the drain. DO NOT PANIC!! This color is not intended to stay on your skin, and you will be tan underneath. However, it will take a full 24 hours for the full color to develop, so you can expect to continue to darken up during that time.

Finally, a warm shower!

We highly recommend showering instead of bathing, as your first shower will just be a rinse with no soap. A regular shower using a light body wash should not be taken until the first 24 hours after the tanning application. If you're stressed out and need to relax in a bath, that's fine. However, please make sure to limit your bathing time to extend the life of your tan.

When you shower with soap for the first time, please use your shower pouf and a mild body wash. Shaving legs can be a hazard beyond the usual razor burn, so be suggest that you take your time and be as gentle as possible. DO NOT use shaving cream with a high alcohol content. If you cannot make it to the store, hair conditioner can be a good substitute for a regular shaving aid.

Drying Time

When you get out of your shower or bath, pat yourself dry, without rubbing your skin and inadvertently rubbing your tan off along with it. It's an easy habit to get into, and it'll make your tan last longer! Additionally, no exfoliating procedures or products should be used during the time you have your tan.