Never allow your solution to exceed 20 degrees or go below 4 degrees.

Heat

The solution needs to be stored in a cool, dry place.  If you do not use your solution regularly or you purchase solution in bulk, it is recommended that you keep your solution in the refrigerator but, not below 4 Degrees. Exposure to pro-longed high temperatures will destroy the solution’s effectiveness. When traveling with solution, only take what is needed and avoid leaving solution in the car. We suggest you store your solution in a wine cooler bag with some ice packs to maximize effectiveness.

Exposure to light

The solution will not be harmed by accidental exposure to sunlight however repeated or prolonged exposure will reduce the products ability to perform.

Refrigeration

Store product in a cool, dark place. Refrigerating the solution is highly
recommended.   Repeated or prolonged storage at high temperatures will reduce the products effectiveness.

Rotate

 Rotate your inventory regularly. The solution has a limited shelf life and should be used in the order in which it is received from your supplier.

Never, ever mix

Do not pour new solution into solution that is more than a few days old. Adding new product does not “refresh” the quality of old product or make it “new” again. In fact, the old product may reduce the effectiveness of the new product being added. 

Contact with metal

The solution is made up of ingredients which will react with elements in the skin and also metallic objects. DO NOT pour solution through a metal funnel, stir with a metal spoon or keep stored in a metal container. Contact with any of these objects will reduce the product’s ability to perform. Only stainless steel is safe to be used without the solution being affected.

Oxygenation

Prolonged exposure to air will reduce the solution’s ability to perform.

DO NOT

-      Leave the cap off for an extended length of time as there is a possibility that bacteria may grow.

Remember: Your tanning solution’s balance of ingredients can be adversely affected by storage and equipment that has not been cleaned and maintained properly.

Below is a guide to selecting the correct level or strength of colour for a particular skin types.

This guide will assist you in choosing the right shade for your client but the most important thing is to communicate with your client so that you understand the outcome the client is expecting.

If your client has a type 3 or type 4 skin type they may only want a light tan to even out skin tone and provide a healthy glow.

If your client has a type 1 or type 2 skin and they have told you they want to go dark, explain to them that going too dark for them may result in an unnatural result that as the tan fades it may look too obvious as there will be so much contrast in colour.

Selecting a Level for your Client

Vitilago

Spray tanning can be quite helpful for this skin condition as it can assist to even out the skin tone to some extent.  Vitilago is a skin condition where the skin cells that produce melanin have died.  Vitilago usually starts on the hands and face.  When spraying a client with vitilago, let them know it may take a few goes before achieving the correct outcome for their need.

On the first visit, spray only the areas that are lighter.  Make sure to buff the edges with a sponge,  blend the edges with a dabbing motion.

On the second day, inspect how much colour the skin has taken.  Once again, spray only the lighter area again and blend the edges.  Give your client an all over spray tan to finish.

Psoriasis

This condition happens when the skin speeds up its formation in a matter of days not weeks.  Plaques of skin form on the surface.

Tan tends to grab on the drier skin.  Moisturise first.

Rosacea

Is a form of adult acne causing redness, inflammation, sensitivity and broken capilliaries.

UV tanning can cause rosacea to flare up.

Spray tanning can be used on this client but not on the face as it can cause it to flare up.

Freckles and Age Spots

Freckles are caused by sun exposure and are common in people who are fair.  Generally people with freckles can be spray tanned with no darkening.

Sometimes though, the freckle may be rough and darken slightly.  This will fade as the tan fades.  Lightening of the spot can be achieved by using a toner or alcohol toner with a cotton bud.

Dry Skin

Dry skin tends to absorb tanning solution fairly quickly.  It also exfoliates faster so  the tan fades more quickly and more unevenly.  DHA on its own has the tendency of drying skin out so clients skin may feel tight and itchy.

Recommend to your client to moisturize at least twice daily, more often if necessary.

Do not use a very dark tan level on this skin type.

* In contrast to the universal spray tan rules, I have found that moisturizing dry skin lightly before a spray tan actually makes the spray tan last longer, and look more flawless and fade more evenly.

Oily Skin & Large Pores

People with oily skin may find their tans are lighter as the oils on their skin forms a barrier.  Recommend that this client have a shower and exfoliate just before the spray tan.  If this is not possible, use a darker solution.

This client may also have large pores that when sprayed, fill up and form a black head appearance.  This usually occurs on the face, chest and back.

Acne & Sensitive Skin

Acne prone skin is very similar to sensitive skin.

Bronzers, fragrances and natural plant products can all cause an acne breakout or irritation to sensitive skin.

Tip:  Do a test patch first.

Open Wounds

Never apply a tan to open wounds, rashes, open sores or unhealed surgical incisions.

Scars

A spray tan may disguise the appearance of scars and stretch marks.  Do not apply solution to fresh scars.

 DHA Resistive

This is when a client’s skin does not respond to the tanning solution.  Ensure that it is not due to oily skin, or wearing moisturiser whilst being tanned.  Some medications and hormonal changes may affect tanning also.

Tip:  Try spraying client with a darker product (Dark 12% DHA).

Eczema

Eczema consists of rough, dry, red, itchy patches of scaly skin, sometimes blistery that often cracks in areas of movement, usually on skin folds.

There are many variations of the condition, some not as bad – possibly just dry patches.  It is quite a common condition.  If extreme – the client should get their doctors’ approval.

Tip:  Clients should exfoliate their skin prior to being tanned, however should not do so on Eczema prone area.  Keep in mind DHA can be an irritant to this skin condition and may aggravate the condition.  It would be advisable to test on a small area first.

Some of the dry areas may appear lighter or darker than other tanned areas.

As their skin is very dry – it is advisable for clients to moisturise twice a day post tan.

Body Piercing and Tattoos

Do not spray over freshly pierced skin or a new tattoo until skin is completely healed and there is no scabbing or oozing.  Cover area before spraying.  With a tattoo, moisturizer/ barrier cream can be applied to area and then wiped off once tanning solution has dried.

The area surrounding can be filled in later with a sponge dabbing and pressing solution onto the skin avoiding affected area.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

There is an ongoing debate about whether or not it is safe to use spray tans during pregnancy.  Most doctors recommend that you abstain from getting a spray tan at least in your first trimester.

There is no indication that spray tanning or DHA affects your unborn baby as spray tanning only works on the top layers of the skin.

I would recommend though that you provide your client if she is pregnant with a mask to wear while you are spraying her.  Only remove it when it is time to spray her face. Also, best that a g-string is worn.  Do  invest in some extractor fans.

Anitibiotics

Some medications can be photosensitive and could casuse a differing colour result.  Clients on Retin A should not be tanned.

Waxing and Shaving

Spotting can occur in pores if tan done too soon after shaving or waxing as the pores are open.  Sensitivity can occur and tingling of the skin.  Uneven tan result if wax residue left on skin after waxing.

As you know, there are a few steps to follow to prepare the skin for a full body spray tan.  When you receive a call from a new client, make sure to run through these following details   –

• Exfoliate the whole body the night before the spray tan.  Pay special attention to feet, elbows and knees
• Hair removal needs to be done beforehand.  Wax 24 hours before.  Shave 8 hours or  more before the tan.
• Do not wear deodorant, make up or moisturizer (if your client is coming straight from work offer a facial cleansing wipe to remove makeup and deodorant.)  I find that if moisturiser was applied to the body that morning and they are coming to get a tan that night, the moisturiser will not be a hindrance.  Also, moisturiser on the face is fine.
• Wear loose dark clothing.
• It is advised not to put a bra back on.
• No closed in shoes – boots, shoes and socks – thongs are preferable.
• No jewelry to be worn after the tan.
• Let them know they cannot get wet or do physical exercise for at least 6 hours after the tan
• If it’s raining, clients need to bring an umbrella.  They should also bring with them long loose pants and a long sleeve loose t shirt as well.

For  many people spray tanning is a new experience and the first spray tan can be quite intimidating.  The best way to help your client relax is to explain to them what is involved.  People will quickly relax when you demonstrate your comprehensive knowledge of your product and application.  They will feel they are in safe hands.

One of the most important steps when you are going to spray a client is -

Ask them questions – Why are you getting this tan? Have you had a tan before?  What was your experience of that tan – ie. what did you like?  What didn’t you like? What are you expectations in depth of colour – light, medium or dark?

This part is part of the consultation when you have an opportunity to create a relationship with your client and create trust.

Demonstrate to your client how you will ask them to stand (before they take their clothes off).   Explain to them why you will ask them to bend at the hip (eg, smiley line under the buttocks).

Customers love to know ‘why’ and to understand.  Your client will go away thinking how marvelous and thorough you are and will tell all their friends to come to you for  their spray tan.

Once you have finished applying the spray tan, dry them off (at least at first).  Dry their necks and inside of the elbow especially as this is the first place clients crease the tan by looking down and bending their arms.

This is the pampering element.  Don’t just hand them the hose to dry themselves off and leave the room.   Start drying them off but after a few minutes you can offer your client the hose  to dry off as they know what bits need more drying than you do!  In this time you can  remove any overspray off their fingernails and toenails.

Some more tips -

Give your clients a little bit of information on the process of Sunless Tanning and how DHA works on the skin.

Explain to your client that the initial colour they see is not the tan but only the bronzer which works as a colour guide for us as technicians and instant gratification for them.  Explain that when they shower it is normal to see the bronzer wash off, leaving behind a natural colour on their skin.

Don’t forget to run your client through the important steps of maintaining a sunless tan.  Remind them to avoid wearing tight clothing immediately after the tan, to wait the recommended time before showering, to avoid swimming in chlorine or a spa, and to moisturize twice daily.

Area
Make sure you have an area set aside for spray tanning. Ensure the area is inviting and comfortable and private for your client. Make certain there is an area for them to place/hang their clothing, bag and jewelry. I recommend a small dish where clients can place their jewelry as I have found if a client’s jewelry is placed on a chair when undressing, it is often overlooked and forgotten.
The actual spray tan area needs to be large enough that the client can spread their arms out. Consider your clients so make sure it accommodates for them and their needs.

Ventilation
In the past there has not been much emphasis placed on extractor fans or systems in the spray tan area. I believe extraction of overspray and ventilation is very important especially for you as the spray tan technician.
After 9 years of ongoing spray tanning in a room that is approx 3m x 4m and 2.5m high, I have found the constant exposure to fumes / overspray causes me dizziness and nausea, especially if I am not wearing a mask. I recommend the use of disposable masks for yourself and optional for your client. I do recommend that if your  client is pregnant that she wear a mask.
Install some extraction fans in the spray tan area if possible. I purchased some extractor fans from Bunnings and had an electrician install them. They are very effective at creating ventilation and also removing much of the overspray. They are also easy to clean.
Use dark towels that can be easily washed on the floor for clients to stand on. Make sure the towels are changed or turned over after each client. Another option is to offer stick on feet for each client.

Lighting
The area needs to be well lit so you can clearly see the tan as it is being applied. Make sure the light comes from above you so that you when you are moving around your client, you don’t create a shadow by standing in front of the lighting.

Temperature
Depending on the time of year, I think it is crucial to have appropriate temperature in the room for the comfort of your client.
If it is winter, supply a heater and preheat the room before your client arrives. Having a spray tan in a cold room with cold spray tan solution being sprayed on a warm body is torture and enough to discourage tanning in winter.
In summer, install a small air conditioner. In the middle of summer, if the room is not cool, you may find that your client will perspire while you are spraying. The solution will run and streak and not sit on the skin properly. Do yourself and your client a favour and provide a cool environment.

Cleanliness
After several spray sessions you will see that the overspray accumulates on the floor. Ensure the spray tan area is kept clean, hygienic and inviting at all times.
We recommend that the spray tan area is painted in a washable finish or possibly tiled. Carpet is not a good idea. My spray tan area floor is vinyl. I purchased some stick on vinyl floor blocks and did it myself. It is so easy to keep clean.

Mobile
If you are mobile, a tanning booth is the easiest way of tanning a client in their home. Make sure to have at least an extra towel to lay in front of you while client stands in booth in case your spray tan gun leaks. You don’t want tanning solution on your client’s floor -especially if the only place you can tan is on a carpeted floor.
Alternatively, you can spray your client in their shower cubicle. Place a towel down on the shower floor. Make sure the client doesn’t end up with water trickling down on her from the shower head. (If a removable shower head, take down and let dangle while you spray. Ensure you clean up after yourself. The spray tan solution won’t stain. (Do be mindful of porous surfaces)

Some additional items you may need when you spray tan your client -
- Disposable g-strings
- Disposable shower caps
- Barrier cream – to be applied to dry areas of the body such as knees, elbows, top of hands, back of feet.
- Clips, hair pins or headband – to keep hair off face when spraying.
- Chux – dry only. I find chux a great product to use to blend runs or excess solution sprayed as it doesn’t remove tan, it blends tan perfectly.
- Facial wipes – for taking off make-up and or deodorant
- Customer file cards – for taking down client details, colour and other information