Laura John-Baptiste, spray tanning educator and founder of spray tan company Get Bronzed, explains how you can personalise your tanning services to suit clients who are prepping for a special occasion.
For some, spray tanning is a key part of beauty prep, whether it’s a bride walking down the aisle, a client heading off on holiday or a fun night out with friends.
As tanning professionals, it’s our job to guide clients with expert advice and precise timing for their glow – and it’s essential that you liaise with your clients before they turn up for their tan appointment so you can get it right. A flawless, long-lasting spray tan depends on the client’s prep and aftercare just as much as your spray.
When should you advise clients to book in for a spray tan if they have a special occasion coming up?
The most common mistake clients make? Booking their tan too late. For weddings or big events, I always recommend two days before the occasion.
This allows the tan to fully develop and they’ll have had a chance to do their first rinse and soap shower, meaning all bronzers will be gone from the skin and the DHA in the tan will have had time to work.
For holidays I recommend one to two days before departure to allow full development and ensure the guide colour is rinsed away before they get on the plane.
What is the key to the perfect bridal spray tan?
A wedding isn’t the time for deep or overly dark tans (unless that’s what your client specifically requests, of course!).
A soft, natural glow that enhances without overpowering is ideal. I would rather they complain their tan is too light than worry that it is too dark.
Especially for clients with fair skin, when wearing white and in photographs with others who maybe haven’t had a tan, they will look tanned even with the lightest shade.
I always suggest a trial tan at least four weeks before the big day so that we can adjust the depth and undertone of their tan if needed.
How can you help brides avoid tan transfer?
We’ve all heard the horror stories of tan rubbing off onto a white dress or staining holiday outfits. To reduce transfer, a clear tan is a must have. Brides love it as there is no risk of tan transfer because it has no bronzer. The DHA is still there to beautifully tan your brides.
Use a rapid formula that can be rinsed off in one to four hours, but don’t forget to educate your clients that it is rapid rinse not rapid tan, so the tan still needs the full 24 hours to develop. Finally, recommend wearing loose, dark clothing until after the first rinse.
What is the secret to a holiday-proof tan?
Clients heading on holiday need a tan that will last and fade well – so make sure you’ve communicated prep advice well in advance and check their understanding. Ensure they have exfoliated well so that tan can be sprayed onto fresh, clear skin.
Explain that chlorinated pools and some oily sunscreens will strip the tan quicker – this is a great opportunity to educate your clients on spray tan-safe sunscreens or to upsell to them.
And of course, aftercare is crucial. Daily moisturising with tan-extending moisturisers or gradual tanning products are what to suggest to your clients. Again, this is a great chance for you to upsell and make some extra profit too.
Laura John-Baptiste is a spray tan expert, educator and founder of spray tan company Get Bronzed, as well as the owner of Get Beautiful salon in Shepperton, Surrey. She has over 10 years’ experience.
