Going in for your first spray tan can be intimidating, but once you have an idea of what to expect, it is really not that bad.After removing your clothes and accessories, you will be given instructions on how to position yourself in a small stall that is slightly larger than the average phone booth.Stand straight, keep your fingers spread wide, and hold your arms and legs away from your body, because the tanning solution will hit every part of your skin.
Step 1: Don't wear makeup and skip the moisturizers.
Don't wear cosmetics on the day of your tanning appointment.Where specified by the tanning specialists before your session is different.The tanning solution can't get through if there's anything extra on your skin.If you're going to the salon after another engagement, you should bring makeup removal wipes.
Step 2: You don't want to put on antiperspirant before your session.
If you use an antiperspirant that has traces of aluminum, it is possible for them to react with the tanning solution and turn your skin green.How embarrassing!
Step 3: All clothing and accessories must be removed.
You can get undressed in the private room when you arrive at the salon.Don't forget to take off any watches, jewelry, or accessories with your clothes.They could be ruined by the tanning solution.You can either wear a swimsuit or go completely nude in most salons.In case the solution stains, wear an old or dark-colored swimsuit.If you have long hair, put it into a plastic cap provided by the salon to keep it out of the way.
Step 4: Stand in the center of the booth.
Plant yourself in the middle of the booth.You will be close to the nozzles that distribute the tanning solution.The center of the booth is where the most spray will be concentrated when there is only 1 row of nozzles.If there are markings on the floor that tell you where to put your feet, look down.
Step 5: Face the direction you want to face.
There is a sign on the inside of the booth that tells you which wall to turn towards.It will be the one where the spray nozzles are located, but some booths might have you facing the opposite wall to do your backside first.By the time the session is over, you will face each wall so the nozzles can make multiple passes.
Step 6: Listen for signals on how to stand.
Once you get there, you will hear a voice over the speaker tell you where to look, how to position yourself, and when to turn or adjust your stance.This voice will guide you through your first spray tanning experience.Follow the instructions in the letter.You could end up with unbalanced coloring if you get off your mark.There will be less confusion if you have spray tanner applied by a trained technician.The professionals will walk you through the process step-by-step to make sure you are comfortable.
Step 7: Stand up straight.
Don't lean, bend, or hunch over.If you have poor posture, your skin will come out lighter than the rest of your body.If you are told to stick your butt out, don't be worried.You don't want to end up with tan lines on the tops of your thighs.
Step 8: Place your feet together.
With your knees and toes pointing forward, stand with your legs slightly wider than your hips.With a single sweep, the nozzles will be able to coat one side of your body.The tanner can reach the inside of your thigh if you stagger one leg forward when you turn sideways.
Step 9: Take your arms out of the way.
With your palms facing the wall behind you, raise your arms out to the sides.Some booths will tell you to hold your arms up next to your head.Follow the instructions given by the booth.A certain stance may be better for one type of booth than another.
Step 10: You can spread your fingers wide.
You should extend your hands like you are counting.This will help them achieve a consistent color.When it's time to do the backs of your hands, you may be told to put your fingers up.If you want to keep your tan from getting too dark, spray tan specials recommend rubbing a light layer of lotion on areas that absorb more tanner, like your knuckles and the spaces between your fingers.
Step 11: You should keep your eyes and mouth closed.
Chemicals in the tanning solution can cause irritation to the eyes and airways.Just before the nozzles switch on, you will be given a last-minute reminder.Keep your face neutral and relaxed.A safer and more comfortable tan can be achieved with complimentary nose plugs and eye protection.Don't keep your eyes closed or purse your lips tight.Doing so could cause wrinkling.
Step 12: Transition quickly between poses.
Try to do it in a timely fashion when the voice tells you to turn.You will only have a few seconds before the next round of solution starts spraying.As long as you are paying attention and ready to react, that should be plenty of time.It is not a race against time to get into the next position if you are prepared to move as soon as the nozzles have stopped spraying.You will only have to change positions once in the majority of spray tan booths.Smaller booths may require you to take two basic postures, one for each side.
Step 13: Don't let the air vent dry you off.
The warm air will come from the nozzles after the tanning solution has been applied.The air gets to every part of your body if you keep your arms and legs out wide.The drying process should take a few seconds.Make sure you stay in the booth until the door opens so you can leave.
Step 14: Blot is covered with a towel.
Minor inconsistencies can be seen when you are back under regular lighting.Patting these areas with a clean towel can make them appear less obvious.Rub or wipe can ruin the tanner and leave streaks.It won't be necessary to towel off since you've already been blown dry.Spray tan booths produce a more even finish than other forms of self-tanner, but they are not perfect.If you want a totally natural skin tone, you may be better off shelling out a few extra bucks for a personalized airbrush tan.
Step 15: You need to wash your hands and feet.
The lines in the palms, knuckles, and top of the toes are not uncommon for spray tanning solutions.Dark areas can be a sign that your skin came from a machine.Bring along some baby wipes and use them to make sure you don't wash too much of the tanner.It is possible to create a barrier against concentrated color by painting your nails with a clear coat.
Step 16: It's best to wait 10 minutes before getting dressed.
Most specialists recommend waiting a few extra minutes if you want to slip back into your clothes as soon as possible.It is possible to minimize the risk of transferring the color to your favorite outfit.If you need to make sure you're dry, you can stay in the changing room.Pick out something dark and loose-fitting to wear on your way home from the salon.
Step 17: Get wet for at least 8 hours.
To give the tanning solution a chance to set up on your skin, stay out of the shower, swimming pool, or hot tub for the entire day.The combination of chemicals and water can cause the tanner to spot or run.Don't scrub for a week to prevent it from rubbing off.If you shave less often, your tan will last longer.Take care of your skin to keep it supple and hydrated.