Spray tanning

Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate. You should do this at least 24 hours prior to the tan. This will aid your tan by giving it an even surface to stick to. Exfoliating also reduces the amount of dead skin cells which can shed and make your tan look patchy.

Don't shave (or wax) the day of your tan.

You should also ensure that you have no product on your skin just before the tan. This includes deodorant, moisturiser, perfume, or other creams and lotions.

Most people wear as little as possible to avoid those pesky, tell-tale tan lines on your body. Our therapists will provide a disposable g-string for you to wear but wear your own if you prefer. If you do wear your own clothing be sure to wear dark colours so the tan doesn’t stain. Many will wear a black thong and go topless for an even tan. But if you feel more comfortable in a bikini, this is also standard practice.

In the spray tanning room, you will be asked to undress into what you want to wear during the tan. Your therapist will provide you with plastic stickers, known as sticky feet, to protect the soles of your feet. They will apply barrier cream to areas which often tan unevenly, such as elbows, nails and ankles.

Once you are prepared, your therapist will ask you to stand in the spray tanning tent and show you body poses which allow for the most even tan. They will work through each body part in turn. Be prepared for the spray to be a little cold. When tanning your face, they will ask you to hold your breath and close your eyes.

Once your whole body has colour on it, the therapist will allow you some time to stand and dry, so as not to disrupt the tan too early by getting dressed. Making sure the tan is 100% dry after a spray will decrease the risk of patching and uneven colour. Don’t be alarmed if the colour is darker than you want at this stage. It is just because of the guide colour in the tan solution which helps a therapist ensure the colour is even.

As little as possible! Try to wear dark coloured, floaty clothing and avoid anything tight which could leave rub marks on your fresh tan. Wear jandals to avoid rubbing the tan off your feet.

The tanning development process usually takes place over a period of about 1 - 3 hours, dependent on the type of tanning formula used. Therefore avoid showering for at least this time. Wash your body with water only and do not worry if you see a lot of colour going down the drain. This is because you are washing off the spray tan’s guide colour, the tan on your skin underneath will still be developing leaving your skin beautifully tanned. After showering, use a light moisturiser all over your body. Avoid body oils which can actually speed up the breakdown of your tan.

How long will my spray tan last?

This depends on the tanning formula used. However, in general, spray tans last for up to 7 days with good tan maintenance. This length may be altered depending on how often you shower.

Moisturising after every shower is essential to retain hydration in your skin and keep your tan looking healthy. Be sure to use an oil-free moisturiser, as oil can break down the tan. This also goes for sun cream – use an oil-free option to prolong your tan for longer.

Avoid using harsh products in the shower such as alcohol-filled body washes. After showers, try to dab yourself dry rather than rubbing with a towel. Exfoliating frequently is vital to remove dead skin cells from the upper surface of your skin to allow your tan to fade evenly. Try to exfoliate gently about 3 days after your spray tan to allow it to look better for longer as it starts to fade.

The active ingredient in spray tan is DHA, which is a non-toxic chemical that reacts with the outer layer of the skin to create a beautiful glow. It does not enter the bloodstream or penetrate further than this outer layer, therefore there’s no reason not to get a spray tan when pregnant. However, we recommend that clients in their first trimester do not get a spray tan.

It’s worth bearing in mind that when you are pregnant, your skin is often more sensitive and therefore more prone to irritation. As a precaution, we also recommended consulting your doctor before getting a spray tan when pregnant.

The short answer is yes! But you have to wait at least 24 hours for the lash adhesive to fully dry. We’d suggest waiting 48 hours, just to be on the safe side. You should mention your lash extensions to your tanning therapist too. Carefully wash your lash extensions after your spray tan, to ensure that no tanning solution is still lingering.

It’s also fine to get your lash extensions before your spray tan. But again, you need to allow at least 24 hours before your lash appointment.

Bessie S in Pukekohe offers a luxury and hassle-free spray tanning service in their specialised spray tanning room and the full process takes 15 minutes in total. We have a choice of different brands on our menu including the Express Spray Tan, meaning you can go from pasty to golden and glowing in just 180 minutes! If you’re unsure which brand to go for, your professional will carry out a full consultation to determine which solution is best for you. Our therapists are experts of the spray tanning world, and can provide you with a bespoke service tailored to your needs.

Our spray tans are $45 for a full body, $25 for legs only.