With tanning season right around the corner - scratch up on the must have accessories and insider tips and tricks. Whether you are looking to give your clients an exotic European tan or a light glow ready for their wedding day, here at Beauty Gallery we have everything you will need under one roof.
Step 1: Choose your tanning range.
Here in New Zealand their are some firm favourites in the tanning industry, and luckily we stock 2 of them - Black Magic and Mine Tan.
Black Magic has a wide range of solutions with fast development times, quad bronzers, premium ingredients and accessories to match - they even have one of the best competition Muscle Tan out there. Black Magic has been developed to ensure greatness in every one of their ranges, with the focus on the user experience, which has led in the cult following throughout the world.
Mine Tan not only dries fast without leaving you feeling sticky, it offers several different collections, which can be used solo or mixed in to an array of cocktails. The Bronze and Treatment Collections offer intense colours and hydration, whilst the Colour Correction range is perfect for counteracting unwanted undertones. They even have a Workout Tan, which doesn't wear off with sweat like usual tans.
Step 2: Client Prep
When booking in your client, be sure to send them prep advice before they come in to see you. Bad prep can leave the result looking patchy, and lackluster. it is essential that they exfoliate, perform hair removal and moisturise THE DAY BEFORE, not on the day. If performed on the day of the tan, this can cause the tan to grab on to open follicles from waxing, the skin is over dry if they have exfoliated just before they come in, or if they have applied a moisturiser all over, this then acts as a barrier to the tan.
They should arrive in or have with them, loose dark clothing so the tan isn't affected in its development stage. Also to check on the weather and to wear appropriate protective clothing if it is raining - no one wants a streaky tan.
Encourage them to be make up and deodorant free - although this can be removed prior to tanning and followed with Tan Prep to balance the skin and also afterwards to avoid any activities that involve water, heat or exercising.
Step 3: The Perfect Application
You need to adjust your spray speed and techniques to each individual. This also goes for the amount of layers you do and if you decide to contour. Our Spray Tan Training teaches you how to contour - great for upskilling and being the best in the business. Using Contour Brushes and Mitts can really help to blend tan on those tricky areas - think colour bone, underarms, hand and feet.
Allow your clients to dry - we cannot stress this enough! Mine Tan dries super quick, and is one of the main characteristics that clients notice is that they don't feel sticky afterwards. Black Magic have a great Instadry powder to dust over after the tan, this stops the stickiness and reduces transfer of the tan on to clothing. Even better it has a slight shimmer to it so your clients looking glowing.
Step 4: Clean, Clean & Clean Again!
We all know that tan gets EVERYWHERE, even if you spray lightly and carefully, but there is nothing worse than clients seeing the sticky build up on your equipment, tent and floors. After every client you need to ensure the gun is rinse out thoroughly, we like to spray water through it to ensure no residue is left inside. Wipe down the inside of your tent each time, at the end of the day you can shower/hose the whole thing to ensure its sparkling clean. Floors should be cleaned throughout the day if possibly, but at the very least at the end of day after all tans are done.
Achieving a natural and flawless spray tan relies heavily on your knowledge of colour matching, your customers skin tones, techniques and understanding the result your customer wants to walk away with. Read more on our experts advice on how to achieve this.
Expert Tips:
Understand Skin Tones and Undertones
It's crucial to have a solid understanding of skin tones and undertones. Skin tones can vary from fair to deep, and undertones can be warm, cool, or neutral. Warm undertones typically have hints of yellow, peach, or golden hues, while cool undertones lean towards pink, red, or bluish tones. Neutral undertones strike a balance between warm and cool, with no predominant hue. Familiarise yourself with the different skin tones and undertones to effectively match the tanning solution and create a natural-looking tan.
Assess Your Client's Skin
Conduct a thorough assessment of your client's skin during the consultation process. Observe their natural skin tone, undertones, and any specific areas of concern. Pay attention to factors such as freckles, blemishes, or areas with uneven pigmentation. By understanding your client's skin, you can make informed decisions about the tanning solution and application techniques required to achieve the desired outcome.
Choose the Right Tanning Solution
Selecting the appropriate tanning solution is crucial for colour matching. Tanning solutions come in various shades and intensities, ranging from light to dark. Opt for a solution that complements your client's skin tone and undertones. For fair or light skin tones, choose a lighter shade to create a subtle and natural-looking tan. For medium to dark skin tones, opt for a slightly deeper shade to enhance their natural complexion. Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution and gradually build up colour rather than risk an overly dark tan.
Perform Patch Tests
Patch tests are an essential step in the colour matching process. Conduct a small patch test on a discreet area of your client's skin, such as the inner forearm, to determine how their skin will react to the tanning solution. This test will allow you to assess the colour development and make any necessary adjustments before applying the solution to their entire body. Patch tests help ensure that your client's skin responds well to the tanning solution, minimising the risk of adverse reactions and guaranteeing a successful outcome.
Supplying Clients with Disposables
We know that providing extra disposables to clients is an extra cost, but its what sets professionals out from the rest. Offering disposable underwear, hair nets and sticky feet is a great point of difference and shows you offer a premium service. Tip: Always have different sized underwear options, (for all genders,) to be inclusive of all sizes and no clients will feel embarrassed trying to squeeze in to a tiny g-string.
Customise your Application Technique
Applying the tanning solution with precision and artistry is crucial for achieving an even and natural-looking tan. Customise the application technique based on your client's desired outcome and specific areas of concern. Use a barrier cream and lighter strokes on drier areas such as elbows, knees, and ankles to avoid excessive colour buildup. Blend the solution evenly, ensuring seamless transitions between different body parts. Pay attention to contouring and shading techniques to enhance muscle definition and create a sculpted appearance if desired.
Now you are all set to get tanning, show case your skills by getting those before and after shots (with clients consent of course,) and be the best tanner in Aotearoa.
Leave a comment