What to Expect at Your First Spray Tan Session
Spray tans are great when you want a golden glow without the risk of long-term skin damage from sun exposure. If you’ve never tried it before, visit Firefly for spray tanning that gives you sun-kissed skin just in time for summer!
Kristi, our spray tan specialist, is an expert at custom tanning. Here are some of her recommendations for first-timers to get the most out of their spray tan experience:
Schedule Smartly
Don’t schedule a spray tan in between big meetings or if you plan to train for your upcoming triathlon. “Sweating, showers, and chlorine can all interfere with how your tan will set so avoid them in the hours after your spray tan session,” Kristi says.
Prep Your Skin
Do any necessary waxing or shaving at least 24 hours before your tanning session. You’ll also want to exfoliate your skin so there’s a smooth canvas for the Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) used in spray tanning (pay extra attention to knees, elbows, and other areas where skin can be drier or more uneven in texture). The day of your spray tan, lather up with a gentle, pH-balanced soap in the shower before your treatment.
Come Clean
Kristi advises her clients to avoid any kind of personal care products when getting ready for a spray tan. “Makeup, deodorant, moisturizer, and lotion can all affect how the spray tan turns out,” she says. “Skip them and just come with your beautiful skin as is.”
Dress Comfortably
Avoid smudges or stains post-tan by wearing loose-fitting clothes to your session, preferably darker in color. Leave jewelry at home and choose flip-flops instead of closed-toe shoes.
Choose Your Tan Lines
“We want everyone to be comfortable during their spray tan, so if you’d rather not be nude for your first session you can wear underwear or a bikini,” Kristi says. “Just remember that whatever you wear will be misted with DHA, so choose clothing that’s older and you don’t mind if it potentially discolors.”
Enjoy Sun-Free Tanning at Firefly
When you arrive for your spray tan, Kristi will talk with you about the shade you want for your skin so you get the exact, customized glow you want. You’ll then be given a shower cap to protect your hair as well as eye coverings.
Once you’ve disrobed in our private tanning space, Kristi will then spray the DHA in a fine mist all over your body while you are standing. The session only takes 30 minutes, and then the tan will continue to develop over the following hours.
If you are looking for a deluxe treatment, you can try our Rapid Tan Upgrade. This upgrade from our normal tanning service is a five-step process that includes an exfoliating mitt, a pre-tan prep spray, a Rapid Tan solution (which needs to be rinsed off one to three hours after application). Hydrofirm for water fastness, and a finishing powder. A spray tan can last up to seven days if you follow the proper care steps, which Kristi will outline after your treatment.
We love helping clients experience spray tanning for the first time; we even offer a new client special! And we think you’ll love our tanning service so much, we’ve created a Bronze Membership package that includes one spray tan a month so you can enjoy sun-free radiance all year long! Contact us to book your first treatment today.
