Spray Tan

Spray tanning is a form of self-tanning (or sunless tanning) where a fine mist is sprayed onto your body. Using Dihydroxyacetone (DHA which is naturally derived from sugar cane) that interacts with your own skin’s chemistry to darken the skin's tone to create a tanned effect. As the product is sprayed on this gives an even and flawless finish without streaks or patches which sometimes occurs with manual tans.

Spray tan products contain an active ingredient called Dihydroxyacetone (known as DHA), a colourless sugar that interacts directly with the proteins in the outer layer of your skin to produce a gorgeous golden brown colour. DHA can take up to 10 hours to fully develop, which is why I recommend waiting 8-10 hours before washing off your spray tan.

How does a spray tan work?

The spray tanning liquid contains an ingredient called DHA (Dihydroxyacetone). This compound reacts with amino acids in your skin and oxygen in the air, leaving your skin a darker shade. This reaction happens differently depending on your skin tone. Our therapists will have a range of colours to suit every client.

A woman’s tan may develop differently due to various hormonal changes (ovulation, menstruation, pregnancy). Some products and chemicals may also have an impact on the look of your tan, its development or staying power. If you exercise and sweat heavily your tan can fade faster, especially around your joints and between your breasts. People with oily skin tend to develop a lighter tan than people with dry skin. The oils tend to coat the skin while dry skin absorbs more products faster, causing it to look darker.

I offer a wide range of beauty treatments including: Nails, HD Brows, LVL Lash Lifts, Spray Tanning, Waxing, Threading and Facials. Click here for find out more.

I offer flexible appointments to suit you, including evenings and weekends - just click on the online booking for availability 

Parking is available immediately outside my house on my driveway.  My salon is upstairs on the first floor therefore unfortunately does not have disabled access.

Please follow all aftercare advice to ensure best possible results.

Please arrive promptly for your appointment, if you are held up in traffic please let me know, if you arrive more than 15 minutes after your appointment I may not be able to carry out your appointment. Please do not arrive more than 10 minutes early as I may be with another client.

Always wear loose, dark clothing immediately after your tan and prevent marking your skin with tight straps, seams & sleeves. If any sunless tan solution does stain your clothes you will most likely be able to wash it off in the machine (or a simple hand wash for more delicate fabrics)..

Fake tanning has evolved endlessly since it first emerged on the market. Following the pre and post-tanning tips is essential to  help ensure you’re left with a natural sun-kissed look and long lasting results.

Your spray tan will last 5-7 days depending on your daily skincare regime and lifestyle. Your spray tan fades as your skin sheds its dead cells. Moisturizing daily will extend the life of your tan and will improve the fade-off.

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

A good rule of thumb is two days before a big event. This will give the tan time to settle and look its natural best.

Definitely yes, especially if it’s in preparation for your wedding. This way you can see how it looks and play around with your makeup in case you need to make a few adjustments. Do a trial two weeks before to see if the tan suits you. A patch test on the skin is also a good way.

First, stop self-tanning at least five days before your spray session. "This prevents build up,” says Read. “Exfoliate over a 48-hour period before you tan to make sure any old bronzer is removed.” It also sloughs off any dead skin for a smooth finish. Book a waxing appointment or shave at least a day before as well to ensure the hair follicles have settled. Lightly exfoliate your face the day before as well.

On the day of your tan, skip or remove deodorant, makeup, and lotions since these can lead to an uneven bronze. However, you can apply a little body lotion to any super-dry areas of your body like elbows, knees, hands, and feet. “These spots can go extra-dark when self-tanned,” explains Evans. A light layer helps prevent the colour from settling too deeply into skin. Also, if you have very fair, bleached, or grey hair, Evans recommends applying a light layer of moisturizer around the hairline just in case a few pieces aren’t covered by the shower cap. This will prevent those areas from getting stained by spray tanner.

I will ask you a few questions to ensure you have the colour required to suit your skin tone and even.  

Colours are available for an extremely natural glow for a pale/fair skin tone going to a wedding to an extremely dark tan for body building/stage dance shows.

We recommend wearing dark, loose clothing to your session to avoid rubbing off your new spray tan and staining your clothes. During the application process, we recommend wearing a bikini, a disposable undergarment (provided at iTAN) or best of all, your birthday suit!

Most people wear as little as possible to avoid those annoying, tell-tale tan lines on your body. Most people wear their own pants and I will provide a hair net. 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.

Spray tanning is the easiest way to achieve a healthy, bronzed glow without the risks that come with sun exposure. It eliminates the risk involved with UVB rays and sunbeds, and is completely safe. Please remember that the tanning product does not contain an SPF, so will not protect you from the sun.

As part of the consultation, we will check for allergies to ensure no adverse reaction to the spray tan.

You will be asked to undress into what you want to wear during the tan. .

Once you are prepared, we 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, we 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. 

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 flip-flops to avoid rubbing the tan off your feet.

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.

Yes, you absolutely can tan through a spray tan. But that also means you can burn! Spray tans provide no UV barriers whatsoever, so your skin is just as vulnerable to the sun’s harmful rays. Just because you have a gorgeous glowing spray tan does not mean that you won’t burn. Be sure to apply a strong SPF to protect your skin.

We generally advise clients to shave before their spray tan if possible. This is because shaving exfoliates the skin, which is important preparation for a spray tan. It also means that it will fade your tan faster if done after. This doesn’t mean you can’t shave after a spray tan. To minimise the fading effect, try to use a new razor, as this will drag the skin less and leave more of your tan intact.

Please don't! We recommend against wearing makeup immediately after your spray tan. The moisture in your makeup – especially foundations and other lotions – can cause your tan to blotch or create an uneven finish. Once you have showered after your tan has developed, you can go back to wearing makeup.

You absolutely must not exercise in the eight hours after your spray tan. This is because the sweat and friction caused by workouts will ruin the beautiful, smooth finish of your tan. Once you have washed off your spray tan, you can go back to exercising as normal. We recommend wearing seamless, breathable workout clothing and moisturising after your post-workout shower.

Contra-Indications

If contra-indications are highlighted we may not be able to perform your requested treatment, or the treatment may need to be adapted. You are responsible for notifying me of any changes in your health before subsequent treatments.

Certain therapies on people with the following conditions may be harmful to affected areas or may require prior GP approval before treatment can commence: Allergies, Low/High Blood Pressure, History of Thrombosis, Heart Problems, Phlebitis, Varicose Veins, Epilepsy, Diabetes, Problems of the Nervous System, Skin Disorders or Infections, Haemophilia, Fever, Pregnancy, Asthma, Viral Infection, Bruising, Swelling, Cuts, Burns, Recent Fractures, Recent Operations, Recent Scar Tissue, Cancer, Undiagnosed Pain or Lumps, Acute Injuries, Circulatory Problems, first few days of Menstruation. Treatment is also not advised for anyone who has been consuming large quantities of alcohol.

The key to a long-lasting tan is well-prepared and hydrated skin. I always advise clients to start prepping the skin 24 hours before the tanning session – this will include removing any unwanted hair, exfoliating the body and moisturising all dry areas.

Also please follow the after-care advice!

If you need to change or cancel your appointment please provide as much notice as possible, click the 'cancel appointment button on your confirmation email, or text Jackie on 07970 026364. 

For cancellations within 48 hours of your beauty appointment, a 50% cancellation fee may apply. I will only ever cancel bookings in extreme circumstances, such as personal emergencies, illness etc. Every attempt will be made to rearrange your appointment.