In case you’re fascinated by getting a twig tan this summer time to make it appear to be you’ve simply returned from a tropical trip with out the solar injury—a clever selection—there are a number of necessary issues to notice. Right here, prime spray tan artists share their perception on what to know earlier than your first spray tan and what to anticipate when you’re within the sales space, so you are feeling extra snug and assured from begin to end.

Most individuals go in totally nude.

“That is your name,” says Jules Von Hep, movie star spray tan artist and creator of Isle of Paradise. “Bear in mind it’s your physique, and what you are feeling snug doing is greater than OK. Most of my purchasers go utterly bare—that’s the norm—however some put on bikinis and others simply put on underwear. I at all times suggest going topless, though it’s potential to mix out strap marks. The outcomes are a lot better with most pores and skin on present through the software.” No matter you select to put on will depart tan strains behind, provides Kristyn Pradas, movie star spray tan artist and founding father of Pradas Glow.

“Bear in mind, spray tan artists do this for a dwelling. Identical to nurses and medical doctors see all our bodies, so can we, each single day,” provides Von Hep. “It’s extremely unlikely that one thing you is likely to be self-conscious about is one thing your spray tanner hasn’t seen earlier than.”

Many salons allow you to request a person or girl spray tan artist.

“That will probably be at your salon’s discretion,” says Von Hep. “As a male spray tanner, I used to have many feminine purchasers say they felt extra snug with a homosexual male man than a girl. Bear in mind, everyone seems to be totally different and your tanner will perceive your selections utterly.”

All the time exfoliate and shave beforehand.

“Exfoliation is crucial since you create a easy canvas on your self-tan to stick to,” says Von Hep. “Eradicating useless pores and skin cells previous to software will assist make your tan look extra even and also will assist the tan fade extra evenly too.” Pradas notes that utilizing a non oil-based scrub or pure loofah is beneficial, and exfoliating your pores and skin two to 3 days in a row earlier than your tan is useful. “Ensure to exfoliate your whole physique the place the tanner will probably be utilized and concentrate on the areas which might be vulnerable to dryness, corresponding to ankles, heels, knees, elbows, arms, knuckles, and any others.”

Shaving earlier than your spray tan can be necessary. “One thing folks overlook is that shaving really is a type of exfoliation, so be sure you do this final,” Von Hep explains. “Shaving over a twig tan can really strip off the colour! I like to recommend shaving or waxing at the very least 24 hours previous to self-tan so the pores and skin has calmed down.” In case you’re getting laser hair elimination, schedule your appointment 4 or 5 days earlier than your tan, Pradas provides.

Take away your make-up, skincare and jewellery beforehand, too.

“It’s best to take away your entire make-up to stop making a barrier, which can end in an uneven, lighter tan,” says Pradas. “Keep away from making use of any fragrance, lotions, lotions, or make-up earlier than a self-tanning software, as a clear canvas is at all times finest. It’s best to take away all jewellery, too, as a result of something that continues to be on through the tan can depart a tan line.”

However what about infinity bracelets that may’t be eliminated? “We’ve got numerous methods on find out how to work round infinity bracelets; nonetheless, you should still discover that the tan is a little bit lighter the place the jewellery was,” Pradas provides.

Don’t put on antiperspirant or deodorant.

Pradas would shout this one from the rooftops if she might: “Don’t put on antiperspirant! The aluminum will flip your armpits inexperienced,” she explains. “In case you use common deodorant [aluminum-free] and it accommodates perfume, you also needs to keep away from utilizing it previous to the tan, because the perfume can flip your tan inexperienced as effectively.”

Von Hep says the components in deodorants additionally don’t enable the spray tan to penetrate the pores and skin effectively, so the result’s underarms which might be a lot paler than the remainder of the pores and skin.

Carry correct garments to put on after your tan.

Darkish, loose-fitting garments are the best choice to put on after a twig tan. “I counsel to my purchasers that they don’t put on undergarments both,” says Von Hep. “Your bra could cause uneven strains as your spray is growing! Kaftans are superb; activewear will not be superb. Slide sneakers are nice—assume a unfastened, suede Birkenstock—and no socks.”

Pradas prefers to put on a hoodie and sweatpants. “This manner I forestall any strains round my neck and I forestall transferring the tan in case I cross my legs.”

Know the way darkish you wish to go.

If you’re a beginner, Pradas says it’s higher to begin mild and step by step go darker. “It will help you perceive how the self-tanner reacts together with your pores and skin, from shade and period to the pure exfoliation strategy of your pores and skin with self-tanner, and so forth.” We suggest studying critiques from others who’ve been spray-tanned on the salon you’re going to, and/or taking a look at their social media pages for an concept of their formulation and shades.

However shouldn’t the spray tan artist know what is going to work finest on every individual? “In idea they need to, however keep in mind, it’s a must to construct a rapport and understanding with each other,” says Von Hep. “The primary time they tan you, chances are high it gained’t be the proper self-tan for you. The subsequent time you go to, it’s a must to talk with them about what you appreciated and didn’t like. It’s potential to make the legs darker or the face lighter. In case you’re nervous, a very good tip is to moisturize your physique the morning of your self-tan. It can cease the tan from growing as darkish.”

Moreover, thus far, you could wish to schedule a trial spray tan the month earlier than your huge occasion or journey, and so forth., so you may get determine what tweaks you’d prefer to make subsequent time.

You might look darker than anticipated at first.

“The primary day of the tan you see the bronzer—that is what washes off if you rinse,” says Pradas. “Whereas your tan develops beneath the bronzer, you may seem very darkish in some circumstances, however it will loosen up when you rinse on the right growth time. After your first rinse, you gained’t have to fret about being too darkish, like you might have been the day of the spray tan. Often day two is the darkest day of your rinsed and developed spray tan.”

Von Hep recommends getting a twig tan two days previous to an occasion. “Some purchasers—myself included—take longer to develop than others. Tans develop at totally different charges on totally different folks—it’s the fantastic thing about the pores and skin we’re in. Often a tan’s optimum day is 2 and three.” That is when it can look the darkest.

You possibly can’t bathe immediately.

“Your spray tan artist will let you know when to bathe, as there are several types of options in the marketplace with totally different growth occasions,” Pradas says. “Our basic spray tan requires six to 12 hours earlier than a rinse, however we even have categorical variations the place you wish to rinse between one and 5 hours after your spray tan.”

Von Hep provides that not solely are you able to not bathe, however you can also’t get moist through the growth time. “No sweating, no swimming and no intercourse. However when you’ve showered, you’re good to hold on as regular.”