BEFORE YOUR TAN

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Good preparation helps your tan apply evenly, develop beautifully and fade more naturally.

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• Exfoliate gently the day before your appointment, paying particular attention to elbows, knees, ankles and any dry areas. Avoid harsh scrubbing immediately before your tan.

• Shave at least 24 hours before your appointment and preferably allow 48 hours after waxing, giving your skin time to settle.

• Avoid applying self-tan during the week before your appointment. Gently remove any previous tan so we can start with the most even base possible.

• Moisturise regularly in the days leading up to your appointment, but arrive with clean, dry skin free from moisturiser, deodorant, perfume, aftershave and make-up.

• Avoid retinol, acids and exfoliating skincare for 3–5 days before and after your appointment on the areas being tanned. Do not stop prescribed treatments without advice from your clinician.

• Wear dark, loose-fitting clothing and loose footwear after your appointment and remove jewellery before your tan.

• Avoid sunburn and sunbeds. I cannot spray tan sunburnt, peeling, broken or damaged skin, so please contact me to rearrange your appointment if necessary.

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AFTER YOUR TAN

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Your personalised rinse time

Your rinse time will depend on the solution selected, your natural skin tone and your preferred depth of colour.

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I’ll advise you exactly when to rinse at your appointment.

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• Classic tans: usually around 6–8 hours before rinsing.

• Express tans: usually around 1–3 hours before rinsing.

• Premium Black Magic rapid options: selected formulas can be rinsed in as little as 30 minutes, depending on the product used and your desired result.

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Always follow the rinse time I give you at your appointment. Leaving a rapid solution on longer than advised does not necessarily create a better or darker result.

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Your tan will continue developing after your first rinse and may take up to 24 hours to reach its full depth.

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Your skin may initially appear lighter than expected once the cosmetic guide colour has washed away — this is completely normal.

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Clear tanning solutions contain no visible guide colour, so you will not see the finished result immediately after application.

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Before your first rinse

• Keep your skin dry.

• Avoid exercise, sweating, swimming, steam rooms and saunas.

• Avoid rubbing or touching your skin unnecessarily.

• Continue wearing loose clothing and footwear.

• Do not apply additional skincare or body products unless I have specifically recommended them.

 

Your first rinse

• Take a short, lukewarm shower using water only, unless I advise you otherwise.

• Gently rinse away ALL guide colour without scrubbing or using an exfoliating cloth.

• Pat your skin dry rather than rubbing it with your towel.

• Follow the advice given at your appointment about when to resume exercise and when to begin moisturising, as your colour may still be developing after your rinse.

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MAINTAINING YOUR TAN

 

• Moisturise daily once your tan has developed using a gentle, tan-friendly moisturiser.

• Avoid exfoliating products, harsh body scrubs and vigorous towel drying until you are ready to remove your tan.

• Keep showers short and warm rather than very hot.

• Long baths, swimming, hot tubs, saunas and frequent exposure to chlorinated water can cause your tan to fade more quickly.

• If you are unsure whether your usual skincare or body products are suitable, please ask me. I can also recommend products from my professional aftercare and tan-extender range.

• A spray tan does not provide sun protection. Continue using a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and protect your skin when outdoors.

Most spray tans last around 7 days, although some clients enjoy their colour for up to 10 days+.

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Longevity will depend on your skin, preparation, the solution selected and your aftercare.

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CONSULTATION & SKIN HEALTH

Your safety and the health of your skin are important.

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Please tell me before your appointment about any:

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• Allergies or sensitivities
• Previous reactions to tanning products
• Skin conditions
• Relevant medication
• Recent cosmetic or medical treatments
• Changes to your skin that may affect your treatment

 

Please contact me before booking if you:

 

• Have asthma or another respiratory condition.

• Are receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy or another treatment that may affect your skin.

• Are undergoing IVF or fertility treatment. Please check with your fertility clinic before booking and let me know about any treatment-specific advice or restrictions they have given you.

• Have eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, inflamed acne, vitiligo or another condition affecting the areas being tanned.

• Have diabetes with skin complications, broken skin or delayed healing.

• Are breastfeeding, so we can discuss covering the nipple and areola and avoiding your baby coming into contact with tanning solution.

• Have a recent tattoo, piercing, wound, cosmetic treatment or procedure.

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These circumstances do not all automatically prevent you from having a spray tan, but your treatment may need to be adjusted or postponed, or I may ask you to obtain advice from your treating clinician.

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Please postpone your appointment if your skin is:

 

• Sunburnt
• Peeling
• Broken
• Infected
• Actively inflamed
• Still irritated following waxing, heat treatments or another procedure

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PREGNANCY

 

I do not offer spray tanning during the first trimester of pregnancy, in line with the guidance followed for the professional tanning products I use.

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If you are pregnant beyond your first trimester, please let me know before booking so we can discuss the manufacturer’s guidance, your circumstances and any advice you have received from your midwife or healthcare professional.

 

HRT & HORMONAL CHANGES

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Hormonal changes can occasionally affect the skin or the way a tan develops. If you have noticed any changes in your skin or your usual tanning results, please let me know and we can discuss the most suitable option or arrange a trial if appropriate.

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PATCH TESTING & UNDER-18s

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A patch test at least 24 hours before your appointment is required for:

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• New clients
• Anyone under 18
• Clients with a known skin condition
• Clients with a history of sensitivity
• Anyone who has previously experienced a reaction to a tanning or cosmetic product

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A patch test checks for a skin reaction to the selected product but cannot guarantee that a reaction will not occur during a full treatment.

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Under-18s

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Clients under 18 require:

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• A patch test at least 24 hours beforehand
• Parental or guardian consent
• A parent or guardian present during the appointment

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If you are unsure whether you need a patch test, consultation or any adjustment to your appointment, please contact me before booking.

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I’m always happy to advise and make sure we choose the most appropriate treatment for you.