Achieving an Even, Flawless Spray Tan
Spray tanning offers a safer alternative to UV exposure for achieving golden, sun-kissed looking skin. But improper preparation and poor posing during the session leaves many with uneven, streaky results.
By learning ideal stances and following pre-bronzing best practices, you can master flawless, uniform spray tans. This guide covers proven techniques professionals recommend for gorgeous, natural-looking color.
Benefits of Spray Tanning
Spray tans utilize DHA, a sugar-derived bronzing ingredient reacting with skin proteins. As it doesn’t involve UV rays, risks of burns, skin damage and cancer get avoided.
Lasting 5-10 days generally, spray solutions create customizable shades. They wash off gradually with natural exfoliation, enabling simple color maintenance.
Modern formulas also hydrate skin with additional ingredients like aloe vera and antioxidants. This leaves a healthy glow beyond the tan alone.
Preparing for Your Spray Tan Session
Achieving stunning spray tanning results relies heavily on effective preparation. Essential steps include:
- Exfoliating skin 24 hours pre-session
- Skipping lotions, perfumes, deodorant or makeup day-of
- Wearing dark, loose clothing that won’t transfer onto skin
- Arriving with clean, dry skin
Salons also recommend shaving/waxing at least 24 hours before appointments. Newly opened pores absorb more solution, increasing unevenness risk.
Posing For Flawless Spray Tanning Results
How you pose during the session impacts coverage quality significantly. Professionals share their top stancing tips for flawless, uniform spray tans.
Stand With Feet Hip Width Apart
Positioning feet too narrowly or widely changes how solution distributes across your frame. Hip width stance keeps proportions and angles neutral for even absorption.
Hold Arms Slightly Out From Torso
Letting arms rest tight along your sides prohibits full coverage and increases rub-off onto palms. A slight lift opens the area for unobstructed, consistent spraying.
Lift Hair Up Away From Neck and Face
Leaving hair down creates barrier lines across collar bones and jawlines. Stylists suggest top knots, high ponytails or messy buns to allow nape and hairline precision.
Look Straight Ahead During Facial Spraying
Tilting chin up or down twists facial planes, impacting blending. Keep your gaze forward to present a neutral canvas. Close eyes and mouth to avoid inhaling overspray.
Best Poses for Spray Tanning Different Body Areas
Angles for arms, legs and other specific zones further ensure flawlessness. Use these pro tips to guide session stances.
Arms: hold straight out to sides, elbows slightly bent
Extending arms straight creates tight skin, risking visibly demarcated lines once relaxed. Bent elbows enable natural creases for seamless blending.
Legs: stand with one hip cocked, foot popped up on toes
Turning legs inward or outward twists shape. Popping one foot gently flexes knees for color consistency down calves and over joints. Repeat stance on opposite side when prompted to switch by technician.
Back: hold loose fist against chest/shoulders rounded forward
Pressing hands flat on walls or straightened entirely overextends shoulders, flattening planes. Gentle rounding provides natural curve gaps allowing full nape and side spraying.
Stomach: posture upright, abs gently contracted
Simply standing neutral overly arches lower back. Actively engaging core refines waistline while preventing hunching and uneven curing around midsection.
Aftercare for Maintaining an Even, Perfect Spray Tan
Post-session aftercare also prevents uneven fading or color transfer issues. Key tips include:
- Waiting 8-12 hours before showering or swimming
- Rinsing with lukewarm water only when washing off guide color
- Gently patting dry with a clean cotton towel
- Using oil-free, fragrance-free lotions to hydrate skin
- Avoiding perspiration, tight clothing and abrasive scrubbing for 24 hours
Following these best practices for preparing, posing and protecting newly bronzed skin leads to flawless, uniform spray tanning results. Use the guides to master a gorgeous, streak-free sun-kissed glow.
FAQs
How should I stand during a spray tan?
Stand with feet hip-width apart, arms slightly away from sides, gaze looking straight ahead. This keeps proportions neutral for even application.
What spray tan poses prevent unevenness?
Avoid turning legs/arms inward or outward. Pop one foot up gently to flex knees for blending down legs. Round shoulders slightly forward during back spraying to enable full coverage.
How do I prep my skin beforehand?
Exfoliate 24 hours before, skip lotions day-of. Arrive with clean, dry skin avoiding shaving/waxing for 24 hours pre-session as opened pores increase streakiness risk.
What do I do after my spray tan?
Wait 8-12 hours before showering, then rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. Avoid perspiration, swimming, tight clothing and scrubbing skin for 24 hours post-session.
How long do spray tans results last?
With proper aftercare, spray tans last around 5-10 days. Bronzing fades gradually with natural exfoliation. Maintain color by exfoliating regularly and getting touch up sessions every 1-2 weeks.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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