Free tips: prepare for the PERFECT fake tan PLEASE NOTE: if you have regular fake tans you may notice 'product build-up' ... orangy discoloration or dark patchy areas (shoulder, breast bone, hands, knees, neck or elbows). Make an extra effort to exfoliate these areas before your new fake tan is applied (see exfoliate below).

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:-

1. Exfoliate ... more >

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It is very important to exfoliate and have clean fresh skin before applying fake tan. WE CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH! The cleaner your skin, the better the tan will go on and the longer it will last.

It is best to use a loofah sponge in the shower with quality shower cream (eg Radox). You can use a Spritz Body Polish in a hurry (also ideal for salons and mobile technicans if your client arrives unprepared or wearing deodarant/make-up) but a proper shower and loofah sponge is best.

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2. Apply barrier cream ... more >

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Before you apply fake tan, spend 2 minutes applying barrier cream. Barrier cream prevents over-tanning difficult areas like hands and feet. Barrier cream will allow the tan to develop gradually and the results will look very natural (many people reading this will have experienced over-tanned hands and feet. Barrier cream stops this happening).

Use a pea-size amount of barrier cream and rub between fingers, over back of hands to wrist. Also apply to feet, ankles and dry skin areas like knees and elbows.

Allow barrier cream to soak into skin for 1 minute before applying fake tan.

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3. Accessories ... more >

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Accessories are useful to protect hair and soles of feet becoming discoloured by spray tan solution. Disposable thongs, disposable bras and disposable breast bands are also available for clients who do not want to bare all.

Have the client ready and wearing accessories before starting a spray tan.

Note: you don't need accessories when applying SELF TANNING products (at home).

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4. Applying fake tan ... more >

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The following information relates to using HVLP spray tan equipment. Please study HVLP compressors and HVLP turbines for choice of the most popular systems. You should have proper accredited training (with certificate) before using HVLP equipment.


APPLICATION TECHNIQUE

Upper Body

1) Customer to face you. Ask them to make a strongman position, legs slightly apart

2) Client to close eyes, hold breath and spray lightly down the front of the face. Let the customer breath before you carry on.

3) Spray down front parts of arms, down to the wrist. Ask client to turn arms inwards. Spray again down to wrists.

4) Ask client to tilt head back and spray down torso to waist.

5) Client turns to side. Client holds breath and closes eyes allowing you to spray the side of the face. Then spray down side of the arm.

6) Ask client to put arm over head (ballerina). Spray down side torso. Repeat other side. Please note: lifting the arm overhead allows you to spray under a large bust. Also, if you have a large client it helps to stretch the skin.

7) Ask client to turn around with their back toward you. Spray the back area from neck to waist. As an extra technique ask client to turn arm INWARDS allowing you to spray inside the arms from armpit to wrist.

Legs

8) Spray down back of legs.

9) Client turns to the side. Ask them to stride legs apart. Spray the inside and outer parts of the legs facing you. Repeat other side.

10) Client faces you. Spray down front of both legs and pull away at feet (too much spray on feet will develop too dark and look uneven. Less is best!).

11) Ask client to hold out arms in front of them and spread fingers apart, hands clawed. Holding the gun approx. 9 inches away, spray lightly down the hands, starting above wrist and moving past end of fingers tips.

12) Ask client to turn around slowly, allowing you to check all areas have been covered evenly.

13) Wipe away excess barrier cream from palms and nails.

14) Make sure customer is dry before they put on loose fitting dark clothes and flip flops.


SPRAYING TECHNIQUE

1) Move the gun at a constant speed whilst pulling the trigger.

2) Face: Have the client close their eyes. Also, don't forget to talk to the client at this point. Pause for a bit to allow them to breathe and take care not to over-spray the ears.

3) Be careful with the feet and ankles - sweep lightly, around 18 - 30cm (9 - 12 inches) away, building up the colour gradually.

4) Other danger areas include: hands, wrists, elbows, knees & neck. Spray these areas carefully as above.

5) In the case of overspray (too wet/drips) blot or pat the area dry, then re-spray. NeverRUB!

6) The application should take approximately 5-10 minutes including drying time. You should also allow 5-10 minutes for a pre-spray consultation for clients who are having the treatment for the first time.

7) Distance: The spray gun should be held 15-20 cm away from the body. If you find the tan is going on the body wet then you may be spraying too close or you may be moving the spray gun too slowly.

8) Speed: Keep the gun moving at a reasonably slow, controllable speed to ensure even coverage. Keep the gun moving at all times when spraying.

9) Control: Always keep the gun upright, spraying at 90 degrees to the body. Turning the gun sideways can encourage it to spit.

10) Amount: Different machines use different amounts of solution, however approximately 50-75 ml. of liquid should be enough for one full body application.

11) Always shut bottles tightly when storing. Failing to do so can cause spray to oxidise and become unsuitable for use. In extreme cases this can cause the spray to turn a deep green colour. If this occurs you should dispose of the solution immediately.

12) Ensure the client is either wearing disposable sticky feet or standing on a towel or paper. Make sure this is not damp with the residue from previous sprays as this will discolour the soles of the feet.

13) Spray tan solution does not contain SPF protection against the sun. Please advise clients to use sun protection.

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5. Finishing touches ... more >

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After applying fake tan wait a few minutes and let the ingredients absorb into your skin. You can get dressed after a few minutes as soon as you feel your skin is touch dry (some products take longer to dry than others).

Remember to wipe the palms of your hands with an Exfoliating Wipe. This will clean any tan deposits and prevent your palms going orangy - a dead giveaway for fake tans!

Also wipe nails and toe nails with an Exfoliation Wipe to prevent discolouration. If you have clear nail varnish this will act as a protective layer and stop the tan discolouring your nails.

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6. Aftercare ... more >

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Leave your tan for at least 7 hours and overnight if possible before showering or taking a bath. This allows your tan to develop.

Avoid wearing socks or shoes after your tanning session as sweating can inhibit the development of your tan. Sandals are a good choice.

Avoid applying moisturises or deodorants before the tan has properly developed.

Avoid wearing tight clothing for at least 5 hours.

All swimming, showering and vigorous exercise must be avoided for at least 5 hours as this can inhibit the development of your tan.

Don't shave until 12 hours after your treatment.

Don't sit on light coloured fabrics until you've showered or taken a bath as the colour guide can cause discolouration.

Remember. When you take a shower or a bath you will probably see some colour wash off. Don't worry. This is quite normal as it is only the colour guide which may be included in the ingredients (for an instant tan).

MAINTAIN YOUR TAN:

* Moisturise regularly (use oil-free moisturiser).
* Avoid long hot baths and showers as these speed up exfoliation.
* Pat your skin dry after a bath or shower. Do not rub dry.
* Avoid swimming pools or sea water as these can reduce your tan.

* Use 100ml TRAVELSIZE Tan Extender (6% DHA) to even out faded areas.
* Use 100ml TRAVELSIZE Instant Fast Tan (10% DHA) for extra colour.

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