What To Wear When Getting A Spray Tan?
Are you heading to get your first spray tan and wondering what to wear?
Well, believe me, you are not alone. In this article, I interview Jenny, a professional airbrush tan technician, about what people typically wear when getting a spray tan, as well as talk about all the possible options you might have. We’ll talk about what to wear before your tan and what to wear after.
So, let’s get right into it!
What Should You Wear To Your First Spray Tan – An Interview With A Professional Airbrusher
I sat down with Jenny and talked tanning for quite a while, and I think you’ll find her answers pretty insightful.
Me: So, Jenny, let’s get right into it. What should I wear to my very first airbrush session?
Jenny: That is a fantastic question and one I honestly get all the time!
First of all, you should know that, regardless of what you wear, you’re likely to get some spray tan solution on it.
I consider myself to be a highly skilled airbrush technician, but it’s almost impossible to achieve good coverage without getting some of the tanner on your clothes.
For the most part, it does wash out just fine, both the bronzer and the tanner.
However, I would still recommend wearing something you don’t care much about if you plan to wear clothes like bikini bottoms or a top.
Don’t wear that brand-new 2-piece to your next spray tan appointment!
As for what you should wear when getting a spray tan, it’s entirely up to the client. I would say that the most common thing I see is clients going topless and just wearing bottoms.
However, you should feel completely comfortable wearing nothing at all or wearing a top and bottoms, or a top and no bottoms; it’s really completely up to you.
If you do want to wear a top, I would try to ensure that it is low enough and has thin enough straps so that your tan lines won’t show in other suits you may wear.
However, it’s really important to know that there will be absolutely no judgment on what you wear, from nothing to a one-piece, we want you wearing whatever makes you comfortable!
So the TLDR of it all: What should you wear when getting a spray tan?
Most commonly, clients wear bottoms and no top, which ensures full coverage and allows them to feel at their most comfortable. However, you can wear anything you want, from nothing at all to a full one-piece.
My salon, like most, offers disposable thongs that you can wear if you don’t have any bottoms you don’t mind getting tanner on.
Me: Thanks, Jenny, what a great answer! Ok, so my next question:
What Should You Wear After Your Spray Tan?
Jenny: Okay, so this one is pretty simple. You should wear really loose-fitting, preferably dark, clothes. Almost any spray tan solution contains a bronzer, often referred to as a guide color.
This helps us, the person applying the spray tan, to know where we have sprayed, so we can achieve even coverage.
This bronzer does rub off pretty easily, so wearing dark clothes will help it not show if some of it comes off.
The reason you want to wear loose clothing after your spray tan is to prevent the product from rubbing off on your skin, which can lead to blotches or streaks.
You’ll probably do best to wear something like loose sweatpants and a t-shirt, or loose-fitting shorts.
Be sure to avoid wearing leggings, jeans, socks, tight dresses, or anything that hugs your skin tightly.
Also, if you wear a bra after your session, try to leave the straps down to prevent tan lines on your shoulders.
After your first shower, you shouldn’t really have to worry about this at all.
Many clients prefer to get a spray tan late in the day or in the early evening so that they can sleep with the tanner on overnight, and then shower in the morning.
This way, the DHA in the tanning product has plenty of time to develop.
Me: Thanks, Jenny, that’s super helpful. Is there anything else important that someone new to spray tanning should be aware of?
Jenny: Hmm, a few things come to mind. First of all, remember that spray tanning products, just like self-tanners, contain DHA. DHA is a type of sugar that undergoes a chemical reaction when it comes into contact with your skin.
This reaction forms a pigment that resembles a natural tan. To put it another way, it’s crucial to protect your skin immediately after getting a spray tan.
So for example, don’t go work out right after your session. Sweat can interrupt the tanning process, causing the tan to appear streaky or blotchy.
Me: That’s super helpful, thanks for sharing! One last thing before I let you go, which I’m sure my audience would really love to know. Do you ever use self-tanner at home? If so, what is your favorite product?
Jenny: Funny you should ask, I actually really do love self-tanner, and end up using it quite a bit. I hate tanning beds and am trying to take care of my skin.
My favorite product by far would have to beBeauty By Earth’s self-tanner.
Me: Alright, thanks so much for taking the time, you’re the best!
Final Thoughts
I hope this short excerpt from my interview with Jenny was helpful to you! To summarize, if you’re wondering what to wear when self-tanning, simply wear whatever makes you feel comfortable.
The less you wear, the fewer lines you’ll have; however, depending on the time of year, that may not matter to you.
After your session, be sure to wear some baggy, dark clothes.
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