Are you headed to get your first spray tan, and wondering what you should 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 almost no matter what you wear, you’re likely to get some spray tan solution on it. I consider myself to be a really skilled airbrush technician, but there is just almost no way to get good coverage without getting a bit 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 that if you are going to wear clothes like bikini bottoms or top, that you wear some you don’t much care about. Don’t wear that brand new 2 piece to your next spray tan appointment!
As far as what you should wear when you get a spray tan, it’s totally 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 make sure that it is low enough, and has thin enough straps that your tan lines won’t show in other suits you may wear. However again, it’s really important to know that there is going to 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, this ensures that you get full coverage and allows the clients to feel at there most comfortable. However, you can absolutely wear anything you want, from no clothes at all, to a full one piece. My salon and most salons have disposable thongs that you can wear if you don’t have any bottoms that 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: Ok, so this one is pretty simple, you should wear really loose fitting, preferably dark, clothes. Just about any spray tan solution contains a bronzer, often called a guide color. This helps us, the person applying the spray tan, to know where we have sprayed so we can get an 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 rubbing of the product on your skin, which can lead to blotches or streaks. You’ll probably do best to wear something like loose sweatpants and t-shirt, or loose fighting shorts. Be sure you don’t wear leggings, jeans, socks, tight dresses, or anything that hugs tight to your skin. Also, if you wear a bra after your session, try to leave the straps down to prevent any kind of 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 know?
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 has a chemical reaction when it touches your skin. This reaction forms a pigment that looks just like a natural tan. All this to say, it’s really important to protect your skin right after you get a spray tan.
So for example, don’t go work out right after your session. The sweat can interrupt the tanning process and cause the tan to look streaky or blotchy.
Me: That’s super helpful, thanks for sharing! Last thing before I let you go that my audience I’m sure would really love to know. Do you ever use self-tanner at home, and 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 be Beauty 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! So to summarize, if you’re wondering what to wear when you go self-tanning, just wear whatever makes you feel comfortable! The less you wear, the fewer lines you’ll have, but depending on the time of year, that may not really matter to you. After you get done with your session, be sure to wear some baggy dark clothes!
