Pre & Post Tan
First time Spray Tan or just need a quick refresher? No problem, Coco's got you covered!
Let’s walk through how to prep for your spray tan appointment, what to expect at your appointment, and aftercare instructions to follow to achieve the very best and natural result!
First thing is first - What the heck is DHA?
ANSWER: we’re so glad you asked! DHA (short for dihydroxyacetone) is the ingredient in Coco Glow Airbrush Tan sunless solutions that creates the 'natural-looking-fake-tan' result we’re best known for.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Our premium grade DHA is derived from sugar cane, and also found in fruits and vegetables! Have you ever cut into an apple and watched the outer layer turn brown? That is DHA at work!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
When applied to the skin, DHA reacts with dead cells in the outermost layer, turning it brown in color. Once those dead cells fall off, so does the tan result — this is why exfoliating before your spray tan is so important!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
DHA is the ONLY FDA approved ingredient for use in spray tanning and/or self-tanning products.
TIP: Watch out for products that contain non-FDA approved tanning agents, like Erythrulose.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Now that you’re in-the-know, you’re ready to glow!
Exfoliate thoroughly the night before your tan. We lose millions of skin cells every day and if you're not exfoliating them away, they'll hang around on your body and cause your skin to look gray and sullen, clog pores, and let oil build up.
TIP: Do Not use Soap or Any products while you exfoliate other than a glove the night before your appointment.
WHY: This will ensure that you’ve removed all the dead skin which can cause an uneven tan
Shave 24 hours prior to your appointment.
Wax 48 hrs, prior to your appointment
TIP: schedule hair wash and blow out service prior to spray tan to avoid face from getting wet.
All Manicures and Pedicures should be done 24 hours in advance. If your getting a pedicure or manicure the day of your appointment, make sure your technician doesn’t lotion your hands or legs.
WHY: Lotion can act as a barrier to your tan and prevent even absorption.
TIP: If you don’t have time, no worries. Simply ask your nail technician for a DRY Service - no soaking, no scrubbing, no oil!
Do not exercise on the day of your appointment.
WHY: Excessive perspiration will affect your tan.
TIP: If you must workout the day of your spray tan make sure it is prior to your appointment. Shower prior to remove all oil and sweat from body.
Do not apply deodorant, moisturizer or wear makeup during your tanning session. WHY? These can act as a barrier to your tan and prevent even absorption. Deodorant and perfume turns green when mixed with the solution.
TIP: If you must put these products on that day, please shower, removing all these products from your skin at least 4 hours prior to your appointment.
Upon arriving of requested location, Coco Glow Master Airbrush Artist will consult with you regarding several factors.
- Desired color and look you would like to achieve
- Natural skin tone
- Skin condition such as eczema
- Recent tattoos or surgery
- Dry or oily skin
Based on this information, the airbrush artist will help you in choosing the color that would be best for you.
TIP: We suggest having a tan line for your first appointment to see how natural bronze coloring our solution is.
Appointment time for New client is 40 minutes.
Appointment time for existing clients is 30 minutes
The spray tan will last anywhere from 5-10 days. It all depends on your at home maintenance!
Wear loose, dark clothing and underwear after your tanning appointment.
WHY: The Cosmetic bronzer component of DHA in the tan may rub off slightly but will easily wash out of most fabrics. Tight clothing rubs against skin and will interfere with the solution developing evenly.
TIP: Do not wear jeans or tight pants after the spray tan is applied.
No, you will not feel sticky after your tan - this is because of COCO GLOW airbrush technique.
And No there is absolutely ZERO smell to our solution!
You must wait 8 hours to shower. Within that time you need to avoid sweating, getting wet, and skin on skin contact. This means that if your arms or legs rub against each other, you can rub the solution and mess up the even development of the spray tan.
After your tan CG Master Airbrush Artist will set you to avoid these issue.
TIP: Baby powder is an excellent tool
*If you are going to sleep with your spray tan on prior to rinsing, which is common, it is VERY IMPORTANT that you sleep in long, loose pajama pants and a loose fitting, long sleeved shirt. If bronzer from you tan gets on your sheets no worries - it will wash right out!
Over the next 8 hours your tan will be developing while you have a bronzer on the top layer of your skin. The bronzer will wash off with your first initial rinse. Use Luke warm water and avoid any soap, shampoo, or conditioner- let the top layer of bronzer rinse off until the water runs clear.
TIP: Do not let wet hair sit on back of neck/back after shower
Once all the bronzer is off (the water is clear again) you can get out, pat dry, and see your fabulous COCO GLOW AIRBRUSH TAN!
After this initial rinse, you can shower regularly and follow normal routine. Try to avoid using soaps like Dove, Ivory, or heavily fragranced soaps.
WHY: Those kinds of products will make for an uneven tan and also a shorter tan life.
TIP: Using baby soap like Johnson & Johnson or Aveeno for the whole week (or so) you have the color will ensure a longer tan life and a nice even fade. Fading gradually is crucial if you want a natural looking tan!
This rule also applies to lotion, you want to be moisturized and keep hydrated while you have a spray tan. Avoiding fragranced lotions (like Victoria's Secret & Bath & Body Works) are necessary
WHY: Keeping your skin moisturized will help the color last longer and also endure gradual fading. If your skin is dry, the color will flake off with your dry skin making you look blotchy.
TIP: you want to stick with a basic lotion like Cocoa Butter or baby lotions.
