Tag

spray tan prep

Nov 18
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Spray Tanning with Sensitive Skin in Colder Months 🍂✨

By The Sunless Blog No Comments

Fall is here, and just because it’s sweater weather doesn’t mean your glow has to go! For those with sensitive skin, cold weather can feel like a challenge, but sunless tanning is still a safe and beautiful option.

Here’s how to help clients with sensitive skin maintain a flawless glow during the colder months comfortably and confidently.

Why Spray Tanning in Winter Makes Sense

Sunless tanning isn’t just a summer thing. In fact, colder months are ideal for keeping skin looking vibrant, especially when everything else feels dull.

  • Skin looks duller in winter due to dryness, less sunlight, and exposure to harsh indoor heating. A spray tan restores warmth, radiance, and evenness to the skin.
  • No UV damage: With fewer outdoor activities and reduced sun exposure, now’s the perfect time to avoid UV rays and still achieve a golden glow.
  • Events and holidays: From cozy date nights to holiday parties and winter weddings, a healthy tan boosts confidence and complements every outfit, especially lighter winter tones like ivory, grey, and jewel tones.
  • Year round confidence: A consistent glow helps many clients feel more put-together and confident, even under layers of scarves and sweaters.

Spray tanning in winter isn’t just about looks; it’s a boost of self care during the darker months.

Sensitive Skin and DHA: What You Should Know

DHA (dihydroxyacetone) is the active ingredient in most sunless tanning solutions. It reacts with amino acids in the outer layer of the skin to create a temporary bronzed appearance.

  • Safe for most skin types: DHA stays on the surface of the skin, making it a safe option for sensitive skin when used properly.
  • Patch testing is key: Every client’s skin is different. Always recommend a patch test for new clients or when trying a new formula.
  • Gentle formulas matter: Use solutions that contain hydrating and calming ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, cucumber extract, green tea, or hyaluronic acid. These nourish the skin while the tan develops.
  • Fragrance free options: Some clients may react to added fragrance, so always keep a hypoallergenic, unscented formula on hand.

Clients with skin concerns should be given extra care and consideration. Consultation is key!

Pre Tan Prep for Sensitive Skin

Proper skin preparation can make or break a spray tan, especially for sensitive skin types. The goal is to create a smooth, irritation free canvas.

  • Exfoliate gently 24 hours before the session with a soft mitt or a scrub that doesn’t contain harsh acids or beads. Avoid retinols or glycolic products beforehand.
  • Shave or wax at least 24 hours prior to allow skin time to calm.
  • Skip scented lotions, deodorants, and perfumes on the day of the tan. These can cause a barrier or trigger irritation.
  • Hydrate dry areas like elbows, knees, ankles, and knuckles a few hours before the appointment using a light, fragrance free moisturizer.

Stay hydrated: Encourage clients to drink water and nourish their skin from the inside out during winter. Hydrated skin tans better and fades more evenly. Check out Spray Tanning Checklist for more tips!

During the Spray Tan: Application Tips

When spraying sensitive skin, it’s all about precision, patience, and product control.

  • Use a high quality HVLP system like APOLLO for a controlled, ultra fine mist. These systems are designed to minimize overspray and deliver consistent results.
  • Keep the nozzle moving: Smooth, even motion avoids over-saturation and hot spots.
  • Apply in thin layers: Two light coats are better than one heavy one. This allows the skin to absorb the product gradually.
  • Check the skin closely before each pass, especially in dry prone areas.
  • Barrier cream can be used on ultra sensitive or dry areas to prevent buildup or discoloration.
  • Room temperature matters: Ensure the room is warm and comfortable. Cold air or drafts can cause skin to tighten and lead to uneven application.

The entire process should feel relaxing and gentle. Calm, consistent application helps ensure a beautiful, even tan.

Aftercare for Long Lasting, Healthy Glow

Sensitive skin benefits from extra TLC after a tan to lock in color and reduce irritation.

  • Avoid water, sweating, or tight clothing for at least 6 to 8 hours after tanning to allow full development.
  • First rinse should be lukewarm (not hot!) and product free. Avoid soaps, scrubs, or loofahs.
  • Moisturize daily with a gentle, fragrance free, hydrating lotion. This keeps skin supple and prolongs the life of the tan.
  • Avoid exfoliating products until the tan begins to fade naturally. Then, gently exfoliate to ensure an even fade.
  • Use a sulfate free body wash to avoid drying out the skin or stripping the color.
  • Apply SPF when outside, even in winter. A spray tan does not provide UV protection.

For best results, schedule tans every 7 to 10 days, depending on the client’s skin type and lifestyle.

Common Concerns: Answered

“Will I turn orange?”
 Not with professional equipment and the right shade. HVLP systems like APOLLO allow for even, buildable application, avoiding that tell-tale orange tone.

“Is it okay if I have dry skin?”
 Yes! Just take extra steps to hydrate before and after your tan. Dry skin may fade faster, but proper moisturization can help extend results.

“Can I spray tan in winter?”
 Absolutely. It’s one of the best times to glow. With less UV exposure and indoor events, your skin will look and feel radiant.

“What if I have a skin condition?”
 Always consult with a dermatologist if unsure. But many clients with sensitive skin report great results using gentle solutions and professional techniques.

Final Glow Tip

Sensitive skin doesn’t have to miss out on the magic of a beautiful bronze. With the right equipment, prep, and aftercare, your clients can enjoy a flawless, irritation free glow all season long. Check out our favorite distributers on HVLPsunless.com.

Encourage your clients to book their winter tan today, and remind them, their glow doesn’t take a season off!

Oct 14
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How Long Does a Spray Tan Really Last? (And How to Maximize It)

By The Sunless Blog No Comments

If you’re in the sunless tanning biz, you know one of the most common questions clients ask is: “How long will my spray tan last?” And as a tanning pro, you want to be ready with a clear, confident answer that sets realistic expectations, and helps them fall in love with that golden glow even longer.

So, how long does a spray tan really last?

Generally, a spray tan lasts 5 to 10 days, depending on several factors: the client’s skin type, their skincare routine, the quality of the tanning solution, and how well they prep and maintain their tan.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

  • Fair skin types: usually 5-7 days
  • Medium to olive skin tones: around 7-10 days
  • Darker skin tones: up to 10 days or more

But here’s the kicker, you can absolutely help your clients get the most out of their sunless tan. Let’s break it down.

1. It Starts with Skin Prep

A long lasting tan begins before the tan is even applied. Educate your clients on the importance of:

  • Exfoliating 24 hours before the appointment (especially knees, elbows, and ankles)
  • Avoiding oil based products beforehand (they can create a barrier that blocks DHA absorption)
  • Shaving or waxing at least 24 hours in advance to prevent irritation and patchiness
  • Arriving with clean, dry skin free of lotions, perfumes, or deodorants, which can interfere with the solution’s absorption

These simple steps help the solution absorb more evenly and stay vibrant longer.

2. Choose the Right Equipment & Solution

This is where YOU shine. Using a high quality HVLP system like an APOLLO Sunless machine ensures precision, even coverage, and minimal overspray, all of which contribute to a longer lasting, flawless finish.

Why does this matter? A precise application minimizes product waste and uneven fading, while the powerful atomization of an APOLLO HVLP system helps deliver consistent results every time.

Pair that with a premium tanning solution designed for longer wear (look for formulas with skin nourishing ingredients like aloe, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E), and you’ve got a glow that goes the distance.

3. Aftercare is Everything!

Your clients’ post tan routine can make or break their glow. Share these golden rules:

  • Wait at least 8-12 hours before showering (or as directed by the solution used)
  • Use lukewarm water for the first rinse and avoid soaps during the initial shower unless it’s a rapid tan solution
  • Pat dry instead of rubbing after showers to avoid exfoliating the tan prematurely
  • Moisturize daily with a hydrating, tan safe lotion, avoid products with alcohol, retinol, or AHAs which can fade the tan faster
  • Avoid long hot baths, chlorine pools, saunas, and heavy sweating, especially in the first few days

Bonus tip? Recommend tan extending products or gradual tanners that complement the solution you use. Retailing these in your salon is a win win: better results for them, extra income for you.

4. Book the Next Glow

Remind your clients that consistent care and regular appointments are the secret to always feeling sun kissed. Consider offering a membership or package deals to encourage return visits.

Pro move: Create a “glow plan” tailored to their lifestyle and special events so they can maintain their tan year round without guesswork.

Final Glow Thoughts

While a spray tan isn’t forever, it can feel like it with the right prep, tools, and maintenance. When you use trusted, pro level equipment like APOLLO Sunless HVLP systems, you’re not just offering a tan, you’re offering confidence, quality, and a professional experience that keeps clients coming back.

Your expertise paired with the power of APOLLO equipment can turn first timers into loyal glow getters. Whether you’re mobile or salon based, our HVLP tanning systems give you the control and performance you need to deliver a tan that lasts and wows. Check out our Spray Tan Prep Check List for more tips!

Ready to elevate your spray tan game? Explore our HVLP tanning systems, designed to deliver flawless, lasting results every single time! Check out some potential spray tan solutions here.

Oct 06
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How to Keep Your Tan From Fading Too Fast (and What Ruins It)

By The Sunless Blog No Comments

We all love that just sprayed glow, but a few wrong moves can send that bronze beauty packing way too soon. The truth is, a great spray tan doesn’t end with the application. What happens before and after the session is what determines whether your tan fades gracefully… or flakes off faster than you can say “DHA.”

This guide is packed with insider tips to help your clients, and your business, achieve longer lasting, flawless tans.

1. It All Starts with Proper Skin Prep

A flawless tan needs a smooth, clean canvas.

Why it matters:
Spray tan solution adheres to the outer layer of skin. If that layer is uneven or full of dry patches, your tan will fade in splotches. Over exfoliating or skipping prep altogether are two of the biggest causes of early fade.

Glow saving prep tips:

  • Exfoliate thoroughly 24 hours before the appointment using an exfoliating mitt or scrub free from oils or waxes.
  • Focus on trouble areas: elbows, knees, ankles, and underarms.
  • Shave or wax before exfoliating to avoid residue or irritation.
  • Avoid applying lotion, deodorant, makeup, or perfume the day of your tan.

Pro Tip: Include a branded prep checklist in your appointment confirmations to set your clients up for success. Check out out spray tan prep guide on HVLPSunless.com to help you get started.

2. Hydration = Longevity

Dry skin drinks up moisture, and your tan right along with it.

Why it matters:
Dehydrated skin causes DHA (the tanning agent) to flake off faster. Keeping skin well-moisturized maintains the skin barrier, which locks in the tan and helps it fade evenly.

Hydration habits that help:

  • Begin moisturizing daily starting 12–24 hours after your tan develops.
  • Choose oil free, fragrance free lotions designed for spray tan compatibility.
  • Drink lots of water. Internal hydration reflects in your skin’s condition too.

Avoid thick butters or lotions with petroleum, mineral oil, or alcohol, which can break down the tan.

3. Aftercare Is the Glow’s Best Friend

Your tan is most vulnerable during the first 24 to 48 hours post application.

What to do (and not do):

  • Wait at least 8–12 hours before your first rinse (follow your artist’s specific timing).
  • First rinse should be quick with lukewarm water only ( no soap, no scrubbing)
  • Pat skin dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing.
  • Avoid sweating, swimming, hot yoga, or sauna use for the first 24 hours.

Want to impress your clients? Offer a curated aftercare product kit with your favorite tan safe cleanser and lotion.

4. Clothing & Friction: Silent Glow Killers

What you wear right after a tan can impact how well it sets.

Post tan wardrobe rules:

  • Loose, dark cotton clothes are ideal, think flowy dresses, oversized tees, and no bra if possible.
  • Avoid jeans, tight leggings, sports bras, or anything that might rub against the skin.
  • Use dark sheets or sleep on a towel if your solution has a bronzer.

Friction is a major fade culprit. This includes tight clothes, constant rubbing, even heavy workouts that cause skin to skin contact.

5. Hidden Product Hazards That Ruin Tans

Your glow might be under attack by the products in your shower.

Ingredients that strip tans:

  • Sulfates (found in foaming cleansers and shampoos)
  • Alcohol (in toners, sprays, or acne products)
  • Retinoids, AHAs, BHAs (exfoliating acids)
  • Acne and anti aging treatments

Swap for:

  • pH balanced, sulfate free body wash
  • Moisturizers formulated for spray tan care
  • Gradual tanning lotions to refresh color after Day 3 and 4

Bonus Tip: Recommend clients avoid exfoliating their face or using active skincare until they’re ready to remove the tan.

6. Extend the Glow with the Right Products

Spray tans naturally fade as the skin exfoliates, but a great tan extender can slow that process and refresh fading color.

How to use tan extenders:

  • Start using one 3 to 4 days post tan to subtly deepen and refresh.
  • Choose a lotion with low level DHA + hydration for best results.
  • Encourage consistent application, especially on high fade zones like hands, feet, and chest.

Pro artists: Retailing a high quality extender (especially one you use in house) is a simple, profitable upsell.

Final Words for Spray Tan Artists

Want clients to rave about how long their tan lasted? Don’t just spray and send. Educate, equip, and empower them.

Here’s how:

  • Send digital or printed prep & aftercare guides
  • Offer product bundles or glow kits
  • Follow up post tan with glow tips or check-ins
  • Make aftercare part of your client experience, not an afterthought

Remember: a flawless tan starts with your technique and continues with their routine.

Let APOLLO Sunless Help You Deliver Flawless, Long Lasting Results

Our HVLP systems give you complete control over every spray, helping you create even, streak-free tans that last longer, every time.

Want to learn more? Contact us or explore our pro systems and tools for passionate tanning pros like you.

Sep 05
Love0

Pre Tan Perfection: How to Prep Your Skin for a Flawless Spray Tan

By The Sunless Blog No Comments

A gorgeous, even, long lasting glow doesn’t start in the spray tent, it starts in your bathroom 24 hours before your appointment.

If you’ve ever had a spray tan turn out a little patchy, streaky, or fade too fast, we’re willing to bet the prep wasn’t quite right. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! The truth is, how you prep your skin before your spray tan is just as important as the solution or equipment used.

So whether it’s your first sunless session or you’re a glow getter who’s been tanning for years, here’s your step by step guide to pre tan perfection, with all the whys behind each step so you know exactly what’s going on

✅ 24 to 48 Hours Before: Exfoliation Nation

Step 1: Exfoliate! Like, Really Exfoliate

Why: DHA (the active ingredient in sunless solution) reacts with dead skin cells. If your skin is dry, flaky, or uneven, your tan will cling to those patches, and that is how you get streaks, dark elbows, and that “snake skin” fades.

How to do it right:

  • Use a dry brush or oil free exfoliating scrub 24 to 48 hours before your appointment.
  • Pay extra attention to elbows, knees, ankles, and wrists, these areas love to hoard dead skin.
  • Avoid oil based scrubs! Oils leave a barrier that can block the tanning solution from absorbing properly.

🛍️ Pro tip: Offer your clients an exfoliating mitt or recommend a specific prep product in your retail lineup.

✅ 24 Hours Before: Hair Removal Timing

Step 2: Shave or Wax (But Not Too Late!)

Why: Shaving and waxing both open up pores. If done too close to your spray tan, the solution can settle into open follicles and create a “dotty” appearance, especially on legs.

How to do it right:

  • Shave or wax at least 24 hours before your tan. This gives your skin time to calm down and your pores time to close.

If shaving the day off is absolutely necessary, use cold water to rinse your skin afterward and avoid using shaving creams with heavy moisturizers or oils.

✅ The Night Before: Hydrate Smart

Step 3: Moisturize Strategically

Why: While you don’t want heavy lotions blocking your tan, dry skin can lead to patchy, uneven absorption.

How to do it right:

  • Moisturize the night before your tan, but use a light, oil free moisturizer.
  • Focus on areas prone to dryness: hands, feet, elbows, and knees.
  • Do not moisturize the day of your tan. Moisture on the skin can act as a barrier between your skin and the solution.

✅ The Day Of: Clean, Clear & Product Free

Step 4: Skip Skincare Products

Why: Deodorant, perfume, makeup, and even some lotions can interfere with solution absorption or cause discoloration (like green underarms, yikes!).

How to do it right:

  • Come to your appointment with clean, bare skin, no deodorant, makeup, perfume, or body lotion.

If needed, shower with a mild, sulfate-free body wash earlier in the day, and avoid using bar soaps that leave a film on the skin.

Right Before: Dress for Glow Success

Step 5: Wear the Right Outfit

Why: Tight clothing can rub off fresh tan and create uneven marks or streaks while the tan develops.

How to do it right:

  • Wear loose, dark clothing to your appointment (think: oversized tee, maxi dress, cotton joggers).
  • Go braless if possible, or opt for a strapless bandeau.
  • Bring flip-flops instead of sneakers or boots to let your feet breathe.

Bonus tip: If you sweat easily or it’s hot out, bring a towel to place on your car seat post-appointment to prevent transfer.

Bonus: Special Occasion Prep Timeline

If your tan is for a big event (wedding, photoshoot, vacay), the best plan is:

  • Spray tan 2 days before the event. This gives the tan time to fully develop and settle in.
  • Do all waxing, shaving, and exfoliating at least 24–48 hours before the spray tan appointment.

Use tan-friendly moisturizers daily after the tan to keep your glow going strong.

Final Thoughts: Prep = Power

A great tan starts with great skin prep. By following these steps, you’ll ensure:

  • A smooth, streak free application
  • Even development
  • Longer lasting glow
  • A fade that’s natural (not patchy)

As tanning pros, we love delivering flawless results, but we also love when clients show up prepped and ready to glow. It makes our job easier and your results even more radiant.

We created a checklist just for you! Check out our spray tan checklist directly from the Apollo UV Sunless Tanning Team. 

Ready to Glow?

If you’re a spray tan artist or salon owner looking to give your clients the best tan ever, don’t forget that flawless results start with professional equipment too.


Explore APOLLO Sunless HVLP Systems to get started on your spray tanning journey. We can help you prep like a tanning pro, check out some more spray taning tips here.

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