Everything You Need to Know About Sunless Tanning

Hello beautiful people! With summer just around the corner, we are very excited to be bringing on a new service at Salon Society... Spray Tanning!

Visit our pre- and post-care tips for your sunless tan here!

Spray tanning is a safe, quick way to get a bronzed glow or deep tan, depending on your preference. Here is some info you might not already know about this awesome new service:
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• What product is used? Is it chemicals?
  We use AG Sunless Tanning products, which is a Canadian company based in Saskatchewan - just like us! Their products are made with ingredients that are earth-friendly as well as skin-friendly. They contain no preservative chemicals and are vegan, nut-free, scent-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free, anti-ageing, contain no false cosmetic bronzers, AND are infused with vitamins A, B, C and D to nourish skin. With all these amazing features, a spray tan really becomes a skin treatment!
  
  AG Sunless Tanning products are quick-drying and do leave your skin feeling wet or sticky. Most clients can get dressed in just minutes following their spray tan!
  
  
• Is it the same as a tanning bed?
  In short - no! While using a tanning bed takes many sessions and presents a risk of skin cancer, spray tans give instant results and are safe. They are also excellent for those with fair skin tones or sensitive skin who may not see results from tanning beds. Spray tans are also pregnancy-safe!
  
  Read more about the differences in our blog post here!
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• What should I wear to my appointment?
  Wear loose, dark clothing to spray tan appointments. Our solutions should not stain clothing or bed sheets - if you do see some transfer, toss it in the wash!
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• Do I have to get naked?
  However you are most comfortable is what is best for you! It is your call; anything you do wear will leave a perfect tan line. If you want NO tan lines, it is recommended to wear nothing for your spray tan.
  
  Some people feel best in a tank top and underwear, some want to be nude - it is completely up to you! We see all types of bodies - our salon is always a no-judgement zone.
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• How does it work?
  Here is a basic rundown of how a spray tan appointment typically goes:
  1) After arriving at the salon, you will be brought to a private room where you will meet your sunless tan artist and discuss what you are looking for.
  2) The sunless tan artist will leave you to undress to your comfort level.
  3) Your sunless tan artist will return when you are ready and walk you through the tan process. Our spray tans are applied manually, using a professional airbrush machine with a custom-mixed colour for your needs.
  4) Once your tan is applied, you will be asked about the finished colour, in case you want additional layers for a deeper colour.
  5) You will be dried using the airbrush machine, and then left to redress in loose clothing.
  6) Your spray tan artist will explain the aftercare instructions including shower times.
  7) If it is raining when you leave, we will have an umbrella to escort you to your vehicle!
  
  Following your spray tan: Avoid ALL types of liquid on your skin for at least 4 hours or until the time you rinse off. This means NO washing dishes, showering, sweating, lotion, perfume, or crying (LOL we mean it - only smiles on spray tan day!). 

• How dark is the tan/are there colour choices? When is the colour the darkest?
  Colour varies from golden to super dark, based on preferences. Colour is custom mixed for each client.
  
  Full development of the colour is usually seen after about 12-24 hours.
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• How long to wait to shower?
  Aftercare instructions will be provided following your appointment - but it will depend on which sunless solution is applied to your skin:
  Rapid solutions - 4 hours
  Overnight solutions - 8 hours
  
  
• What are the risks?
  • Spray tans, unlike tanning beds, pose no cancer risk - making them a much safer option!
  • Sunless tanning is also safe for anyone who may be pregnant!
  • COVID-19
    Our booth is appropriately cleaned and sanitized between clients to reduce the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus.
    Our estheticians wear all PPE required by health regulations.
    
    
• Benefits of sunless tanning
  AG Sunless Tanning solutions help to improve the look of stretch marks, scars, cellulite, varicose veins, age spots, and it will help even out skin tones or tan lines. As well, we can emphasize/create muscle definition with contouring (like airbrush abs, accentuated collarbones or jawlines, etc.)
  
  
• How long does the tan last?
  ​Tans last approx. 7-10 days with proper care upkeep. Properly following the aftercare instructions will extend a tan and ensure it fades naturally. 
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• When is the best time to get a spray tan before a vacation/event?
  If attending an event (say, a wedding) on a Saturday, book your spray tan on the Thursday prior. This ensures you have time to allow the product to develop, shower, and then see the fully developed colour in time for the big event.
  
  For a vacation, it is recommended to book a sunless tan for as close to the departure date as possible.
  
  
• Why get a tan before vacation or fitness competition?
  Some people think that you need to get a "base tan" before going on vacation. THIS IS NOT TRUE. We are actually more likely to get a sunburn this way! 
  
  Getting a spray tan before a vacation means we will already have that sun-kissed glow when we arrive, so we won't be worried about how pale we maybe look in our beachwear. Already having a tan when we start our vacation also makes us more likely to wear sunscreen, since we aren't trying to get a quick tan by neglecting our SPF.
  ❤︎ Just a note, it's a myth that wearing sun protection stops you from getting a tan! SPF is the best anti-ageing product out there!
  
  ​With fitness competitions, contestants are under extreme, harsh lighting, which is why they usually go for the darkest spray tan.

• How to avoid getting tanner on your clothes/sheets
  Wear loose, dark clothing to your appointment.
  ​Because the solutions we use contain no false cosmetic bronzers, if you do get some colour transfer on your clothes or sheets, it will come out in the wash! 
  
  
• Can you go swimming/hot tub with a spray tan?
  Avoid swimming or hot tubbing until after your first shower. 
  
  Due to the chlorine in swimming pools, swimming in a lake or ocean is better than a pool. As well, you may find that your tan starts fading sooner if you use a hot tub because of the chemicals involved.
  
  
• Are spray tans suitable for all skin tones?
  Absolutely! Those with darker skin tones will see more richness and glow in their skin.
  
  
• Getting a spray tan with lash extensions/hairy legs
  • ​Lash extensions – totally fine, however:
    1) Make sure lash extensions have made it through their wait-time before going for a spray tan;
    2) A new set of lash extensions should not be applied until your spray tan has finished developing and you have showered.
  • Hairy legs – if you plan to remove your leg hair, DO IT BEFORE your spray tan. Otherwise, you will likely end up with an uneven look on your legs. 
    ​If you don’t want to remove your hair, don’t!​​

What services do we offer?

• Tans for Every Body
• Wedding Tans
• Express (rapid) Solutions

​We have 8 fully certified spray tan artists at Salon Society - come see us for some summer colour!

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ABOUT THE EXPERT: 

Ailesh Abrams is a nail technician, university graduate student, research assistant, and salon coordinator. She was voted as Regina's Best Manicurist 2020 by Prairie Dog Magazine.

Visit Ailesh's About Me page or Book an Appointment.