If you've never got butt-naked in front of a stranger so they can spray your entire body with a cold brown liquid, don't worry - it's not as horrendous as you'd think. There are a few things that are very handy to know, though – like what the heck those sticky feet are for. Read on to be enlightened before you go glow...
1. It's best to turn up foundation-free, or you can remove your makeup there, as most salons will provide face wipes. Also use them to remove any deodorant, which may act as a barrier to the fake tan formula.
2. While the therapist waits for you outside the room, get completely undressed. You can keep your knickers on if you wish, but if you do, we'd recommend opting for something minimal, like a thong, as you'll be left with white patches underneath. Remove all jewellery and get to grips with the accessories provided.
3. Firstly, disposable pants (or a thong – in which case make sure you get it on the right way round!), which you can wear home for ease. Next, a hair net or turban – to protect your locks (keep your ears out, no matter how silly you feel.) Finally, sticky feet for you to step onto – they help to avoid getting fake tan on your soles. Easy.
4. The therapist should ask you "how deep" you want to go. This is your chance to explain what you like; you could reference a celeb or show them a picture of how you tan on holiday. It also helps for them to know the occasion your spray tan is for, i.e. if it's a 10-day holiday you may want to go a deeper shade so it lasts longer, or if it's for a wedding the very next day, you may want to stay lighter so it looks as natural as possible in pictures.
5. When you're in the tanning 'tent' (a one-person pod with an open front) the therapist will usually start by applying the formula, dispersed through a spray gun, to your face. As advised, take a deep breath and close your eyes. You'll instantly notice, it's frikkin' cold.
6. Although every therapist tans differently, they'll usually work their way down the body doing the front first and then your back when they might ask you to lean your bum out. Don't stress – it's just so there are no white patches in any 'creases'! You'll be asked to claw your hands to get between knuckle creases, too.
7. Follow instructions on how to stand. It might be a case of "left arm up, right arm forwards while you bend your knees" at some points, but while you may feel silly it's easy to follow. Two all-over layers is pretty standard but again, this varies.
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8. All therapists seem to have an individual 'secret' technique. Some might buff the skin with a mitt around the wrists and ankles for perfection when they're done, or others may dry you down with an air hose to ensure you're fully dry. All should wipe down the palms of your hands and cleanse your nails for you so you don't leave looking like you've got a bad 40-a-day fag habit.
9. When you're dry you can get dressed. You should ideally bring loose, dark clothing and nothing that may rub the tan off, like tight ankle boots.
10. Most formulas nowadays aren't too funky-looking before the wash-off, however the guide colour of your tan will probably appear darker than the finished result. Don't freak out! When you go about your day you should pass for looking like you've upped the ante on the bronzer, not like you've been dipped in Ronseal.
11. You may smell a little bit like malty biscuits but it's nothing like as potent as fake tan used to be. Apply perfume to your clothes, not your skin, if you want to disguise it.
12. As it's your first time it's probably best not to make big plans for the rest of the day – chances are, you'll look totally fine but you may want to go home and hide. It depends on the brand used/your natural skin tone/how your skin 'takes' to a tan.
13. You can shower after 6-8 hours, or less if you have a tan with an 'express' formula that brands like St. Tropez offer.
14. If you're planning on washing it off the next morning it doesn't matter if it's more than 8 hours later, just be prepared for a bit of a mess if you have white bed sheets. Or pile on the towels!
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