Tanning FAQ’s - What ACTUALLY Happens?
I am completely new to competing, what happens, what’s the whole process?
book your tan
keep all the emails you receive from your Tanner in their own little folder for easy access and convenience
at least a week out from your show your Tanner will tell you what time your tanning appointment is so make sure you check your emails!
the first coat of tan is typically the night before your show
you check-in at their reception desk and wait to be called into the tanning section
men will get a sock, and women take off all clothes including underwear
men and women are always tanned separately here in the UK and in most countries
put all your clothes and belongings in an empty basket, there will be loads around in the area
don’t forget rings, watches, jewellery etc etc will all need to come off
ladies bring a hairband to tie your hair into the hair net provided
get your sticky feet on, peel off one side and press your feet into the sticky part!
covid times will mean a mask will be needed too!
most make-up artists will want you to have one base coat on your face, in the morning you would then remove the excess with a baby wipe
always get confirmation from the make-up artist what they prefer and instruct the tanner accordingly
prep cream or spray will be applied to your hands, elbows, knees, and feet
every tanner will have a different routine so simply follow their instructions and you’ll be fine
WARNING ⚠️ it will feel super cold when the spray gun starts!
When you are finished get a baby wipe or ask for one to clean your finger nails and toe nails
you’ll be directed to a drying tent with a fan where all you need to do is rotate round so your tan starts to dry
after 10 minutes or so get your Tanner if they haven’t already to check you are dry
then you’re ready to grab your stuff, be sure to take care putting on your baggy clothes!
How many coats do competitors need?
this really is person-dependent, and it also depends on the product being used and the person tanning you!
as a guideline, if you are super pale (Irish for example) you might need 2-3 coats
whereas if you are already quite tanned then you might need only 1 base coat!
What if I find watermarks or handprints after the first coat of tan?
Do. Not. Panic 😂
water and handprints can easily be fixed, when you come to your second appointment on the day just simply point out where the watermark and/or hand prints are and they can sort it for you
Will my hair go darker and absorb the tan? OR if dying hair close to the show?
if you wear a hair net then it is less likely to hold onto any tan
if you are worried and you have blonde hair OR newly dyed hair, we would suggest taking your own shower cap which will be thicker in material and least likely to let any tan come in at all!
What should I bring to my tanning appointment?
as little as possible!
mobile phone/keys
flip flops
ideally, you want to be arriving in your baggy clothes so you don’t need to be carrying as much excess stuff with you!
What do I do about removing tan?
see this blog where we go into much more detail about this topic 🙌🏼