Becoming a competition spray tanner can be both a very rewarding and a very stressful undertaking. It requires tons of dedication, hours of hardwork, and lots of homework. For all that effort though, the rewards can be tremendous. A single competition spray tan service can cost from $100-$150. Before your eyes fill with dollar signs though, you have to familiarize yourself with the nuances that differentiate competition spray tan services from regular spray tans.
UNDERSTANDING THE COMPETITION TANNING INDUSTRY
Even if you’re a spray tan veteran, deciding to become a competition tanner is like stepping back into day one. The application, expectation, and requirements all differ from the tans that you’re used to. To start your journey, you first need to understand the competitors themselves.
1. Learn what your competition clients put their body and skin through
If it were easy, everyone would do it. But being a fitness competitor is far from easy! All competitors will have a very strict diet and many use supplements, which could be negatively affecting their skin. They will almost definitely be suffering from dry skin as a result of excessive sweating, compounded by water rationing close to their competition day, and made even worse by the stress from the even more intense workout sessions leading up to competition day. All of these factores compile together to give them your worst nightmare: some of the most neglected skin in the spray tan industry.
Always make sure you communicate with your competitor: ask them what their current diet and regimen are so that you have a better idea of their needs. If they are suffering from dry skin, be sure to give them a good moisturizer and advise them to apply it twice-or even three times more often-than a client normally would. This will help combat the issue when it comes to spray tan time, but it also help them out in general!
2. Know what’s expected of your tan
Competitions offer their own unique set of requirements. Your competitor will be testing the limits of your spray tan: showing it off under stage lighting, in unique outfits, and under the gaze of the most scrutinizing judges. As a result, you need to make sure you know EXACTLY what is required for that competition. Always check with the local association in regards to their rules and guidelines, and keep in mind that each class (bikini, figure, physique, bodybuilding, WPD, MPD, 212) all require different darkness, and all have different rules and regulations.
Also be sure to check to see if there are any tanning restrictions before the competition–the last thing you want is for your competitor to be pulled out of line and made to shower off, or get kicked out entirely! You want a color that will define and draw attention to your competitor’s hard work while they are on stage. When spraying your competition client keep in mind that they will be posing for the judges. This means that you need to pay special attention to their underarms and gluteal region to ensure that they have proper color—failure to do so will cost your competitor points!
3. Practice the technique of competition spray tanning
Many newcomers to the competition tanning industry waste time and money by spraying too much solution on their client, but it’s important to reign in that desire. While competition tans do have to be darker, if they go too dark then they can lose points with the judges. Remember: your spray tan should highlight their muscles, not hide them!
Use slower strokes than you would when conducting a standard spray tan; you want a more defined, sculpted look rather than a lighter, subtle touch. Use two coats of a medium or dark solution, but be careful to avoid going too heavy around the underarms and the face so that the tan doesn’t looked caked on or clumpy-looking. As always, make sure the tan looks even!
4. Know your timeline
A normal competition spray tan service comes with it’s own unique timeline. This is not a one-and-done service: it requires several visits.
Visit one
The first visit should take place about two or three days before the competition. Remember to tell your client to shave their entire body BEFORE this initial visit. Judges require that any area they see be hairless, and they’ll be seeing most areas! Remind your competitor to bring in the outfits they are going to be wearing (if possible) so that you can get a better sense of what will be exposed, what will rub, and where you need to pay extra attention. Please note that most competitors will request to be sprayed in the nude. Be sure to remind your client that they should avoid excessive sweating while their tan is developing!
Conduct a glaze test on visit one: If it’s possible, have your competitor bring in the glaze that they will be using on the day of the competition so that you can do a test run on them to see how the final color looks—it’s always better to be prepared than to be disappointed on stage.
Visit two
The second visit ought to occur the next day or the day before the competition. This is just a touch-up visit for you to make sure everything looks good, and so you can go a level darker if needed. This is also a great time to address any questions or concerns your competitor has, or to give them a pep talk about how great they look!
Bronzer Visit
The bronzer visit usually happens either the night before the competition, the morning of the competition or, if you’re accompanying your competitor to the event, at the competition itself. Make sure you have found a bronzer that will not streak or run when a competition glaze is applied to it!
The bronzer is NOT waterproof so make sure your competitor knows that so they don’t workout, take a shower, or go swimming after you’ve sprayed them. Spray the bronzer on as normal, and remember: most events do not allow contouring or body shaping, which can result in disqualification!
Test your Bronzer
If you can’t attend the competition and have to spray your client the night before then it’s sometimes best to ask a makeup artist to match a foundation to the tan for the competitor’s face rather than spray them with the bronzer (doublecheck that the association will have a makeup artist on hand during the event!). With heavy bronzers, stage lights might make their face look muddy and grey from the judges point of view, which will then bring the competitors score down, so you might find that you want to use makeup anyways. Plus, competitors will enjoy being able to wash their face the day of the show, without feeling greasy or oily!
5. Be the “bad guy”
Don’t let your spray tan competitor get away with not knowing how to treat their tan. It’s perfectly fine to call them out if they are breaking your rules: just remind them that they are paying you to help them win, so they are only sabotaging themselves! Look over these common mistakes and the significant impact each can have on your competitor!
Improper prep
In and out of the competition tanning industry, this is one of the leading causes of a lackluster tan. Make sure your client is exfoliating with an oil-free exfoliant, and not just rinsing off. It’s also important to make sure that they don’t then put anything on: no soaps, deodorants, body scrubs, oils: no nothing—keep your skin as fresh as possible for your spray tan!
Don’t wear that hat
A tight hat might smudge the competition bronzer across your forehead so if you do want to wear a hat, make sure it’s very loose.
Avoid tight draw strings
Draw string pants can cause rubbing and/or a lightening of the tan if they are pulled too tight.
Beware of fruit
If you have a hankering for some fruit, be sure to drape a towel around your neck so that you don’t get squirted with the juice—fruit juice, especially that from grapefruit, can alter the color of your bronzer and could turn it green!
Spray Tanning for Competition FAQs:
How much should I charge for competition tanning?
Competition tanning requires a lot of work from both the competitor and the tanner, therefore it is understood that this is a premium service which does come with a higher price point. Some competition tanners offer a “one-time fee” which includes two pre-competition tans, a bronzer application, and any touch ups required; others offer it as a “as needed” service, meaning that they charge only for what the competitor uses (so if they need only need one session of spray tanning they don’t get charged for the second session). Realistically you should expect to charge anywhere around $95-$150 if you are not traveling to the competition and $150-$200 if you are joining your competitor at the event.
How many tans will my competitor need?
Your competitor will probably need one full tanning session followed by another session of either tanning or touchups, and a bronzer application session. But keep in mind that they may need some emergency touchups, so if you commit to being their tanner be aware that you may be receiving some frantic calls!
What should I tell my client to wear to his/her tanning session?
Because competition tanning goes on a bit heavier than standard spray tanning, even with an oil-free, less sticky solution it is recommended that your client wears loose-fitting clothing with no elastic waistbands; and as always make sure they don’t get wet and avoid excessive sweating!
How long will a competition tan last?
Because the first two sessions of a competition tan were conducted with a medium-to-dark spray tan solution containing DHA, you can expect that the spray tan will last anywhere between 5-15 days depending on how dry your client’s skin is and how frequently they use a moisturizer. The bronzer portion of the competition tan will wash off as soon as your client rinses in the shower: this is important for them to know so that they don’t rinse before attending the event if you are spray tanning them early!
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FAQs
How long does Aviva spray tan last? ›
The tan typically lasts 5 to 7 days and begins to fade as the top layer of skin cells naturally sheds. How long will a spray tan last? The tan typically lasts 5 to 7 days (or up to 10 days when using Aviva Labs Tan-Extending Skincare products).
Why do bodybuilders spray tan for competition? ›It helps with creating the illusion of a slimmer body
Apart from adding a little more bulge to the muscles, a dark coat of spray tan ensures that the athletes' muscles are visible even when they're not flexed. Spray tans helps with this by enabling the muscles to appear leaner as the darker color draws the eye inwards.
A tanning glaze should be applied two hours prior to stage time. To enrich the color to a glistening glow, apply again 30 minutes prior. Remember, the darker golden tones will play well with the stage lights.
What should I do immediately after a spray tan? ›STAY DRY
To help your tan develop, you'll want to avoid all moisture for at least 4-5 hours after you get a spray tan. This includes showering, workouts, hot yoga, lotions, liquid foundation, etc. Staying dry will help the spray tan solution adhere to your skin.
Wait to moisturize until after your first shower, only use a moisturizer that's natural, organic, and won't strip your tan, and moisturize twice a day (ideally right after the shower) to lock in max moisture.
How long does bodybuilding spray tan last? ›Because the first two sessions of a competition tan were conducted with a medium-to-dark spray tan solution containing DHA, you can expect that the spray tan will last anywhere between 5-15 days depending on how dry your client's skin is and how frequently they use a moisturizer.
Do you exfoliate your whole body before a spray tan? ›One of the best ways to prep for your tan is to exfoliate fully. Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, which then reveals the fresh skin underneath. This fresh skin is primed and ready to absorb the spray tan solution evenly and deeply.
Do you have to shave your body before a spray tan? ›If you shave or wax, it's best to do this prior to your appointment. Doing so afterwards can speed up the fading process, as it removes layers of skin (and in turn, your tan). Just like with exfoliation, you'll want to aim for around 24-48 hours before your spray tan.
What do bodybuilders put on their skin before competition? ›The answer? Competitive bodybuilders use self-tan, whether a spray tan or a self-tan, for the same reasons as the rest of us. The only difference is that they use plenty more of it to achieve an exaggerated finish.
How often before an event should you get a spray tan? ›So When Should I Get a Spray Tan Before a Big Event? Since spray tans usually last between seven to nine days, it's actually best to get a spray tan 2-3 days before your big event. This allows time for your tan to fully develop and gives you time to have one rinse-off in between the tan application and the event.
Do professional spray tans look natural? ›
Your Tan Will Look Natural
In fact, many people have used at-home tanning products that have given them streaky, orange tans that don't look natural or attractive. Fortunately, you don't need to worry about any of these issues when you receive an airbrush tan.
If you do accidentally pee on your tan, don't worry about it - it happens to the best of us. It should wash off in your first post-tan shower. Circular motions in that area (during your first shower) will help to soften any lines created from pee-related mishaps. How Do You Wash Your Face After a Spray Tan?
Do muscles look bigger when tan? ›Essentially, tanning brings out character in the muscle groups, and by doing so, highlights the muscle definition. Basically the darker your skin the more defined your muscles look, giving the impression you are distinctly toned.
What is a competition spray tan? ›Practice the technique of competition spray tanning
Use slower strokes than you would when conducting a standard spray tan; you want a more defined, sculpted look rather than a lighter, subtle touch.
DON'T sweat heavily, shower, bathe or swim for at least 4 hours afterward. Note that chlorine will break down a spray tan quickly and so we suggest avoiding it entirely, if possible. DON'T use pore strips or bandages that will take off your tan. DON'T use an exfoliant until you're preparing to spray again.
What not to do before a spray tan? ›Avoid wearing perfumes, deodorant or makeup that can create a barrier for absorption. Tight-fitting clothing and shoes such as boots, socks or tights might rub off some of the spray tan and cause uneven results—it's best to be safe and avoid these!
What not to do a day before a spray tan? ›Remember not to wear anything on your skin for your tanning appointment. “Avoid wearing any perfume, creams, lotions, deodorant, and make-up to your spray tan appointment, a clean canvas is always best,” Pradas said.
How do you sleep with a spray tan? ›If you sleep with your airbrush tan still developing: it is crucial to sleep in a long sleeve shirt and long pants that are loose fitting clothing after your tan. If you do not do this, you run the risk of too much smudging or having the tan absorb into your hands or other parts of your body incorrectly.
What lotions not to use after spray tan? ›Lotion Ingredients to Avoid After a Spray Tan
Mineral oil. Alcohol. Fragrances. Dyes.
When showering after a spray tan, you should only use warm water, oil-free body wash, and ideally, you'd make it quick. Another tip when showering after your spray tan is to not scrub your body too harshly.
Is it OK to get a spray tan every week? ›
Although you can get a spray tan as often as you want, we recommend coming in every 9-12 days to give you time to enjoy your current tan, exfoliate, and prepare your skin for your next appointment. Maintaining a proper spray tan care routine will help you keep an even spray tan.
Does spray tan damage your skin? ›Are Spray Tans Bad for You? The ingredients in most spray tan formulas are FDA-approved and do not have any known adverse side effects. When used appropriately, the DHA in a spray tan solution is considered safe. While the FDA allows DHA to be externally applied for spray tans, improper use may have unknown risks.
Why does my spray tan fade so fast? ›You haven't been moisturising daily. This the number one reason why tans fade faster is when your skin becomes too dry and the skin cells on the surface begin to flake off, taking your tan with them.
How do I prepare for my first spray tan? ›- Exfoliate. Exfoliate. ...
- Protect your skin's PH levels. Avoid using bar soaps, high ph shower products, or in shower moisturizers. ...
- Hair removal. Avoid shaving, waxing, or use of depilatory creams for at least 24 hours prior to your session.
- Don't create sunless barriers.
Over time, dead skin cells can build up on your skin, so if you skip exfoliating prior to your spray tan, you'll more than likely end up with a patchy, uneven tan.
Do you spray tan your face? ›Spray-tanning the face may not be for everyone, but it's a simple way to keep the bronze glow going all year long. And with these quick tips for how to tan your face, like choosing a self-tanner, prepping your skin, applying the product, and post-care, you're sure to feel confident every time you walk out the door.
Can you spray tan if you are hairy? ›Don't panic. It may not seem that way, but you can successfully spray tan people with hairy bodies. In fact, you should treat them just as you would a client with little or no body hair. They just need to make sure they exfoliate properly to ensure they'll get the best results.
Can you spray tan with hairy legs? ›Opt for a spray or mousse
Tanning lotions are fantastic for gliding across smooth skin but can be trickier to blend into a hairy chest, legs and arms. Opt for a tanning spray or mousse instead because the lighter texture is easier to buff into the skin even when applied over hairy areas.
Don't Shower Right Before Your Session
Showering the same day is fine — just be sure to do it at least four hours before your appointment. Your pores are enlarged after a warm shower or bath, so the tanning solution can sit in your pores and creates dark-looking spots.
Two days before the peak date it's time to restock, er, overstock your muscle glycogen levels. You not only want to look as shredded as possible on the peak day, but you also want to look as big and as muscular as possible.
What do bodybuilders use to look shiny? ›
It's called Liquid Sunrayz and they don't water it down so it's really thick and really dark. Then just before you go on stage, they glaze you with an oil so you're all shiny.
How do bodybuilders make their skin look thinner? ›- First get lean. Before seeking to specifically eliminate subcutaneous water you must be sure that it is water you are dealing with and not actual body fat. ...
- Hydrate. ...
- Limit sodium consumption. ...
- Sweat it out. ...
- Fuel with fiber. ...
- Try a natural diuretic.
Generally, the tan that is achieved during the sunless tanning session will darken over the next several days, usually reaching its peak on the third day. You will want to time your spray tanning session accordingly, so that you can maximize your best look for the most important day.
Does spray tan look better the next day? ›Spray tans always look best at least a day after the initial appointment. Maintain your tan with self-tanners to not only make it last longer but help it fade more evenly. Don't skimp on SPF even if you have a spray tan.
Is it better to get a spray tan at night or in the morning? ›The best time to schedule your spray tan is a couple of hours before bedtime. Going to bed soon after your spray tan will give you the opportunity to let the spray tan develop without interference from normal activities. If you tend to sweat in your sleep, make sure it is nice and cool in your bedroom that night.
What spray tan do Kardashians use? ›Tropez's Jumbo Self Tan Express Mousse is one of Kim Kardashian's all-time favorite self-tanners, she previously revealed on her KKW blog. It's a lightweight, fast-absorbing tanning mousse that doesn't leave your skin feeling sticky after application.
What are the disadvantages of spray tan? ›Many consider spray tanning to be less harmful than UV tanning because you aren't exposed to the ultraviolet rays that come from a tanning bed. However, there are still disadvantages, such as that it doesn't produce a long-lasting color or sometimes it creates an uneven tone.
How do you spray tan like a pro? ›Exfoliate 2 to 3 days prior to your spray tan. Pradas says the most important thing you can do to ensure an evenly applied spray tan is to exfoliate really well two to three days prior—not the day of. This helps remove the dead skin cells on your body so they don't pick up extra color, which might make you look patchy.
When can I wash my hair after a spray tan? ›WAIT IT OUT. As a rule of thumb, you should wait for at least four to eight hours before showering so your tan can develop to its true color. Beyond that, it's best to wait 24 hours before washing your hair. This will give your tan time to set fully.
What kind of lotion after spray tan? ›The best lotion to use after a spray tan is one that is all-natural, organic, and contains skin-nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, and coconut butter. Using a moisturizer that is free from harsh ingredients will help to extend your sunless tan.
Why do white bodybuilders tan? ›
Absorbs More Light
Pro bodybuilders try to get a dark tan because it helps them soak more light on stage. Bodybuilding shows use bright spotlights that could sink a pale individual into oblivion. A light skin tone reflects light and could make an untanned white individual resemble a shiny metal tin on stage.
Yes it will! Spray tans are perfect for making the body appear leaner, longer and fitter! Here's how it works: The gorgeous golden colour of a Sienna X tan creates the illusion of a slimmer physique because it highlights existing muscle tone and draws the eye inwards towards the centre of the body.
Does being tan make you look attractive? ›Participants indicated that models with a medium level tan appeared most attractive and healthiest, with those who had no tan appearing least attractive and healthy. Males preferred darker tans more than women. A similar study found that males not only rated dark tans as more attractive (vs.
Why do bodybuilders tan so dark for competition? ›Tanning Improves Muscle Definition
A darker, tanned complexion holds up well under the sharp, excessively bright lighting commonly seen at bodybuilding shows. The contrast between stark lighting and dark skin helps define muscular cuts and striations and gives a bodybuilder's physique a “harder” look.
It helps with creating the illusion of a slimmer body
Apart from adding a little more bulge to the muscles, a dark coat of spray tan ensures that the athletes' muscles are visible even when they're not flexed. Spray tans helps with this by enabling the muscles to appear leaner as the darker color draws the eye inwards.
For best results use as a base, then apply Dream Tan Instant Skin Color cream for bodybuilding competitions or photo shoots; see the FAQ for the best way to apply it. Dream Tan Professional Self-Tanning Spray will instantly give you the darkest possible tan without exposure to the sun in just one coat.
How many days should a spray tan last? ›How Long Does It Last? Because your skin is constantly creating new skin cells on the epidermis level, any skin treatment will fade over time. Spray tans generally last for 7-10 days, depending on the coverage you requested; if you wanted a lighter color, your tan could fade more quickly.
How long does it take for a spray tan to wear off? ›A spray tan on lighter skin tones might last for about 5 days, medium shades can last between 7-8 days, and darker shades can last up to 10 days. To be safe, we say that your spray tan will last anywhere between 5-7 days, depending on your spray tan care routine.
Whats the longest lasting spray tan? ›- Best Buildable:Bondi Sands The Australian Tan Self-Tanning Foam. ...
- Best Moisturizing:Sun Laboratories Tan Overnight Self-Tanning Lotion. ...
- Best Long-Lasting:Tanceuticals CC Color+Correct Self Tanning Body Lotion.
A good quality spray tan will last up to a week, though it does vary according to your skin regime and the depth of the spray tan you opt for. A light bronze can fade in around 5 days, while a darker shade will stay put for a good week. However, there are so many things that you can do to make your spray tan last!
What are the do's and don ts after a spray tan? ›
DON'T sweat heavily, shower, bathe or swim for at least 4 hours afterward. Note that chlorine will break down a spray tan quickly and so we suggest avoiding it entirely, if possible. DON'T use pore strips or bandages that will take off your tan. DON'T use an exfoliant until you're preparing to spray again.
How long should I wait to shower after a spray tan? ›We recommend waiting at least 4-8 hours after your spray tan before you shower for the first time, but don't wait more than 24 hours. When you shower for the first time after getting a spray tan, you'll probably see some golden glow wash down the drain, but don't worry!
What happens if you leave spray tan on for 24 hours? ›Leaving a product on longer will not make you “browner”, and in fact can make you over dark, off color, orangy, brassy or create a fast fading or uneven tan. Judge your color after 12-24-48-72 hours.
Does spray tan go on your face? ›Spray-tanning the face may not be for everyone, but it's a simple way to keep the bronze glow going all year long. And with these quick tips for how to tan your face, like choosing a self-tanner, prepping your skin, applying the product, and post-care, you're sure to feel confident every time you walk out the door.
Should I moisturize before spray tan? ›You should definitively moisturize before getting a spray tan but not too close to your appointment. Scented products like lotions, creams, perfumes and even deodorant can affect the way your spray tan adheres to your skin.
How many times a week should I spray tan? ›The typical cycle for spray tanning will be something like 7 to 12 days, so you should plan your next session around that. If you're careful to maintain your current tan, you should have no problem keeping your appointments closer to 12 days apart every time.
Why does my spray tan come off so fast? ›Forgetting to moisturise daily is one of the key reasons that your sunless tan has faded faster than you'd hoped. When your skin becomes too dry, the skin cells on the surface begin to flake off, taking your golden colour that sits within them away!
What time of day is best to get a spray tan? ›The Best Time to Schedule Your Spray Tan Appointment
The best time to schedule your spray tan is a couple of hours before bedtime. Going to bed soon after your spray tan will give you the opportunity to let the spray tan develop without interference from normal activities.
With spray tan you do not get to choose a variety of pigment hues so you may end up with a darker or more orange effect than you'd like if you stay in the booth too long at one time. With an airbrush tan, you can customize the pigmentation to better match your natural skin tone.