If you’ve decided to take a spray tanning course or are considering starting your own professional spray tanning salon then you might want to research a few of the main details regarding spray tanning.

You will need to have some insight into what professional spray tanning techniques are implemented by spray tan specialists.

Keeping this in mind, sienna-x.co.uk staff have compiled a list of the best trade secrets and additional things you may need to know.

The active component in a spray on tan is a chemical named dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and although it is non-toxic it can be an allergen to some people. As a result, people new to spray tanning should really have a patch test before the first time that they use a tanning booth. Even though most people won't have this kind of allergy, it's definitely a good idea to have the patch test done before you get a tan! So it is a much better idea to be safe rather than sorry, particularly when you consider that the DHA substance will be put onto your whole body so an allergic reaction will be quite uncomfortable and not at all localised.

It is also essential that tanning solution is put on using the correct techniques. So if you're using a manual system here are a few quality guidelines to follow. Firstly, never spray the face first unless they have had a spray tan before and know what to expect. You should explain to them that they're going to experience a cold sensation when it goes on and that they shouldn't crease their body. Spray in concentric 6 inch circles and avoid having too much overspray. Begin at the neck and work down to the ankles. To tan the face, have the customer close their eyes, take a deep breath and then you should begin tanning at the forehead and work down.

You essentially need to know about spray tan fluid and which is the best one to use. 9 out of 10 times the spray tan solution is mostly a liquid. Usually it is kept in a relatively small tank attached to the application wand and it is then fed directly into the air nozzle. From the nozzle the fluid turns into a mist, and shoots out the nozzle with an even consistency. Believe it or not, which fluid you use can seriously affect the results. This is because lower quality spray tanning solutions can clog the nozzle and result in an uneven tan on people's skin.

Current courses differ depending on the establishment offering them, but most of them should teach you about contra-indication, operation and maintenance of spray tan machines, how to apply tanning solution as well as aftercare techniques. The structure of the course may follow this pattern: health and safety, product information, contra-actions and tan zoning order. Individuals that complete the course will receive a diploma, which will then enable them to obtain public liability insurance. Furthermore, sienna-x.co.uk could help you find spray tan booths which will be necessary to start your own spray tanning business.

Spray tanning booths are not for everyone and in fact people should look at their complexion before they choose to opt to try it out. This is because spray tanning formula works by enhancing natural skin tones and so works much better on people with darker skin. This suggests that a person with a Mediterranean complexion could certainly benefit from trying a spray tanning booth facility. Alternatively a person with fair skin might think that the bronze effect seems less natural than it would do for others and hence it may not have the desired effect.

It is important to know exactly how long a spray tan will last and the time span needed between the tanning sessions. Buffing and exfoliation from wearing clothes and bathing sheds dead skin cells, which means a natural tan can wear off quickly. The average person can expect their tan to last anywhere from five to ten days, with most lasting a week. Although if the person uses a daily moisturiser after application then the tan can have increased lasting power. Having said that, results really do vary according to the person as everyone is different and their skin will react in its own way to the spray tanning fluid.

There are plenty of differing spray tan products available to buy, not all of which are up to standard. The major problem with most of these solutions is that they may become greasy and stick to the inside of the tan gun nozzle. So it is a good idea to research the market and only use reputable and trusted suppliers, these can then talk to you about the particular tanning fluid which would suit your machine. It could well be that you also want to follow the instruction manual to determine what type of solution is the most appropriate.

It is vital that spray tan equipment is regularly cleaned thoroughly, as if you don't the nozzle can become obstructed and the tanning solution will not spray evenly across the skin, causing problems like streaking and discolouration. So you might like to know that, you can use warm soapy water to simply and effectively clean your spray tanning application gun. This is adequate for most usage and for heavy duty usage this should be done at least twice a month. It is also important to take into consideration that the cleaning specifications will vary depending on the tanning booth, so you should really check your manual that comes with your machine.

If you’ve read through these tips you should now have a clear image of what a spray tanning technician does and the main techniques that you will need to know about.