Aftercare Tips

AFTERCARE

After receiving your new flawless Spray Tan, it's crucial to sustain its vibrancy and extend its duration. By following these straightforward aftercare tips, With a little extra care, you can easily enjoy your radiant glow for an impressive 7-10 days.

Rapid Tans 1-4 Hours

After your spray tan, it’s crucial to observe the recommended waiting period before rinsing off, which will be discussed during your appointment. This duration typically ranges from 1 to 4 hours, leaving on longer than recommended may result in over development which mat cause unwanted tone.

Once the recommended time has elapsed, step into the shower and rinse with lukewarm water (avoid hot water) using no products. The goal is to wash off the bronzers evenly until the water runs clear. After rinsing, gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel. At this point, it’s essential to trust the process—you may feel a bit pale again as you have rinsed away the cosmetic bronzer, but your tan will continue to develop for up to 6-14 hours, ensuring a beautiful, natural-looking glow.

If possible, refrain from sweating or getting your skin wet during this development time. Also, avoid touching your skin or engaging in skin-on-skin contact, as this may lead to tanned palms or marks where your skin has touched. Take this time to relax and unwind.

Overnight 8 Hours
When you choose the Ultra Dark option, it allows for overnight development. You'll wear the tan while you sleep, and when you wake up in the morning, simply shower as you normally would using body wash and lukewarm water. Make sure to thoroughly rinse away all the bronzer—sometimes, you may need a second shower to completely remove it. For this reason, I recommend applying this or any other tan two days before your event. After showering, always pat your skin dry with a soft towel and apply moisturiser for the best results.

MOISTURISE
I can't emphasise this enough: well-moisturised skin is essential for a long-lasting and evenly distributed tan (we definitely want to avoid a cracked, dry, and uneven fade)! Start moisturising the day after your tan. After each shower, or at least twice daily, apply a high-quality, oil-free, sulfate-free, and paraben-free lotion to keep your skin soft and your tan vibrant. Pay special attention to areas prone to dryness, such as elbows, knees, and ankles. Steer clear of products with high alcohol or oil content, as they can lead to a quicker fading of your tan.

Avoid Shaving Too Soon 

Try to wait at least 24-48 hours before shaving after your spray tan. If you shave too soon, it can remove layers of your tan, making it look patchy. Remembering shaving is a form of exfoliating so this will remove layers of your tan, Opt for a gentle razor and avoid shaving gel with strong scents or alcohol and yes waxing is not ideal as this would strip your tan.

Avoid Swimming and Getting your sweat on too soon

For the first 24 hours after your spray tan, avoid swimming in chlorinated pools, hot tubs, or saltwater, as these can affect the development of your tan. Excessive sweating from intense exercise can also shorten the lifespan of your tan, so take it easy for the first day or two, if you are on holiday and plan on swimming I suggest you rinse with fresh water before jumping into the sea water or swimming pool which will coat and hydrate your skin rather that salt water or chlorinated water absorbing so much.

Keep Hydrated

Drink plenty of water! Hydrated skin holds onto your tan longer and helps it fade more evenly. The more hydrated you are, the better your tan will last.

Be Careful With Tight Clothing

Following your tanning session, it’s best to steer clear of tight clothing or items that may chafe against your skin, as this could disrupt the tanning solution. Opt for loose, dark attire to help preserve your tan and prevent any unsightly marks or streaks. Tight garments that cause friction will diminish the tan.

Avoid Harsh Products and Exfoliation

For at least a week after your tan, avoid harsh exfoliants, including scrubs, peels, or any products containing acids. These can cause your tan to fade unevenly or too quickly. Stick to gentle sulphate free cleansers and moisturisers.

tan extender

If you want your spray tan to last even longer then you might want to try a tan extender. Black Magic have come up with an amazing product call Tan Xtend. It has the same self tanning product in it that is used in the spray tan and can be used from day three of your tan to make it last longer. The perfect tanning after care is to use Black Magic Nourish for the first three days following your spray tan, then Black Magic’s Xtend from day three to extend the life of your tan.

Your tan will gradually fade as your skin naturally sheds. To prolong your tan, keep up with regular moisturising and gentle exfoliation after about 5-7 days to keep your skin smooth and evenly toned. 

Enjoy Your Glow!