How many tanning solutions are available? Why are they different? And what is the purpose of each? Who knew there were so many options available for spray tanning solutions? How much will I need to use?
Actually, I receive questions like these from newbies and pros alike. EnvyTan offers 3 varieties or categories of tanning solutions: Training, DHA, and Competition. So I’d like to take a moment and clarify a few things…and speaking of making things clear, all of EnvyTan’s tanning solutions contain bronzer and are not available in a “clear” formula. On average, you will need 2-4 ounces of solutions to apply a spray tan.
***
Spray tanning is like riding a bicycle—once you know how to do it, it comes back to you every time—but you still need to learn! The first variety of solution we offer is Training solution. Most spray tanning newbies are familiar with it. Training solution—Superficial or Withdrawal—has only one job: to teach. These solutions are fabulous for anyone who is just getting into the business of someone who needs a refresher course. And at only $18 for a 16 ounce bottle, it is one of the most practical investments a technician can make. Training solution is used for training purposes (duh, again). Simply apply the solution to your model and check your work. The model can shower immediately if desired and you can try again! Since this solution contains ONLY cosmetic bronzer, there are no lasting effects—a huge plus for beginners, giving a new meaning to “spray and wash.”
***
When most people think about spray tanning solutions, normally they are referencing the tanning solution that makes the tan last from the first day of vacation until the last day—and hopefully a few more! These are DHA solutions and they contain DHA…shocker! DHA, dihydroxyacetone, is an ingredient, which has been approved by the FDA for over 30 years for cosmetic applications. It is a sugarcane derivate that reacts with the amino acids in your skin to produce color changes. A huge misconception about spray tanning is that technicians apply a “paint” or “stain” to your skin. That simply isn’t true! A spray tan (and spray tanning solution) produces a similar reaction of the skin as if you bit into an apple and left it on the counter…it turns brown!
We offer two lines of DHA Solutions, Envy Temptations and Envy Addict, ranging from $22 for a 16 ounce bottle of our lowest strength to $138 for a gallon of our strongest solution. For easy reference (and even easier ordering), the Envy Temptations solutions have black labels and the Envy Addict solutions have platinum labels. To understand the difference, think about your last trip to the beach—everyone is tan, but some people have a red glow to their tans and some have true mocha tans. Envy Temptations solutions are perfect for people with red undertones (the red tans). These solutions are available in 4 shades: Tease (5%), Sinful (8%), Greedy (10%), and Gluttony (12%). Envy Addict solutions are best for people with brown undertones (and naturally brown tans). Envy Addict solutions are also available in 4 shades: Craving (5%), Habit (8%), Addiction (10%), and Strung Out (12%).
Again, our EnvyTan DHA Solutions are available in 5%, 8%, 10%, and 12% strengths. The general population will use 8% and 10%, while the 5% and 12% are more extremes (again, think Gwyneth Paltrow, 5% or Eva Mendez, 12%). Also it is important to note that while we do not advocate mixing solution strengths, there are no tanning police and mixing solutions will not lead to catastrophic results. Your cat will not die; the tires will not fall off your car; you will not gain 10 pounds.
It is very important to understand the difference in solutions strengths, since using the incorrect strength may cost you a client in the end! 5% solutions should be used on people with very fair skin, think Gwyneth Paltrow. 8% solutions result in a darker tan and are best when applied to people with slightly darker skin who are looking for a “just back from the beach” glow. Think Mariah Carey. For a tan like Eva Mendez, try 10% solutions. They work for clients with medium to dark tones, who may be mildly DHA resistive—in other words, people who may not react to DHA. Our strongest DHA solutions are 12%. These solutions are used on people with naturally dark skin tones or people who are DHA resistive—think Eva Longoria.
We offer these different strengths because there is no “one solution fits all” strength. We always suggest looking sun kissed, rather than sun damaged. Use a solution that is only a few shades darker than the client’s natural skin tone. If you opt for a solution that is super light or super dark, you may end up with a very unhappy client (who now looks like an oompa-loompa, or walking Dorito).
In general, these spray tans with DHA solutions will last 4-10 day, depending on maintenance. Check out our Sunless Secrets Pro Line for fabulous pre- and post- tan care products.
***
The third and final type of EnvyTan solution is specially engineered for Competitive Body Building or Pageant clients. Competition solution—Deadly or Intervention—is designed to hold up under bright lights and sweaty scenarios of the competitive world. It may be used for pageants or body building events. It does not have DHA in it, so it will wash off in the shower. Many people use our competition solutions for weekend events because they have regular jobs Monday through Friday and do not want to sport an “extreme tan” all week.
While a lot of competitive events begin (almost) before the sun comes up, it is not recommended to tan clients with competition the night before a big event. You will not like the results. The tan will look fabulous immediately after the applications, but the solution will oxidize after 6-8 hours...and that’s no good! Because the competition solution is specially engineered for these events (and to be washed off after), there is no DHA present and it will begin to change after it is exposed to air for several hours. The ideal way to use competition solution is to apply two coats to the client’s skin, once about 2 hours prior to an event and once about an hour before. This will give the client a wonderfully dark color! And the best part is that you can keep reapplying the solution every few hours (or as it starts to oxidize)…no shower needed! Competition solutions are available for purchase starting at $30 for a 16 ounce bottle.
Even though both the training solutions and the competition solutions do not contain DHA, they are very different solutions. Deadly and Intervention are formulated to be extremely dark and can withstand the harsh and demanding conditions of events. Superficial and Withdrawal are created simply for training purposes—to see where the new technician needs to improve or adjust technique.
Training solution is a relatively normal looking cosmetic bronzer, the same cosmetic bronzer that you would see immediately present during a regular spray tan, whereas competition solution is created with very heavy FD&C colouring agents to give it a dark caramel or chocolate appearance, which would never be appropriate outside of the competitive world. Training solution would not hold up under the lights of the competitive solution, nor would it oxidize. You would not want to use competition solution for training because it would be insanely dark, and extremely expensive to use for training.
***
Once you know the differences between our solutions, you will know what solution to use in what situation. Now that you have completed the reading material for Tanning Solutions 101, please click here to take the written portion of the test.
Just kidding.
