How to Achieve a Safe Sunless Tan
Discover how to give clients a flawless, natural-looking tan without UV risks. Learn why safe self-tanning suits both your menu and your clients’ skin goals.
How to tan
1) You know clients crave a sun-kissed glow without the health risks of UV exposure. Offering professional sunless tanning makes your salon a go-to spot for that year-round bronze finish. Mastering these techniques earns trust and repeat bookings [1][2] 2) Why it’s in your products/programmes: Adding self-tanning services boosts your average booking value and client loyalty. You can upsell a series of application sessions or home-use lotions with minimal overhead. This easy add-on marries well with facials, peels, and skin-care routines to deliver visible, feel-good results [3][4] 3) What it actually does: Most sunless tanners rely on dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a 3-carbon sugar that reacts with amino acids in the stratum corneum to form brown pigments called melanoidins. These pigments temporarily stain the skin’s top layer, mimicking a natural tan without altering melanin production or causing DNA damage 4) What clients will notice & when: Expect a faint tint within two to four hours, with full colour developing in six to eight hours and deepening overnight. Most tans last five to seven days before gradual fading. Clients with dry or mature skin may see slightly shorter wear, while oilier skin often holds colour longer 5) How to explain it to clients: “Our sunless tanning solution uses a safe DHA formula that interacts only with dead skin cells, giving you a natural bronze that develops over the next few hours. You’ll head home with a gentle tint, then wake up to a fresh, streak-free glow.” 6) Who should skip or be careful: Avoid spray-on systems for clients with respiratory sensitivity; DHA mist can irritate eyes, nose or throat. Anyone with known DHA allergies or active eczema should patch-test first. Always remind pregnant or nursing clients to consult their doctor before any treatment 7) Quick takeaways: - Exfoliate and moisturise before application for an even base - Apply in sections using a mitt and circular motions to prevent streaks - Dilute on joints after initial application to avoid dark patches - Wait at least 10 minutes before dressing and avoid sweating for 3 hours - Encourage daily moisturiser to extend the life of the tan 8) Bottom line: Professional sunless tanning delivers a safe, natural-looking bronze that your clients will love.