CREATE A WINNING SPRAY COMPETITION TAN

The world of fitness competitions is a unique one - so much preparation goes into it! If you’re helping clients prepare for an upcoming competition, here are some things to remember:

  • Models need to be SUPER dark

  • They may be dehydrated 

  • They may have never had a tan before

  • Different categories may require different solution or different amount of solution

  • Women will be nude, and men may wear disposable thong or sock over their genital

  • You can expect to tan a LOT of people in a short amount of time.  

  • Its very fast paced

  • You should wear a proper mask to prevent yourself from enhaling and excisve amount of solution 

  • You will likely be on a team of other spray tan artists 

  • Models will be tanned up to five coats of solution- the night before the show and the next morning

  • Don’t spray the face - ombre on upper body and neck so there is no demarcation 

  • Client need to thoroughly exfoliate before they come 

In terms of customer service, here is how you can set yourself apart from the competition:

  • Find out what category the competitor is in

  • Tan quickly and move them to drying tent

  • Ensure they are completely dry before getting dressed 

This is a great market to target with your business. If you’re looking to grow your spray tanning business in the fitness competition industry:

  • Work with tanning team

  • Get contacts from events

  • Do an excellent job at event

  • Follow/ engage competitors on IG / FB 

  • Share photos of competition tans on social platforms 

I can’t say enough about the importance of having the right products to work with:

  • 16%+ DHA 

  • Solutions with high level of bronzer (this may not be washed off the skin)

  • Use a setting powder 

  • You will want to wear gloves (bring extra pairs) and an all-black comfortable outfit and shoes

When putting your competition tanning kit together, you’ll want to have the following on hand: 

  • XL Tanning Tent X 2 (one for application + one for drying) 

  • Spray Tan Extraction Fan

  • Sticky Feet

  • Craft Paper (for floor of tent- precut) 

  • Prep Spray (for corrections) 

  • Baby Wipes (for corrections) 

  • Body Oil (spray tan safe) - for glazing body show day 

  • Blending Brush (use code Pamela for yours!) 

  • Large makeup puffs 

  • Small nail buffers ( remover over saturated solutions on hands/ feet) 

  • Matching foundation for hiding smudges / tricker areas such as groin on the day of 

  • Drying fan 

  • Large plastic applicator guns X2 

  • New black socks (to cover gun in case of leaks) 

  • Compeition tanning solutions 

  • Cornstarch, baby powder or setting powder 

  • Black gloves 

  • Disposible hair nets 

  • Bikini bite 

  • Ring light 

  • Drop sheets to protect floor/walls  in the room 

  • Exfoliation Gloves (to provide to clients) 

  • Xtan Remover (use code Pamela) 


Sometimes things don’t go as planned! Here’s how to fix smudges: 

  • Use prep spray on a blending brush - blend around demarcation

  • Can also use baby wipe to blot out area 

  • Respray area and entire body if required to deeper colour 

  • Set with powder (blown into the skin) 

  • Fully re-dry the area

  • If you can not re-spray, apply matching foundation over area to hide any discolouration 

  • Remove any mistakes on hands and feet (over saturation with Xtan remover, baby wipes and a nail file if necessary. Clean with baby wipes when complete so there is no residue left on the skin of the remover) 


And finally, when you’re backstage prepping your client for the stage:

  • Oil up clients

  • Ladies like oil with sparkles ;) 

  • Apply with hands and buff out with large makeup puff and / or buffing brush 

  • Hide any ares with foundation that don’t look perfect 

  • Apply bikini bite to hold garmets to the skin (only use if necessary since this is basically skin glue and will remove the tan) So if they are changing outfits this product is NOT recommended 

Interested in becoming Spray Tan Class Certified?

Learn More HERE.