A first tan, done right.
Prom, homecoming, a quinceañera, senior portraits, graduation: for many clients, a first spray tan marks a milestone. This guide answers the questions parents ask most, from what happens at the appointment to how to prepare, so a first tan feels easy for everyone.
Chosen for her skin, never rushed.
A first spray tan sets the standard for every one after it. At deSoleil, every tan is chosen for the skin in front of Jana and applied by her hand, in a private, unhurried appointment. Some of the women who first came for a prom tan years ago now bring their own daughters for theirs.
“My daughter's cheer competition team all got spray tanned at deSoleil, and I was so impressed by how thorough and professional the owner was with the girls...”
Kimberly A. · Cheer mom
Everything parents ask first.
Is spray tanning safe for teens?
A spray tan involves no UV exposure at all. The active ingredient, DHA, works in the outermost layer of skin, and during the face Jana asks clients to close their eyes and lips and hold their breath for a moment, as the FDA advises. If your teen has a specific health concern, your doctor is the right person to ask first.
How far ahead should we book for prom or homecoming?
Book the tan one to two days before the event. The color develops over about 24 hours, so this timing leaves it fully developed and at its freshest. Prom and homecoming weekends fill quickly, so booking as soon as the date is set gives you the widest choice of times.
What should she wear to the appointment?
Whatever feels most comfortable. Many teens wear a swimsuit or undergarments they don’t mind getting a little bronzer on. For the ride home, dark, loose clothing and easy shoes keep the color even.
How should she prepare?
Gentle exfoliation with a glove at every shower in the days before, including the morning of the appointment, and shaving at least a day ahead if possible. On the day, skin should be clean and dry, with no lotion, deodorant or makeup.
How long does the appointment take?
About twenty minutes. It begins with a short conversation about the event, the dress and the color she’d like.
Will it look natural?
The color is chosen for her skin and undertone, and a first tan often starts at a lighter depth so she can see how she likes it. It develops over the next day and fades evenly in about one to two weeks.
Can friends come in together?
Yes. Jana sees one client at a time, so friends book back-to-back appointments, and each one’s color is chosen for her own skin.
Can a tan be a gift?
Gift cards make a thoughtful gift for a first formal, a birthday or graduation, and they can be used for any appointment. Give a gift card
A short list to share.
Rinse at the time Jana gives, using lukewarm water only.
Pat dry with a dark towel.
Skip sports practice, swimming and hot showers until the next day.
Moisturize every day after that.
Ready for the big night?
Book online at least 12 hours ahead, or text Jana with the date and she’ll help you choose the right time. If anything about the color isn’t right, let her know within 24 hours and it will be taken care of.