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Importance of Spray Tan Consultations

 

 

Doing a spray tan consultation is a KEY tool for you to understand your client’s needs, wants, and how to give it to them.  Taking an extra 5 mins at the beginning of the appointment to ask a few vital questions will save you a lot of time and hassle down the road. A consultation can also help avoid things that can affect the tan. After all, time is money. Don’t we all want to work less and make more??

Having this conversation before your client is undressed and hitting the spray tan position will help avoid any awkwardness as well as make your life a lot smoother.

  • What is the occasion your client spray tanning for?

I always like to take into consideration for example what my client will be wearing if they’re spraying for a specific event and not everyday life.  I do this mainly because of TAN LINES! As a spray tan artist, it is your job to know what skin will be showing so you can appropriately spray your client.

Also, if it is for an event what color are they planning to wear? There are certain colors like, neon and white that can make a spray tan appear darker than it truly is.  This needs to be taken in to consideration when deciding which solution to use.  (If your client is spraying for an event where professional photography is happening, like a wedding or photoshoot, it’s also a great time for you to snag that photographers details for follow up pictures! Most professional photographers have social media and will be posting those gorgeous shots for you to share!)

  • What is their ideal tan?

Sounds cliché, but clients should be involved in discussing what shade their optimal tan shade is, BUT not picking their solution! (That’s for the pro to determine based on your education and product knowledge).

A client’s definition of a dark tan may be completely different from what your personal definition is of a dark tan so it is important to make sure you’re on the same page. Many times the client will pull up a picture on their phone to show you what their desired tan is.  As their educated sunless professional you’re in charge of knowing what skin type each client is and what they can realistically achieve. (I can’t stress that how important skin typing is for new artists starting out).

Also, remember that sometimes what they envision might not be the best for their skin tone or honestly even possible to give them what they asked for. So open communication is a key factor between client and spray tan artist.

  • Have they properly prepped for their tan, or even prepped at all?

I ask this question A LOT.  Especially, to my new clients and seasonal tanners. You should always provide prep tips on your website or in your booking system conformation so they know exactly what to do.  Why is it important for you to know if skin prep was not followed? Because if it wasn’t, you can warn them on possible issues to expect. Also, just because someone is a regular does not mean they get a free pass on prep. I have experienced many regulars become lazy as well. Take this time to educate those clients that need some guidance.

  • Part of being a sunless professional is educating your client on how to wear their spray tan and provide them with post tan instructions.

Your client isn’t going to love their spray tan if her skin is scaly or patchy on day two due to poor prep OR  by not knowing what products to avoid.  But a client that is still happy on day 5 of their spray tan is ultimately what we all want.

From my previous questions I’m then able to recommend products that will benefit them to help extend the quality of their spray tan based on their needs. Two of of my favorites are the Perfect Glow Sunless luxury body lotion & Daily Body Wash. They are both extremely hydrating and makes a huge difference in longevity.

 

If you are busy back to back with tans and lack the time to consult with them on post tan care then you should train a receptionist or other employee to take over with product recommendations, but it should never be neglected.

Bottom line is that we should all want our customers educated and happy by the time they leave your salon door. By taking the time to do the consultation in return, I know my next interaction with them will be with a referral or positive review. It may seem inconvenient to add 5-7 minutes onto your appointment times for personal consultations, but I promise you’ll save time doing this in the long run!

 

 

Jayme Cecil is a Spray Tan Educator for Perfect Glow Sunless & The Perfect Glow Spray Tan Academy. She also owns her successful Sunless Tanning business: Glow To Go 502 based out of Louisville Kentucky.

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Spray Tan Tips For The Busy Season

By Melissa Weinberg & Susan Brand

We all love the revenue of busy season but also know that it can get very hectic. So to help ensure that your busy season flows smoothly here are some helpful tips from Perfect Glow Sunless:

1) Do a business analysis. Review your sales numbers from your busy season last year, (and possibly the one before that if you were in business) and see if your numbers increased. Measure how many clients you had, how many times they came and what the average sale was.

2)  Review what steps you can implement to increase even more revenue and set sales goals for you and your staff. For example:

  • How many people purchased aftercare
  • How many packages did you sell?
  • Did you try to close the next sale at their session by asking them to book their next appointment before they left?

Try to also come up with some retention programs (Such as punch cards) and work to cross sell aftercare.

3) Evaluate what you could have done differently to increase your sales and set sales goals. Understand the seasons in your business and focus on the heavier times to possibly get you through some of the slower times.

4) Constantly manage your inventory. Schedule a time at least 2x a week for you or a staff member to be responsible for inventory control. If you employ more than 1 person if you do not assign specific tasks then many just think that “someone else” is taking care of it.  We see many spray tan artists fail to manage their stock and get into a panic when they fall low on solution so don’t let that happen to you. This is the time to think about Halloween events, Thanksgiving holidays, Sorority events and many people that are going to be traveling and dont want to show up pale & more. Spray tanning is notorious for being a last minute beauty treatment and many customers try to schedule same day services or walk ins. So you should always be prepared for last minute customers.

(Plus with Perfect Glow Sunless when you order in bulk you get a quantity discount off 3 or more quarts of solution & free shipping over $200 in the US so it pays to stock up!)  You save on product and shipping cost & reduce shipping delays during the holidays.

5) Take time to refresh! This is a great time to brush up your website, fix links that might not work, add new client pictures and your 5 star reviews. If your branding is outdated then refresh your look.  Make sure you have enough marketing materials that are up to date with all of your current services and pricing. Vistaprint is always a great site with discounts to refresh your rack cards and marketing materials.

6) Work on your marketing efforts! You should always be spreading the word about your business and here are some ways to do this:

  • Leave business cards wherever you go and be consistent with this throughout the year.
  • Look into doing a press release to be distributed in your local area and that you can use for marketing.
  • Create events & team up with some other vendors to make it a fun experience. We all have clients that love to shop so this time around the holidays would be a perfect time to get some plans into motion.
  • Design a beautiful FALL basket with your favorite aftercare & fall products (think Pumpkin spice candles) add in some Starbucks or local coffee house gift cards. This is GREAT giveaway to post on social media and to ask your clients to  share your page & promote your spray tan business for a chance to win. Holidays are also a perfect time to make a first impression on new clients so dress up your studio and offer gift certificates to draw new people in.
  • Word mouth is crucial on social media these days, so make sure your Facebook & Instagram posts are created for your target audience. You might even want to use an automated post app that you can use for Instagram (Such as Later) where you can schedule your posts in advance so your time daily is being focused on getting more clients and making your existing ones even happier!

7) Get rid of old inventory that might be expiring, and bring in FRESH products! Clients notice if that same old bottle has been sitting on the shelf, so clean it up and change up your retail area for a fresher look. Bring some pretty fall props in to draw the customer to your retail area. Department stores do this all the time because it works!

8) If you employ staff members have a meeting to get helpful feedback on what they feel can be improved for the busy season. You might consider hiring some seasonal staff, especially if you are anticipating growth in your business. Even consider cross training your employees, such as an assistant or receptionist that can also go over pre and post tan information & train them to sell aftercare at the checkout process so you are freed up from those items.

9) We have been talking about self-care a lot lately, so make sure you pencil this in! Schedule the time that you need for you or your family for mental recharging and FUN and put it in your schedule. It is absolutely necessary & just as important as keeping clients. Don’t forget the old saying that you can’t pour from an empty cup and your client’s love the best version of you 😉 when you feel good and taken care of you can then give more to your business

This is your time to shine! So Plan ahead and have a clear strategy so your business can thrive this busy season.

Melissa Weinberg is the founder of Perfect Glow Sunless™ a luxury brand of top rated Spray tan solutions and Sunless products. She is also a top spray tan educator in the beauty industry. Her Perfect Glow Spray Tan Academy™ offers various online and hands on
spray tan training courses and spray tan consulting. Her entrepreneurial journey has been featured in Money Magazine, The Huffington Post and other media publications. For more information on her products and the Spray Tan academy please visit Perfectglowsunless.com

Susan Brand is a customer account manager and Senior sunless educator for Perfect Glow Sunless™  She is located in Florida and is the spray tan expert of the Treasure Coast area. Susan is also the owner of Healthy Glow Airbrush Tanning based out of Port Saint Lucie and her spray tan tips were recently published in HGTV

 

 

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My Shark Tank Open Casting Call Experience!

 

Well cross this off my entrepreneurial bucket list!

I had the excitement of attending the first open casting call for Shark tank season 10 in Las Vegas! As like many other entrepreneurs, I am obsessed with this show and have always loved watching Shark Tank. I sit and envision myself on stage pitching the sharks. (And of course getting a deal! lol)

One of my business dreams is to have my products in Sephora and on QVC (Lori..are you reading this? I’m ready! )

So it all happened pretty quickly. On Jan 5th I got a text message from a friend. She wanted me to know that they were holding the first open casting call at the annual CES convention in Las Vegas at the Venetian hotel in 6 days on Jan 11th!

Once I heard that my head was spinning! I live in Florida but ironically I was actually scheduled go to Las Vegas as a sponsor for a spray tan convention that same weekend! I was thinking to myself OMG what are the chances? I already had a flight and hotel room already booked at the Venetian for Jan 13th.

I have lived my life with the belief that things happen for a reason and I started thinking…what are the chances that they were going to be holding an open casting call at the SAME hotel I was already booked at! But I had a lot to think about logistically. Being a business owner it is hard for me to get away from the office during the week due to the large amount of daily shipping and day to day operations. I started thinking.. do I take a chance & go to Vegas early or do I wait for another location to come closer.  Am I going to have enough time to prepare the application and pitch?

Needless to say the next few days were crazy, I was in full over analyzing mode and my boyfriend was a huge & amazing help. He has been my biggest supporter since day 1 so he was all for it. You have to take opportunities when they are presented as you never know if and when you will get another shot. (Plus waiting for another location might not have worked out.)

I called the Venetian to change my reservation to arrive a few days early. I was told that the hotel rate just for that Wednesday alone was over $700 for the night!! (Gulp) Being that the CES convention is the largest, all hotels were crazy expensive. Heck the motel 6 was close to $300 a night! So after a bunch of debating I sucked it up and just figured that this would be my vacation. I had to go alone so I was actually on my own for 4 days until other people arrived for the Spray tanning convention.

So now the fun part! I had to complete a 18 page application. I had to provide info on there such as my financials, why I wanted an investment and what I would do with that money etc. Being detail oriented I even put together a binder (Pink of course!)

This process was actually very important for me as an entrepreneur. Perfect Glow has been very successful but when gathering all of this information it really hit home & put into perspective the success I have achieved. Seeing on paper how much I have grown this business and have accomplished over the past few years was quite an emotional process. I thought to myself that regardless of the outcome I was really proud of what I have built and blessed that I actually was able to even have an opportunity to have a shot at this!

The night before I was scheduled to fly out I got this fortune cookie at dinner (Ahhhh) Was it another sign?

Day 1 – I arrive in Vegas

The first day I got there the hotel was a madhouse. I had stayed at the Venetian before and have never seen it so packed but they were hosting the convention.  The first night I decided to turn in early due to jet lag and having to wake up early the next day I wanted to get my rest.   I went to the small gift shop to get some necessities for the room (water and wine lol) and when I was paying for my items I saw Mark Cuban leaving with (I think) his Vitamin water ! There were thousands of people in this hotel and I am in the gift shop the same time as with Cuban!

Was this another sign? I tried to find him in the sea of madness in the hotel but didn’t  (What was I going to do if I did? I don’t know, maybe give an elevator pitch or mention I had a cool Pink binder? I can’t quite tell ya but knowing my personality I am sure I would have come up with something.)

That night in my room was the first time that my nerves really started to settle in.  You get a 1 minute pitch at the casting call to present and sell yourself. I  just kept rehearsing my pitch over and over. (Being that I am a native New Yorker talking is NOT a problem for me) BUT I just couldn’t cut my pitch down to under that minute.  I kept writing down different versions and of course overthinking it! Eventually I decided to just do a pitch that came from my gut.

I will say that doing months of Facebook live broadcasts on my business page was a huge help to me. Most of the time when I do them I do not go off a script and just speak off the cuff. So that was something that was very helpful to prepare for the open casting call as well as giving me confidence to speak in front of others.

Day 2- Open casting call

The next morning I arrived at the open call casting area 2 hours early around 7am. They say that is not necessary to show up early because anyone that got there by a certain time was guaranteed a wristband. But I just figured that the earlier I got there maybe I could be selected to do my pitch earlier. I was afraid of a very long day and being told to come back at like 5 pm. The line was already very long but not a madhouse like I was expecting. They said that you could bring props if you needed to and I had brought bottles of my self tanning products to show my pretty branding and product line. But I forgot them in my hotel room! (Melissa…are you kidding me? ) A nice woman said she would save my spot in line. Heels off, I rushed back to my room to get them  (A cardio workout if you know how big the Venetian hotel is) When I came back, the line had moved into the main ballroom so I had to go further back on the line.

The CES convention was going on simultaneously so there was a lot of law enforcement and even bomb sniffing dogs. (I was happy to see all that security actually) When  it was time for me to make my pitch there were even 2 uniformed police officers standing behind the casting director.

I do have to say that for such a huge opportunity I was actually surprised at how many people showed up without even completing the application. But on the flip side it was pretty cool to see all these people trying (like me) to get the shot to make their dreams happen.

The casting crew was very nice and eventually they started handing out wristbands. I was put into the second group that had to come back 2 hours later ( Not too bad) This clip is from when I got my wristband. (Number 110)

So I enjoyed a cocktail to calm the nerves,  played some slots (Didn’t leave rich) and did some live videos on social media to pass the time.

 

Time to Pitch

When it was time to go back it was a little bit of a wait but again not too bad. They call your number and you go up to do your pitch. I thought it was going to be in a separate room but I did my pitch in the main ballroom (But it was not like you were on display as the rest of the crowd really cant hear you)

I didn’t pitch to any of the sharks as they were not in attendance ( just the casting company) They were all very nice and Mindy and the crew really did a great job making people feel comfortable and less stressed. At least at this location they didn’t hold you to the 60 second rule which was great as of course I exceeded that a little bit so that was a big relief.  I talked about my Perfect Glow self tanning products, pro spray tan solution and spray tan academy. It was probabally less than 10 minutes total and they were very nice. Then they just say to give it a few months to see if you get selected to move forward in the process.

 

Afterwards I went to Italy (Aka the Venetian) got a glass of wine and felt relieved. Auditioning for Shark Tank season 10 was such an amazing experience. Every entrepreneur should do whatever it takes to follow their dream. Without any risk there is no reward. All I can say at this point is that I have to wait and see what happens.

Hopefully there will be a Blog part 2 🙂 Stay tuned!

 

 

 

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Voyage MIA names Entrepreneur Melissa Weinberg as a Palm Beach Inspiring Story

Meet Melissa Weinberg of Melissa Weinberg Tanning and Beauty in Palm Beach

Voyagemia Staff

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Weinberg.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was in the financial industry for most of my career. I always wanted to do something in the beauty industry and since I had experienced skin cancer I felt that spray tanning was the perfect fit. I started spray tanning in 2009 as a part-time mobile spray tan artist. I worked nights and weekends 7 days a week building my company. It took a few years of hard work but I have built my business into a top leading brand in the Sunless beauty industry & regarded as a top Spray tan expert in my field.

I worked on formulating my own product line and in 2014 I introduced my professional line of self-tanning products called Perfect Glow Sunless™. My professional and retail products are used and sold by countless salons, spas and spray tan artists worldwide. I also run my local business Melissa Weinberg Tanning and provide custom airbrush tanning services in the Palm Beach area.

Sunless education is important to me and I founded the Perfect Glow Spray Tan Academy. My academy is top rated and I train spray tan professionals on how to start their own spray tan businesses and improve their skills. I also travel across the US hosting classes as well as in South Florida and offer an online class as well.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like any entrepreneur, I had to overcome many struggles. One was working 2 jobs and trying to do a career change at the age of 39. Working 7 days a week was not easy while trying to juggle home life but I knew it had to be done and also wanted my salary from my full-time job to fund the creation of my product line.

Eventually, I left the creature comforts of the corporate world (Like a weekly paycheck and full benefits and 401k).

I also handled every aspect of my business for a very long time. Scheduling and spray tanning clients on the service side and on the manufacturing side I did whatever I could to save money. I did my website designs, set up my E-commerce store, and everything from Purchasing, marketing, social media management, sales, customer service and even today I still personally ship all orders.

But I continue to grow and now have added on sales managers and trainers for my brand.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Melissa Weinberg Tanning and Beauty – what should we know?
I am known as the South Florida spray tan expert & I provide custom airbrush tanning on the Palm Beaches. As a company, I am most proud of a few things. First is my product line that I created as a female entrepreneur in her 40’s. I am proof that you are never too old to follow your dreams and can rinse up from starting a brand from scratch without investors or a ton of capital with good old fashion smarts and hard work

All of my products are based off organic and natural ingredients, Paraben free, gluten free, Vegan and cruelty-free. (I am part of PETA Beauty without bunnies program.) My products are truly odorless and there is no foul spray tan smell or heavy scent to mask chemicals as found in many other products on the market.

What also sets me apart is that I truly care about my spray tan clients and have top reviews. When someone comes in for a tan they are going to get a truly personalized experience form someone who cares. I customize the color based on their skin tone and educate them on safe sun. Since I am also an educator I make sure that the spray tan application is precise and the color is flawless. My tans last up to 9+ days and I even offer a rapid option where the client can rinse off in just 1-4 hours!

For my professional salon beauty pros, I strive to give the best service available. and my customer service & products are top rated in the sunless beauty industry. My products were used on the Superbowl 50 Carolina Topcat cheerleaders by their spray tan provider and most recently my spray tan solution was used on Jlo! She was spray tanned by Fabiola the owner of Sobe tan in Miami who exclusively uses my product line.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Staying humble. No matter how much success I continue to achieve I will never forget where I came from. I am truly grateful for my spray tan clients supporting me and choosing my services these past years.

As a beauty brand, I feel that customer service is a lost art and I strive to go above and beyond for my customers. I treat them with fairness and appreciate everyone who places an order. My customers are not just a number to me. I am available 7 days a week to help them with anything they need.

For my retail self-tanning line, I feel educating the public in the benefits of safe tanning is important and offering them a salon quality line is important to me. There are many cheap tanning products out there loaded with chemicals with sub-par results and turning people that dreaded orange. I am happy to offer a true salon quality product. It is my same professional spray tan formulations but for home use.

Contact Info:

    

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5 Great Tips for Spray Tan Pros

Originally featured in Sun Biz Weekly !

Looking for tanning tips to help your sunless salon or mobile spray tan business? Sunless tanning solution professional Melissa Weinberg shares her knowledge with indoor tanning pros.

As your tanning magazine, we at Sun Biz Weekly prides ourselves on providing useful business-building tips for tanning salon owners and sunless techs. That said, the tanning industry’s manufacturers and distributors also have so much good information to share! We include their helpful advice in our Five Tips With series. This week, Melissa Weinberg of Perfect Glow Sunless sat down with us to share her thoughts and plenty of indoor tanning business tips.

1. What should every tanning salon owner/sunless technician should know about doing business in today’s economy?

“That there is always going to be a slow season. Budgeting is very important to get you through the slower times. Also, take time to think about your business strategy and client volume before jumping in and leasing retail space. Sometimes it can be better to start off as a mobile spray tan tech or rent a treatment room until you can get the volume of business you need to commit to a lease.”

2. What’s the easiest thing tanning professionals can do to improve their business, but many of them aren’t aware of it?

“Take time to read about and understand the spray tan solutions you use. Know the key ingredients and highlight them in your marketing strategy. Many technicians are not fully comfortable with product lines they use, but they don’t take the time to read the website or contact the manufacturer for their best recommendations. Also, a reputable company will always be able to explain how their products work and give you the best suggestions for the best results. Taking the time to go directly to the source rather than ask other techs that use different techniques will save you time and help you in your business by understanding the best use for the products.”

3. What is the one marketing strategy you would like to see every tanning pro use to promote their business?

“Taking the time to build a portfolio of your work. This is especially true with spray tanning, where people are afraid of turning orange. A portfolio showcasing your work is a huge marketing tool that puts the potential customer at ease. And don’t just use any pictures. When you post a picture, always make sure that the lighting is good and there are no Instagram filters altering the color of their tans. When in doubt, leave it out!”

4. What is the most important thing that new tanning salon owners/sunless techs entering this industry need to know?

“That proper education is crucial. Although Facebook groups provide good support, it should never take the place of proper training. Whether it be hands-on or online training from a well- rated company, investing in your skills is more important than spending money on the most expensive equipment and solutions. Use that money to train properly so you have the skills to succeed in your new business. The other stuff doesn’t matter if you are not using the best technique to tan your clients. Also, new spray tan techs have a tendency to join every spray tan forum on Facebook. Some are in five or more groups in many cases. Doing this can easily overwhelm you and provide you with conflicting information from others that are new spray tanners themselves.”

5. In business and in life, it’s easy to feel discouraged by occasional setbacks. What motivational advice do have for indoor tanning professionals who are slugging it out in the current marketplace?

“Stop worrying about what your competition is doing. I know it sounds cliché, but the more time you focus on what others are doing, the more it takes time away from building your own brand and focusing on your clientele. Setbacks are the nature of any business; when you have a bad day, it’s okay to disconnect and take time for yourself.”

THANK YOU, MELISSA WEINBERG!

Sun Biz Weekly thanks Melissa Weinberg for taking time out of her busy schedule to answer these questions. Melissa is the owner of Perfect Glow Sunless and Melissa Weinberg Tanning and Beauty products. She is a maker of spray tan solutions and a variety of pre- and post-care products. Melissa also helps spray tan technicians and tanning salon owners with her Perfect Glow Sunless Spray Tan Academy. We’re certain that her answers here will benefit spray tan techs and tanning salon owners everywhere.

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Tips For Cancellation Policies

 
At some time in our beauty business we have all experienced the no show client, chronic late clients and those lovely cancellation texts 10 minutes before your next customers session.  To help with the pain I am a firm believer in that Spray tan technicians should have a cancellation policy and penalty in place for no-show tanners & last minute cancellations. This was a topic I discussed on one of my recent Facebook live broadcasts ( Every Monday on Perfect Glow Sunless) 
 
The subject of cancellation policies and fees can be a touchy one for spray tan technicians & it is a common question asked in many spray tan and beauty forums. I realize that this can be a struggle for some of you as it was for me in the beginning of my career. Maybe you might not know which policy to use or maybe you could be afraid of losing clients. Even if this is true, you should still have cancellation policies. I also believe you have to enforce these policies with a cancellation fee.
 
So what should your Spray Tan cancellation policy be?
Unlike other beauty services spray tanning requires a certain amount of prep by the client & is difficult to fill a last minute spot that opens up due to a cancellation. My business policy is a 24 hours notice is required for any cancellations. Spray Tanners who cancel outside of this window will be charged a cancellation fee ( Billed that day if I have a credit card on file) or added on to their next session. Some spray tan techs choose to send a PayPal invoice but that is on a case by case basis and many have a hard time getting it paid.
You policy should be customized to apply to late clients, no-shows, and last-minute cancellations. Base the amount of money you charge as a penalty upon the value of your time and your market demographic. For example:
  • Some choose to have a policy where a client that cancelled after the 24 hour period would be charged 50% of the service price. Yet some techs have their policy enforced to charge this if they get a cancellation within 3-4 hour time frame of the clients scheduled session.
  • If someone was a “No show” they would be charged 100% of the service price.
  • Clients that are more than 10 minutes late to their session are subject to being rescheduled to the last appointment or another day.
This are just some examples and you have to gear your policy towards what works best for you business. For your cancellation policy to work, your clients need to know you have one and also have to familiarize themselves with the policy. I recommend you post your cancellation policies on your business’s website where they can easily see it ( Maybe on the pricing page and Q&A)  I also recommend having it on your booking confirmation  (if you use one) or you can email and text your policies to clients who book a session. This way you cover your bases and they can’t tell you that they didn’t see your policy or didn’t know you have one.

Collecting Your Cancellation Penalty
Cancellation policies are half of the battle. Once you establish your policy, you have to enforce it. Earlier, I mentioned a fee for no-shows and cancellation after the grace period. Get your clients credit card information at the time of booking their appointment. This way, if they violate your policy, you can charge them the fee.
 
As spray tan technicians, our time is extremely valuable. As mentioned earlier if someone cancels at the last minute or is a no-show, it’s difficult to book another appointment in that time slot. If you do, you risk pushing back your other appointments and inconveniencing tanners. The same thing happens if the tanner shows up late for their appointment. It’s not worth it!
 
Many spray tan techs are self-conscious about asking tanners for their credit card info up front as they believe that this can deter potential clients from booking appointments but I disagree. Most customers use their credit cards to pay a deposit & is very common in other businesses. Many nail and eyelash technicians require this for example. Also, if you think you can collect that late fee some other day, keep in mind that many no-show clients never come back. Now you’re out the money you would’ve made if you booked someone else in that slot. If you get a customer that does not want to use a credit card or does not have one then you can always review on a case by case basis. 
What About Package Clients?
Do you have tanners who purchase a lot of large spray tanning packages? Perhaps they spend more than $200 at a time. If so, I understand that you might be nervous about enforcing your cancellation policy with these clients. (You’re afraid of losing them and that revenue!) But your package clients value you enough to buy these packages because they love what you do. And since they are repeat customers they should also respect you and your time.
 
I’ve let package clients slide in the past and ended up regretting my decision as it was not a one time deal. It is always harder and awkward to enforce something that you have given a “free pass to”  So make sure your policies apply to everyone and you enforce them in the beginning.  That said, there are always exceptions to the rules. For example, if you have a long-term tanner who has that rare cancellation, you might want to let it slide.  These things must be handled on a case-by-case basis. For the most part, it’s best to keep your cancellation policies in place and enforce them. Your tanners will respect you and you’ll respect yourself in the long run.
 
Avoid “Tanner Drama!”
 I see many spray tan techs becoming friends with their clients. I highly recommend you don’t get involved in a client’s drama. And don’t hang out with them at the club, bar, or anywhere else outside of work. It’s one thing to care about your tanners, (I have many amazing clients that I love) but but it’s another thing to turn every appointment into a therapy session. If you allow yourself to get deeply involved with a client’s family or relationship drama, you cross the line and become their friend. Once you do that, many of these tanners won’t think twice about missing an appointment. (Because in their mind you understand what they are going through) Worse yet, you’ll find it hard to enforce your policies on a friend.
 
Your Respray Policy
Speaking of policies, do you have respray policy for tanners whose tans require touch ups? You should! Some salons will respray any client who has a problem with their tan within 24 hours of their appointment. I’ve heard of some sunless techs doing re-sprays on clients five days after their session! This is not a respray issue in my opinion but is a client who didn’t pay attention to aftercare instructions or might possibly want a free spray tan.
 
Do you commonly have tanners who complain about their results right after their session? If so this might be a training issue relating to technique or not knowing proper aftercare instructions & things the customer should avoid. In that case I suggest you take a quality spray tan certification program to improve your technique & knowledge. This gives you confidence in your ability to apply a proper spray tan.
 
Good Luck, Spray Tan Techs!
Im not afraid to say that made mistakes when I started spray tanning and had some clients take advantage of me. it is a big topic with my spray tan consulting clients and we work on how to get over this common hurdle. Always remember…This is your business! It is not charity work and it’s how you pay your bills and feed your family. When someone cancels or is a no-show, it takes money out of your pocket. A cancellation policy and fee offers you some protection. Remember, your tanners won’t respect you or your time if you don’t!
 
Melissa Weinberg is the founder of Perfect Glow Sunless™ a luxury brand of top rated Spray tan solutions and Sunless products. She is also a top spray tan educator in the beauty industry. Her Perfect Glow Spray Tan Academy™ offers various online and hands on
spray tan training courses and spray tan consulting. Her entrepreneurial journey has been featured in Money Magazine, The Huffington Post and other media publications. For more information on her products and the Spray Tan academy please visit Perfectglowsunless.com

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How To Deal With Spray Tan Competition

 


Spray tan techs, what do you do when the competition moves in? Here are some things to do and not to do when another sunless tanning business comes to town and how to deal with spray tan competition.

In my business doing consulting and training, I see spray tan techs get upset when a past client all of a sudden becomes a sunless pro & I’ve known other spray tan techs who are frustrated that any spray tanning business opens up nearby. Unfortunately, competition is never going to go away. In spray tanning, there will always be someone in your market who’s competing against you. When this happens, don’t get angry. It’s better to step up your marketing and promotions to let people know why it’s best to tan with you!

 
The Competitive Client
One of the most frustrating experiences is when a former client buys a spray tan machine and set up shop near you.  Many times you find out from a friend or another customer.  And in hindsight the techs regret answering the client’s questions when they were at their session. Do you know how to spot this type of spray tan client? This person usually asks a lot of questions about the spray tanning trade.
 
Here are some examples of the types of questions these clients will ask:

  • Where did you get your spray tanning machine? Solution? Other equipment?
  • How much does the equipment and solution cost?
  • How long did it take you to learn how to spray tan people?
  • Is spray tanning really hard to do?
  • How many times do you have to go over an area on the body before you know it’s done?
 
If a tanner asks these types questions, don’t feel obligated to divulge give them any information just to be “polite” and keep conversation going. Remember, you worked long and hard to perfect what you’ve learned about sunless tanning. When they start asking pressing you for details, simply say, “I took training and it took a long time to learn.” Don’t ever feel awkward about not giving them your trade secrets.

Take the High Road!
Former tanners who become competitors often put you in an awkward position. You might have mutual friends on Facebook or belong to the same organizations. Or perhaps you both have children on the same sports team or other activity group. This means that your competition might end up pulling from your pool of clientele. It might be tempting to criticize them or bash, whether in casual company or on social media.

I highly recommend that you don’t let yourself get caught up in the drama. You’re a sunless tanning professional so you’re expected to act like one. If a someone gets into the spray tan business, don’t say anything negative about them. You won’t look your best to the community you’re trying to impress. Hold your head up high, instead. People will respect you more when you take the high road.

Stay Away from Price Wars!
It can be shocking when a new spray tan business enters your market. In many cases, the first thing these new spray tan artists will do is drop their prices in order to compete with you. For example, if you charge $50 for a spray tan session, the new kid in town might charge $25. Naturally, this entices people, including some clients, to try that person’s services. Whatever you do, DON’T drop your prices to try to compete with them!

There’s one thing that all successful businesses have in common – they are all profitable. This is what helps you stay in it for the long run. When spray tan techs offer deep discounts, they’re really shortchanging themselves. When they set a low price, they don’t factor in the things they do for each tanner. Calling, texting, answering questions, and driving take time. Time spent eats into their profit margin. These cut rate prices will only hurt them in the long run. Make sure you don’t make the same mistake!

Step Up Your Marketing Game!
When you have competition, you should market and promote yourself as the spray tan expert. You’ll always lose some of your clients to the new competition. Other tanners might move away, etc. Focus your marketing to keep new people coming through your doors. This will make up for the few you might lose. One of the best ways to market your spray tan business is to have a website.

Here are four website marketing tips to tell people why they need to tan with you:
 
  1. Highlight all your spray tan training and certification. This means that you know understand color bases, skin tones, and how to develop the best tan.
  2. If you are an aesthetician, licensed cosmetologist, etc., promote these services as well. They provide another incentive for people to come to you.
  3. Have an “About Me” page on your website that really lets you shine. Tell your story, highlight your training/certification, and inform people why you’re the best spray tan.
  4. Take positive reviews from Facebook and other social media platforms and share them on your site. This is a great way to stand out from your competition.
Happy Marketing!
As spray tan techs, we sometimes get comfortable with the tanners we have. This can cause us to stop making efforts to attract new clients & that’s the worse thing you can do. It is unavoidable that You’re going to lose some people because some tanners will want to try the new spray tan artist. Also others might move away, while even more may no longer be able to afford your prices. Whether you’ve been in business for one year or 10, you should always work consistently to attract a steady stream of tanners. Do this and you’ll never have to worry about losing tanners to the competition or anything else.
Melissa Weinberg is the creator of Perfect Glow Sunless & Melissa Weinberg Tanning & Beauty. A premium luxury line of professional spray tan solution and self-tanning products. Her products are used by countless professional salons and spas and spray tanners. She is also a South Florida spray tan expert and offers online and in person spray tan training via the Perfect Glow Spray Tan Academy.  For more course information visit http://learntoairbrushtan.com.

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Spray Tan Training Fun on the Road!

Who says that learning can’t be fun?  We’ve been having a great time at our Perfect Glow Spray Tan Academy training classes!
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been on the road with Perfect Glow Spray Tan Academy training program. In that time, I’ve had the pleasure to host spray tan training sessions in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Dallas.  Getting to meet many people from all over the country is one part of this job that I love love so much.  I know that the relationships we formed will continue to thrive for a long time to come!
Perfect Glow Spray Tan Academy: New Orleans

What makes our Academy different? Well, for starters, we provide attendees with specialized attention. I believe in having a great student-to-instructor ratio for my sessions. This ensures everyone gets the attention that they deserve. This is why I’m joined by my trainers whenever I do classes on the road. In New Orleans, I was joined by trainers Rachel Jenkins and Lisa Tobiason.  Together, we provided these lovely ladies with their spray tanning certifications.

Teaching the tricks of the trade to students in Louisiana. They did fantastic!

 

NOLA attendee Deana Byers said that she loved the Perfect Glow Spray Tan Academy course. Deana added, “Melissa and her trainers made sure we were fully informed on all aspects of the business.  The hands-on training was more than I expected.” Deana said she’d recommend Perfect Glow Spray Tan Academy to any sunless technician. “Thank you, Perfect Glow Sunless for the great training!” she added.

Perfect Glow Spray Tan Academy: Dallas
In Dallas, I was joined by Whitney Kelly, one of my Texas Instructors. This group featured students of various skill levels.  Some attendees were beginners while others had existing spray tan/beauty businesses.  Everyone seemed thrilled with the training.  I also provided the experienced spray tanners with some basic contour skills & an extra special technique. They’ll wow their tanners with these Perfect Glow techniques!

 Susan with Joseph from Greensboro NC

Why Choose Perfect Glow Sunless Spray Tan Certification?
For starters, my trainers and I are actually spray tan techs. Who better to train you than someone who does this on a daily basis?  We understand what occurs on all ends of the business. This makes my team qualified to discuss real situations from our personal experiences.
Who Can Benefit from a Perfect Glow Sunless Certification?
Anyone and everyone who wants to earn a living offering sunless tanning services. Our program is for those who are new to sunless tanning as well veteran sunless tanning pros. It also helps anyone looking to add spray tanning to their service menu. We’ve had a mix of students at all our spray tan classes and everyone has benefited from these sessions in some way.
Facebook Groups Are Not Spray Tan Training!
Are you on 20 different Facebook groups? They are wonderful support tools, but it’s no substitute for proper spray tan training! If Facebook is all you’ve done, it’s time to consider some formal training. Don’t get left behind just trying to wing it. Time is money, and trying to learn your trade on Facebook forums won’t fatten up your bank account!
Try the Perfect Glow Spray Tan Academy
Have you been thinking about taking a spray tan training class? Or are you looking to start a spray tan business? Here are more reasons why Perfect Glow Spray Tan Academy is an excellent investment in your success.
SIGN UP FOR ONE OF OUR NEXT CLASSES https://learntoairbrushtan.com/

 

Melissa Weinberg is the creator of Perfect Glow Sunless & Melissa Weinberg Tanning & Beauty. A premium luxury line of professional spray tan solution and self-tanning products. Her products are used by countless professional salons and spas and spray tanners. She is also a South Florida spray tan expert and offers online and in person spray tan training via the Perfect Glow Spray Tan Academy.  For more course information visit http://learntoairbrushtan.com.

 

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Introducing Winning Glow Competition Color!

IT IS FINALLY HERE!

After 1.5 years in the making Winning Glow™ comp tan has arrived! This new blend from Perfect Glow Sunless™ is such a gorgeous mahogany & super dark color. Our competition spray tan solution is a must to get your clients stage ready for their competition.

This solution blend is perfect for:
Bikini competitions
Figure competitions
Bodybuilders
Cheer and dance competitions

Available in 32 oz and 8 oz size.  

The darkness of competitions tans must be customized for your clients specific event. As such, usage instructions on the site are for a general comp application & we do not recommend using for your clients event without doing a trial on your client first with our competition spray tan solution.

**Please note** Many of you have expressed interest in using this as a very dark tan for your everyday tanners. This is not formulated for the everyday tanner or fair tones clients. Also please note that this is a 10% blend so if you wanted to test it out for that we recommend using dha drops to increase the dha percentage.**

This is after tanning her with 3 base coats. Such  gorgeous mahogany color!

This is the result from using 4 coats on day 1 and 2 top coats on day 2
(No rinsing in between) 

Are you ready to give your clients their Winning Glow™ for their next event?
b12 b11 b9 b7

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE 

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Having confidence in your spray tan biz

 

                                                                                             

Here is my latest YouTube video. In this video I talk about showing confidence and setting the tone for your clients.

You should always be confident in your abilities as a spray tan artist. Hopefully you have invested in training to help get you succeed. One thing I see industry wide is many people emailing or texting the client the next day asking for validation that they did a good job. I hear of it when I train spray tan artists & see screen shots of it on social media.

Let me clarify that I do not think that there is anything wrong with emailing or texting the client to thank them for their business or to leave a review. However,  you should be refraining from questions such as ” How did you like your tan” or “Hope you liked your tan”  as questions like that come across as insecure.

Now if you are feeling insecure or have been getting complaints that makes you want to do that we would love to help you!But as a trained professional you should have confidence! After all your customer is PAYING you for your service and you do not want them to doubt that they chose you for their spray tan by appearing insecure.

In this video I also discuss about ‘setting the tone” with the client. What that means in essence is to know all about the products you are using. If you are testing out a new solution then take the time to read up on it or call the company to get a full understanding before you test it out on someone.

Know how the bronzers work, how they look and feel on the skin. Know how to explain how a violet based solution works for example or how many hours to rinse of for a rapid tan. Every manufacturer has different guidelines and you should educate yourself on the product line before hand so you can answer questions.

Also, always set the tone during the session during the spray!  Give the client confidence in your abilities and products as you are spraying them. Use the time that they are in your tent or booth wisely and say things to them that will make them excited to see their tan! As you are spraying them mention that that the blend you chose for them is “Going to look gorgeous on them” or that the “color is applying beautifully ”

Remember confidence is a crucial part for success. And never let them see you sweat. Enjoy the video for many of my tips on the subject.

 

Melissa Weinberg is the creator of Perfect Glow Sunless & Melissa Weinberg Tanning & Beauty. A premium luxury line of professional spray tan solution and self-tanning products. Her products are used by countless professional salons and spas and spray tanners. She is also a South Florida spray tan expert and offers online and in person spray tan training via the Perfect Glow Spray Tan Acedemy.  For more course information visit http://learntoairbrushtan.com.

 

 

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Spray Tan Party Tips

 

Increase your revenue in 2017 with SPRAY TAN PARTIES

By Susan Brand

The sunless industry is exploding this year and we need to be prepared to make these events not only fun but to run as smooth as possible.

After many lessons learned, I wanted to share some great tips for all of you on how to make sure your party is most efficient and successful (Many of these tips can also be applied to bridal party tanning as well)

Spray tan parties are a fun way for people to get their favorite friends together & also very lucrative so all spray tan professionals should be promoting them. Depending on your space many hold them in their salon or choose to do them as a mobile service to make it easier for the hostess. (Plus this way if they have children they do not have to worry about paying a sitter…extra bonus for them!)

When I book a party I like to hope that the host is as organized as I am, but unfortunately, that is not always the case. Time is money and the more policies you have in place at time of booking will be helpful and also make it less stressful for you as well.

Setting a date: 

This is the first order of business. I give them a ballpark pricing quote however I wait to do an exact price quote until it is much closer to the date of the party. I also advise the hostess that if I am giving a discount or a free tan that is subject to change depending on the day of the party based on how many people show up. This way there are no surprises or awkwardness when it comes to collecting payment. The reason for this is because it is common for the number of attendees to fluctuate. For example I have had many occasions where I am initially told that say 7 or 8 people will be attending but the day of the event you show up and there are only 4 so then price will change. If the location is outside of your main service area this is the time to let the host know that you do have to apply a travel fee.

Take a deposit

I have learned this the hard way. If someone is serious they should not mind giving you a deposit to reserve their time. You should always give them a basic contract outlining the terms of payment (for example if the deposit is refundable etc.)

A spray tan party can take a few hours and you will be blocking your schedule from other potential bookings. If you blocked yourself off and then they cancel (especially at the last minute) then that causes a loss for you if you are unable to fill that time slot with new paying customers.

Party guest skin preparation:
I send the host a nice email with the link to skin prep and tanning tips (You can even make it look like an invitation if you’d like) but it is crucial to let her know she has to make sure the guests need to follow your pre tan instructions.

There have been many occasions where communication was lost and guests had shown up unprepared. So you have a few options to try to ensure that this does not occur:

You can ask for the guests contact info and contact all of them yourself (very time consuming)

Or you can create a Facebook event (highly recommended) & advise the host that all attendees need to join the event so you can make sure that they are provided with all of the proper information.

Any questions that the guests have can be posted to you on the event page and it will be easier to monitor them from a central location then having tons of emails sent to you! If someone is not on Facebook I advise that I am happy to email the guests direct if I am provided their contact information.

Space requirements

Clarify in advance the size space that you will need, electrical outlet accessibility, and that it needs to be well lit with ventilation. (In addition to your extraction fan that you should be bringing)
Ask if there is a theme:

Many hosts like to set a theme for their party and if they do, I always like to bring a small gift for them that coordinates with their chosen theme. For example:

If the theme is a Tropical Party, I will give them a cute margarita glass and wrap it with some colorful tissue paper!

How to set up

Always get to the location at least 15 minutes early. Allow time for traffic and know where you are going. So map out the location prior to getting in the car if you are unfamiliar with the area. This way you can be set up and look professional for when the guests start to arrive,

Items to bring:

Disposable robes (They are inexpensive and make it nice for the guests. It will not ruin the tan while they are socializing as they are lightweight.

Shower caps
Disposable thongs
Consent forms
Tent
Towels
Large sheet (I always put this under the tent to prevent any overspray from getting on the clients furniture or flooring)
Square Reader to accept credit card payment (or whatever method you might use)
Extra pens
Business cards
Carry more than one spray tan solution, different skin tones require different solutions.
I bring 2 extra of EVERYTHING just in case more people wind up attending you have enough product or you have an accident and spill some solution (It has happened to the most experienced of spray tanners)

Party rules
I let the hostess know that I will be starting prompt. All guests need to be there at the time provided so I only have to explain the process once. If you do not set this precedence then you will have stragglers coming in at all times and possibly causing you down time (which has happened to me) and having to waste time going over instructions numerous times.Guests should decide in advanced the order they are going to be sprayed.

Final Payment

I also discuss final payment with the host first and foremost. I want to know how I will be paid. This way I know if I need to collect payment from each guest when I spray them or if the hostess will be responsible. This avoids any miscommunication and guarantees I won’t be out any money. There have been situations where the guests thought the hostess was paying and that was incorrect. So payment is the most important thing to ensure that you are all on the same page. It is also recommended that you put in the contract that the hostess is responsible for any payments from guests who skip out without paying.

Bring a backup machine!

This is crucial as you never know what can happen. I once had a group of 12 and my machine was giving me a hard time. (Thank goodness that my husband was able to bring my backup). But I was lucky. If your machine or gun malfunctions and you do not have a backup that is the most unprofessional thing that can occur and can tarnish your reputation.

Efficiency

I choose to bring 2 tents & set it up like an assembly line for efficiency. Remember, the quicker you are done the better for everyone. I like to set up a separate area for a drying station. This way once I am done tanning them I do not have to waste time drying them off in my main tent. They can dry themselves off in a different area with a blow dryer and I can take the next guest.

Aftercare
Do NOT lose out on making some extra money! Bring as much aftercare that you can and make sure they are displayed on a table ready for purchase. I like to bring a folding table so I know I have the space I need & set it up in birds eye view while they are getting sprayed so they can see it and will pique their interest when I talk about it while they are being sprayed.

Should the spray tanner party?

I personally do not participate in the party event & I do not partake in alcohol I feel that this is most professional and always want to conduct myself in an appropriate manner. However that is your choice and this is just what I do. If the hostess offers you a snack or water there is nothing wrong with that as you do want to stay hydrated.

Bring Gift Certificates
I have been surprised with how well this works. I always love to bring these because they are a great tool to utilize to get someone to book another party! I give a gift certificate to the potential next host that books a date that gives them $10 off for booking at the event or I offer it towards an aftercare product.

Safety First!
Most important! If something is odd and doesn’t feel quite right, go with your gut. You have the right to refuse any client. I had to do that once with a guest that was just too intoxicated (swaying in the tent was a giveaway..lol) and for more safety measures please read our prior blog about mobile safety tips https://perfectglowsunless.com/mobile-spray-tan-tips/

Include other vendors
Jewelry, candle, makeup and clothing vendors or direct sales reps can be a great additions to a party. The more the merrier & if you include them in your party then they can reciprocate and recommend you to their party hosts!

 

 

 

Susan Brand is a Senior sales account manager and sunless educator for Perfect Glow Sunless™  She is located in Florida and also the owner of Healthy Glow Airbrush Tanning.

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Why can you turn orange from a spray tan?

 

I’ve been spray tanning South Florida residents, and visitors since 2009. I get many new clients that are nervous & the number one question that they ask me is “will I turn them orange?”  Unfortunately many have had a bad experience in another salon so of course I understand why they are a little scared.

So that brings us to the most popular question (and misconception about spray tanning) Why does someone turn orange from a spray tan ?

Well it is from one of these reasons or a combination of all of them.

1) Using a salon tech or spray tanner not properly trained or being educated or confident on the products they are using . Or they choose a color way too dark for your skin tone. (Someone with Nicole Kidman skin can not be sprayed with the same color Jlo would , nor could they ever get the same results ) Many inexperienced spray tan techs will just give the client what they want without trying to explain how the process works. Especially with first time tanners. I personally start out conservative to make sure the solution works well with their skin tones, and we can always go darker the next session. 

2) A tech just blasting you with solution due to not knowing a proper gun setting & over spraying you (causing over saturation to your skin).

3) The salon is using a cheap solution to save a few bucks (I see it all the time ) & is made with with poor quality or even synthetic dha! (the active ingredient)
I created my own Perfect Glow Sunless spray tan formulas. It’s used by salons & spas worldwide & is a superior product ! The dha I use is the purest formulation available & my solutions have top shelf ingredients ! It may not be the cheapest but you get what you pay for.

4) This where the client comes in to the equation: Not using the right skincare products after they get a spray tan. This messes with body ph which can turn the tan brassy / orange even a few days after getting sprayed !

It’s important that salons get the best training available and that consumers choose a top professional and listen to the salons aftercare product recommendations.

My Melissa Weinberg Tanning & Beauty line was created by me specifically for the best at home tanning products and that will work the best with sunless tanning to give you the best post tan  & optimal results.  Remember that using cheap drugstore products result in subpar results.

 

 

Melissa Weinberg is the creator of Perfect Glow Sunless & Melissa Weinberg Tanning & Beauty. A premium luxury line of professional spray tan solution and self-tanning products. Her products are used by countless professional salons and spas and spray tanners. She is also a South Florida spray tan expert and offers online and in person spray tan training via the Perfect Glow Spray Tan Acedemy. For more course information visit http://learntoairbrushtan.com.

 

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The Difference Between a Tan Extender & Gradual Tanner

This is a common question that I get asked so I thought it would be great topic for our blog!

 

I am going to discuss my gradual tanner and tan extender products. Every manufacturer has different formulations and recommendations so please keep that in mind. Both of these products are a body lotion that contains a percentage of dha ( Dihydroxyacetone) The active ingredient in any self tanning product. The difference is the level and tint.

Lets discuss the Tan Extender first:

The extender is a formulation with a small touch of dha. This extender is formulated to work in conjunction with a sunless tan or regular tan & is not very strong as to avoid turning the tan brassy or orange.  When you have a sunless tan you do not want to “load on” more dha as it might be too much for the skin to handle ( especially for the fairer clients)

With this product the client should start applying the tan extender a few days into the tan when they see the color starting to fade on the areas necessary so they can “extend the tan”

This product is not going to make the tan much darker but it will put color back onto the skin to extend and prolong the sunless application. This is also a crucial product to offer your clients if they are going to be doing any water activities. The tan extender is a clear formula so it will not stain clothes or sheets. Even though it is clear they can not sweat or get wet so I recommended applying before bed.

Now for the Gradual Tanner:

The gradual tanner contains a higher strength dha and is also a tinted formula.  This product is recommended primarily for people that don’t have a tan and want to build one gradually from scratch to get color in 2-3 days time.  They would apply once or twice a day depending on skin tone.

This product can also be used as a tinted tan extender on clients that can tan very well. But be careful! If a fair client used the gradual tanner over a spray tan it might be too strong causing orange.

So I hope this clarifies the difference between the 2 products. If you have any questions please contact us and we can make the proper recommendation.

 

Happy Tanning XO – Melissa

 

Melissa Weinberg is the creator of Perfect Glow Sunless . A premium luxury line of professional spray tan solution and self-tanning products. Her products are used by professional salons and spas all over the world. She is also a South Florida spray tan expert and offers online and in person spray tan training. For more information visit http://learntoairbrushtan.com for more course information.

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Starting A Mobile Spray Tan Business

 

 

starting-a-mobile

 

Airbrush tanning is hugely increasing in popularity. With skin cancer on the rise and people being more health conscious, many are choosing spray tanning to get their glow on!

Why start a spray tan business? The work is fun, income is great and it is very rewarding to be in the beauty industry getting to meet so many new people! Who wouldn’t love to perform a service that makes their clients feel glowy and fantastic! I have had countless clients tell me that my tans make them feel amazing and boost their self confidence. Many salons now offer a mobile service due to the need and many techs starting out choose to be a mobile service only.

There are some great benefits of starting a mobile spray tan business & here are few :

  • You do not have to pay any rent or lease out a space. Retail space can range from $400 per month to over $3k + in some regions! So it is a VERY cost effective option (with the exception of fuel)
  • You can control your own hours and service times. This is great for people that want a great part time or side gig!
  • Many people are too busy to get to a salon or have children and cant hire a sitter. So coming to them is a fantastic and convenient option for them.
  • Mobile is a “luxury service” and can be priced accordingly. Depending on the region some mobile appointments start at a rate of $65 +
  • The need for mobile service is increasing. Due to busy work schedules many people just can not get into a salon at normal business hours so this is a great option for them to get their beauty treatment.
  • Many women are holding “girls night in” parties. This is very popular also even in more rural areas or smaller towns where there is not much to do.
  • Mobile spray tanning is easier for many bridal parties! Many times bridesmaids and wedding guests are traveling and there is a lack of transportation ( or they not familiar with the area). So they love mobile spray tanning so they can book someone to come to their hotel to spray everyone as a group.

How much money can you make?

This is an average guide to get an idea. Just like anything in life you are going to get what you put into it. But the income potential for mobile spray tanning can be fantastic!

*Please note that this is not even counting group sessions or bridal parties. I have made a few hundred dollars in one appointment doing group tanning or spray tan parties!

Make money mobile spray tanning

The profit margin for cost per tan is excellent! Here is an average example on your profit margin based on product alone!

 

cost per spray tan pg-income-potential-grid-01-6-footer

I personally started out as a mobile only service. I traveled all across 3 counties 7 days a week and even in the evenings. It was trial and error to come up with a system that worked well for me to haul all my equipment. Trust me it was difficult lugging all that stuff ( especially up stairs)  and there was many things that I learned along the way. So I want to share some spray tan tips to help you all with the process and maybe touch upon some things you might have not though about when starting your mobile airbrush tanning service.

Get a business license

Even thought you are not renting retail space no matter what city you live in you need a license to operate any type of business. And also check with your county ordinance as well. Business licenses are very inexpensive and you must have one. I encounter many techs that do not get a business licence. This is not legal and you need to do things legitimate or risk getting shut down or incur fines.

What to carry your equipment in:

I went through a few different systems when starting out and kept changing it up. Here are some ideas for consideration and maybe one of them will work for you.

1) Supermarket shopping cart- ( The metal ones that fold up) This is what I started out using. I know some techs use this as well and can even get creative blinging it out. There is also a cover that can be inserted inside to keep the cart contents concealed.

2) A sewing machine case. You can put a small HVLP machine in that to conceal it and it has wheels.

3) Duffel bag with wheels or a small suitcase.

4) Cargo totes. There are so many cute ones that you can get from Thirty One gifts & I use this system now. I had mine embroidered with my company name and got additional pieces to match, such as an insulated tote that I use to carry my solution.

Track your miles

This is crucial come tax time! You want to have everything properly documented. I can not stress this enough. Keep a note pad in your car or use an app for your phone, Whatever you do is fine just do not forget to do this.

Safety

This is a very important topic that I talk about when I train or mentor new spray tanners. Many don’t even think about this but it should be your number one priority. I am not trying to scare anyone but we do live in a world today where this should be a concern & it is important to take safety measures. Especially for a female going into a strangers home or hotel room. Here are some measures and precautions that you should take when scheduling a mobile session:

1) Google the person & see if the address they give you matches up to them . Check them out on Facebook to see if they exisit ( I know not everyone is on FB but many are)

2) Speak to them on the phone and get a feel of them. If you get any odd feeling then do not book the appointment. Remember..you have the right to refuse service and always go with your gut. It rarely never fails!

3) Do a reverse lookup of their phone number also to see if they are who they say there are. It may not be 100% accurate ( for example if a cell phone is in another persons name) but I do this and it works pretty good. I personally like the iphone app Lookup+

4) Know where you are going. Map out the location prior, use google earth as well to even see the house view so you do not get lost. If you are uncomfortable bring a friend or family member with you.

5) Provide a family member, co worker, roommate or significant other the address & client information prior to your appointment. This way they have it in case of emergency.

6) When you get to your appointment, go to the door to introduce yourself but leave your gear in the car! This is something I always do. That is because it provides a logical reason for you to have to go back to your vehicle. This was if you get any bad feelings & feel that something is not right you can just get back into your car and leave! Hotels are an exception (Valet parking) so judge accordingly. If you are very nervous about spray tanning someone in a hotel room bring someone with you or do not book the session. Maybe ask someone to call you at a certain time to check in and give a code word to make sure everything is OK.

7) Carry mace or another form of protection. I know many techs that have their concealed weapons permit or take a self defense course.

Hopefully you will never be in a situation where your safety is at risk. But knowledge is power.

Get insurance

Do not forget the liability insurance. It is not very expensive and will provide piece of mind. I have heard many stories on how techs dropped solution or their machine got residue on the carpet or rug etc. So make sure you are covered, Hopefully you will never have to use it but at least you will have it.

What machine to use and get a backup 

The last thing you want is to have an equipment malfunction when out on an appointment, (Especially if it is a large bridal party) Not only will you look unprofessional but can lose revenue if you can not finish the session. Could you imaging tanning someone and in the middle the gun breaks or the machine overheats and turns off? That would not be good, so I always have a backup machine in the car and carry a backup gun. You can not plan a problem and this way you will always be prepared.

I am always getting asked what I feel is the best machine is to start off with.  I love this one as I have personally used it plus it is a workhorse as well as lightweight so it is perfect for a mobile spray tan business!  This is a fantastic machine when you are first starting out and so inexpensive. You can always upgrade if you need too ( then this can be a backup machine)

You can view product information here http://shop.yourperfectglow.com/Maximist-Spraymate-TNT_p_56.html

Maximist spraymate

Supplies you will need

Here is a basic list of what you will need to start a mobile spray tan business. You might need more depending on your set up but here is my list of basic recommendations:

  • Business License
  • Business cards
  • Website
  • Gloves
  • Spray tan machine
  • Spray tan tent
  • Gear to transport your mobile equipment in
  • Extraction fan with filters
  • Backup gun ( recommended in case of malfunction during a spray)
  • Shower caps
  • Disposables ( g strings, robes or bras)
  • Baby Wipes (To wipe palms of hands after the spray tan)
  • Nose plus
  • Face masks
  • Paper towels
  • Sticky feet
  • Prep spray
  • Solution
  • Barrier cream
  • Towels (for the bottom of the tent) or use disposable dog wee wee pads
  • Index cards ( For client cards or use an app)
  • Retail Aftercare (Lotion, tan extender, body wash)
  • Business Facebook Page
  • Business Instagram account
  • Loyalty cards

 

Also not taken into account is the extra income you will make on selling retail aftercare to your client!

Perfect Glow Sunless offers fantastic 5 star spray tan training for anyone looking to start a mobile spray tan business!

Online, hands on training and mentoring packages for you no matter where you live!  Visit https://learntoairbrushtan.com for more information and where we are coming to next

 

If you are just starting out starting your mobile spray tan business this is a very exciting time for you and wish you all the best of luck in this amazing industry! Happy tanning…Xo Melissa

Melissa Weinberg Tanning

 

 

 

Melissa Weinberg is the creator of Perfect Glow Sunless & Melissa Weinberg Tanning & Beauty. A premium luxury line of professional spray tan solution and self-tanning products. Her products are used by professional salons and spas all over the world. She is also a South Florida spray tan expert and offers online and in person spray tan training. For more information visit http://learntoairbrushtan.com for more course information.

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DHA and Spray Tanning

dha

DHA ( Dihydroxyacetone) is primarily used as an ingredient in sunless tanning products. It is often derived from plant sources such as sugar beets and sugar cane and by the fermentation of glycerin is a powder. DHA is also colorless.

DHA is the main active ingredient in all sunless tanning skincare preparations. It may be used alone or combined with other tanning components such as erythrulose. DHA is considered the most effective sun-free tanning additive.

Sunless tanning products contain DHA in concentrations ranging from 1% to 15%. Most drugstore products range from 3% to 5%, with professional products ranging from 1% to 16%. The percentages correspond with the product coloration levels from light to dark. Once the darkening effect has occurred, the tan will not sweat off or wash away with soap or water. It will fade gradually over 3 to 10 days. Exfoliation, prolonged water submersion, or heavy sweating can lighten the tan, as these all contribute to rapid dead skin cell exfoliation , so it is very important that you stress post tan care instructions to your clients.

DHA-based sunless tanning has been recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, American Academy of Dermatology Association, Canadian Dermatology Association and the American Medical Association as a safer alternative to sun-bathing.

Is DHA organic?

No dha is certified organic. Other components in a spray tan solution can be organic based but the dha is not. In a nutshell Ecocert is a governing body certifying that dha is pure enough to be used in organic cosmetics but they are not certifying it organic. You can read their statement on dha here http://www.ecocert.com/en/ecocert-statement-dha

How do I know what DHA to use on a client?

This is a very common question that I get as many solution manufactures do not disclose the dha level of their product or their solution is made with only 1 strength of dha. Some trainers do not go over dha and just show the student how to spray with one product doing less or more coats to achieve the desired results. So needless to say when a spray tanner then wants to try a spray tan solution that is made with different dha levels it leaves them confused and they do not know how to choose or what the numbers mean.

Perfect Glow Sunless will always disclose the dha as I feel that it is important to know what is in the product for the tech to make sure they use the best strength for their client.

Many products contain dha starting at 5% and can go up to 16%. The lower the number means the lower the strength. The higher the number means the darker the strength.

DHA levels examples:
5%-7% is for a light tan range
7.5%-9% is for a medium tan range
9.5%-12.5% is for a dark tan range
13%-16% would be for body builders or a rapid tan solution

So what to use?
Let’s say that you have a very fair redhead client (type1) who is extremely pale and maybe a little nervous. The 5% would provide them with a pretty subtle glow compared to a 10% which would be very dark and probably make them unnatural or orange.

So remember that the higher the dha the darker the tan. But it is also based on their skin tone (which is discussed on the website here https://perfectglowsunless.com/spray-tan-solution-descriptions/) so you cannot use every % on every skin tone. It is always recommend when unsure and testing out a new product that you err on the side of caution and stay on the lower side until you are familiar with the product. You can always gradually increase.

Please note that there are different grades of dha with some being stronger than others. So for example you can use a 12% in one product and be ok but then try a 12% with Perfect Glow Sunless and be too dark. That is because our dha is pure and will pull darker results then some others. So when testing out any manufacturers blend I do not recommended that you try the darkest color right off the bat. I always recommend testing out a nice medium/dark dha such as a 10%.

When in doubt I always say that it is better for a client to come back and tell you that they loved the tan but just want to be darker. This is 100 times better than blasting them with too dark of a color and they turn orange. Then they never return or tell people that their spray tan was horrible causing you to lose business and risking your reputation! 

Melissa Weinberg Tanning

 

 

 

Melissa Weinberg is the creator of Perfect Glow Sunless & Melissa Weinberg Tanning & Beauty. A premium luxury line of professional spray tan solution and self-tanning products. Her products are used by professional salons and spas all over the world. She is also a South Florida spray tan expert and offers online and in person spray tan training. For more information visit http://learntoairbrushtan.com for more course information.

 

 

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Spray Tanning Marketing Tips

beyourownboss

In any beauty business there will always be a slower season. Depending on the region where you live the slow season will vary but that does not mean that the slower time can’t be productive! This is actually the perfect time to do some updating and finally get to all the “Projects” you couldn’t do when you were trying to catch your breath. The slow season will pass and these can help you kick start into high gear when it picks up.

Here are some tips that I recommend to help market your spray tanning business during the slow season.

  • Save money! I cannot stress that enough. A slow time is inevitable in every industry. But if you have a financial cushion it helps to relieves some of the panic. The last thing you want to stress about is having money to pay your bills or to keep your business afloat.
  • Get involved in community events to make connections. If your slow season is in the summer months there are many events that are happening ranging from fitness, 5k races, concerts and more. See about doing a vendor booth at some of these events if available. To help with cost see if you can share a booth with another beauty professional if allowed.
  • Spray tanners should be marketing themselves in many different areas. Social media is great but you should also do some old fashioned cold calling! So put on a business suit or pretty dress and get your face and bubbly personality out there! Make some rounds and leave your cards with gyms, hotel concierges, event planners, bartenders, wedding planners, photographers and more. Take advantage of your local chamber of commerce happy hours and luncheons. Stop in salons and network with other makeup artists. Just because it is not social media does not mean you have to sacrifice the opportunity to show them your incredible work! I highly recommended that you make a portfolio on your tablet to show them or if they don’t have time leave a rack card showcasing a few of your best portfolio pics.
  • Approach fitness studios with the suggestion to collaborate for a spray tan party (fit & tan always go together) and gyms are usually busy as people workout all year round.  See if they will let you do a Pop up event and set up in the locker room or an area in the gym . Another idea is to ask them if they would be interested to include a spray tan offer to new members that sign up. (Great to increase your exposure and also looks great for them to offer potential members a bonus offer)
  • Carry your business cards with you everywhere. If you go out to eat, leave it with the receipt and write a nice little note to the server or bartender (Maybe offering a new customer discount) If you get your nails done ask if you can leave some cards at the counter, or invite the receptionist to try your services (A great referral source when they go into work looking beautifully bronzed!)Spray tan

 

 

  • Take time in the slow months to work on your website content and give it a refresh! Here are some great ideas that you can do:
  1. Add more detailed Q&A to help your clients prepare properly.
  2. Update your reviews to make them current.
  3. Add recent client pictures to update your portfolio.
  4. Work on improving your SEO.
  5. Make sure your social media accounts are linked.
  6. Work on social media graphics for your branding.
  • Push tanning parties. In the summer kids are out of school and many families use their hard earned money for camp and vacations. Since spray tanning isn’t a necessity for most women (like nails and hair) they tend to put sunless tanning on the back burner. So promoting a tanning party is a fun and economical way for women to have a girl’s night in without breaking the bank.

So lets talk about slow time discounts, the ones that pop up everywhere on social media and Groupon type sites:

I am not against providing a discount in the slow months (I personally offer $5 off for new clients) but I see many spray tanners getting into panic mode and start to advertise bargain basement pricing. Be very careful about that as you are devaluing your worth and services. If you start offering huge discounts, then people are going to wait until you offer the next one. It is human nature and I have seen it happen to many spray tanners, They would hear crickets and then as soon as they posted their weekly “Special on Facebook or Instagram” they would get bookings.  Discounts should be the exception & not the rule for a healthy business model.

Think about it, why should a client pay full price if every week you are going to offer a huge special?  Understandably people panic when it is slow and just want to do the quickest thing to get business through the door but please understand the long term effects. If you have marketed your business establishing yourself as a top rated professional throughout the year then slash your prices people will change their perception of you.  And then there are also clients that appreciate value and if they feel if a service is super cheap then the perception is that the quality is as well.

There have been market studies for example like this:

They take a group into 2 rooms. In room 1 they are served a glass of white wine in plastic cups and some pretzels to snack on.  They were told that if they wanted to purchase a bottle of the wine it is on sale for just $7.99! When asked for feedback they said it was ok but it did taste like cheap wine, nothing special.

Then the same group went into room 2 and served a glass of white wine in a beautiful goblet and some shrimp cocktail was passed around by a waiter on a silver platter . They were told they can purchase a bottle of the wine and it would be $19.00. When asked for feedback they said it was crisp and delicious. Very flavorful and even though it was not on sale they would love to have a bottle for their home to enjoy.

But it was the SAME bottle of wine that was served in both rooms! However the cheaper discounted one took on a totally different perception and value!

So instead of huge discounts I recommend offering a free retail product. This way you are not cheapening your skills or discounting your “worth”. Maybe offer a free luxury body lotion or tan extender with a spray tan session (This can also be more cost effective for you then lowering your fee & also help with future retail sale conversions) Always promote the $ retail value of the product that they are getting for free. Also make sure you put an expiration date to create a sense of urgency.

For example here are 2 different marketing approaches.

  1. With every spray tan session you book until 8/10/2016 you get a FREE luxury tan extender ($22.00 value) or
  2. Get a FREE luxury tan extender at your next spray tan appointment. A $22.00 value and this limited time offer is only good until 8/10/2016 or until supplies last.

So always look at the positive and think about your long term business goals and how your quick decisions today can effect your future business for tomorrow. And even though business might be slow here and there throughout the year use that time to focus!

Need more tips? We offer customized business coaching programs. Visit Learntoairbrushtan.com for more information or schedule a FREE consultation call. 

 

Happy tanning XO – Melissa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Melissa Weinberg is the founder of Perfect Glow Sunless. A luxury worldwide line of professional spray tan solution and self-tanning products. Her products are used by professional salons and spas all over the world. She is also a South Florida spray tan expert and offers spray tan training & consulting.

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Tips for selling spray tan aftercare

Best self tannerBy Susan Brand

We all want our clients to use the right products that extend the life of the tan. It doesn’t make sense for them to go to the store to pick up body lotion, body wash or tan extender, when you already carry great products. So make it easy for them and be a one stop shop for everything they need. Keeping your spray tan aftercare  display shelves neat, clean and stocked with the right aftercare is crucial. Merchandising is a key element and people are very visual. If your products are out of reach, cluttered, dirty or not displayed well it effects the consumers decision to purchase from you.

So already you have this going in the right direction. You have a client and you just customized a tan for their entire body and they trust your opinion. Believe me they do or they would not be standing (naked in many cases) in front of you. You are providing a service, so why not go all the way? As professionals we have nothing to lose but the responsibility to provide the client with all the necessary tools to get the most out of your service. And as a customer what a huge convenience it is for them to be able to get everything they need at once.

But I know that many professionals struggle selling retail. Maybe they are intimated, do not feel it’s necessary or just lack the confidence to close the sale. This particular scenario I am about to list is unfortunately all too common:

A salon has great quality aftercare sitting on the shelves. But the customer asks them what they can recommend that is cheaper for them in the drug store. (And salons wanting to be nice, or feel bad not giving an alternative) do not know what to say so they suggest something that they can pick up over the counter.

If you are going to do that do not even waste time stocking retail. Think about it. Why would the customer want to buy your products if you suggest something else? Would a big brand makeup counter in the mall sell an eye shadow palette but then recommend a cheaper drug store makeup remover? Of course not.

But first and foremost as with anything in sales, you must believe 100% in the products that you are selling. Do not just carry a brand because it might be the “cheaper option”. You get what you pay for. And let me just add, do not sell your clients a product just because it has a pretty package or nice smell. The product has to benefit the client’s sunless tan, work well with it and you have to believe in it. I cannot stress that enough!

Clients can tell right off the bat if you believe in a product by the way you talk about it. Having confidence in the products you stock absolutely shows. It took me years and years of trying to find the one product line that I absolutely love (it was by far exhausting)! SO I totally get it what you might be going through. I am a huge fan of Melissa Weinberg Tanning & Beauty® and personally use it daily. The lotion is in my purse at all times. The mousse is in the bathroom (at eye level) for my self-application when I am not airbrushed, the gradual tanner is my go to after swimming (I live in south Florida, so swimming is necessary 😉

Explaining its benefits with enthusiasm and recommended usage is an absolute must. I discuss aftercare at the same time that I review post tan care with my clients. This is where confidence comes into play. You HAVE to be confident in your product, this is not an option. If you are not then keep trying product lines until you get there (I promise it will happen)

Be knowledgeable on the products, ingredients and the target customer. You should also be able to answer questions correctly such as:

  • Is it paraben free?
  • How to use it
  • Are there any ingredients in there that they might be allergic to?
  • Is it organic based?
  • Is it tested on animals?
  • Is it vegan?
  • Is it gluten free?
  • What is the shelf life?

Here’s the thing.. when a product is that good it sells itself after the client tries it for the first time.  Your product should be moving off the shelf with each client. Regulars should be restocking their faves every few weeks. Many of my clients who are on a recommended aftercare routine wished that they listened to me sooner. That is because now since they use my aftercare they are actually saving money in the long run. A longer lasting tan is helping them to not have to come every week or week and a half and having to pay for a full airbrush tanning session. Now they purchase full size bottles because they finally see how the right products can extend their tan.

I personally help my clients choose what is best for them. Sometimes they cannot afford to buy everything at once (or certain products might not be good for them, for example I will not sell a tan extender to a fair red head, so a great lotion and body wash would be the best choice for them.) So it is not just about making a sale but the right kind of sale. No one wants to waste money on stuff that is not going to be beneficial. So ask them what products they use at home and go from there. Remember stress the benefits of what you are selling.

So what are some key things that you can you do to help & get more confident?

  • Role play. I know it will seem silly at first but role play with your employees. if it is just you do it with a friend or spouse. Practice makes perfect!
  • Use the products yourself. Nothing is more genuine then selling a product that you love and use daily
  • If you are a mobile tanner, take some products with you and display them on the floor next to your machine so the client can see them as you are spraying them.

Here are some sales tips/examples to try and you can see the difference in the approach:


Example 1- Customer asks if they can use any soap after the tan.  

Approach # 1- As long as it is natural. Did you want to buy our body wash?

Approach #2; No, you need to refrain from using commercial soaps. They can strip your tan and make it blotchy. Our everyday body wash is absolutely amazing & made to be used with a spray tan. It is free of SLS, parabens and drying alcohols. Another great thing is that you can also use it to shave. It smells so refreshing, here see how good it smells? Plus you can use it even when you don’t have a spray tan.

Approach #1 is just asking a question without explaining the benefits & shoes no enthusiasm. Most times in that case the customer will say no as they are not being shown the value.

Example 2- Customer asks what body lotion they can use & for a good cheap one that they can pick up at the drugstore. 

Approach #1- Well we sell one that is good, but um you can also pick up XX at CVS that might be a little cheaper for you. They are both fine.

Approach #2- I do not recommend any drug store product. If I did I would be carrying them instead. I recommend these products as they are the best out there that I have personally tested to work with your sunless tan. I know they are a little more expensive then what you normally use, but the quality is superior. Plus, it will last longer as it is very hydrating and a little goes a long way. So you don’t have to apply a lot to get great results. Plus you can use this every day even when you don’t tan!

See the difference?

Enthusiastically I explain about the products, grab a beautiful retail bag, drop my biz card in it and grab the products that will benefit my client. And of course grab that appointment book and get them booked for their next apt (but that’s for another blog)

If you would like to know more about the Melissa Weinberg Tanning & Beauty aftercare line and wholesale rates offered for salons click HERE02 color on white - logo Melissa Weinberg - RGB (1)

 

Susan Brand is a Senior sales account manager and sunless educator for Perfect Glow Sunless™ She loves all things tanning and beauty. She is also the owner/operator of Healthy Glow Airbrush Tanning based in the Treasure Coast of Florida.

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Best clients for the rapid tan

 

Here is my Vlog on clients that can benefit from the rapid tan and who to market it to. Salons should all be offering a rapid tanning option to give their clients more choices. Many clients do not like to sleep in a spray tan or have busy schedules and do not have 6-8 hours for the tan to process.

Happy Tanning – xo Melissa

Melissa Weinberg is the creator of Perfect Glow Sunless & Melissa Weinberg Tanning & Beauty. A premium luxury line of professional spray tan solution and self-tanning products. Her products are used by professional salons and spas all over the world. She is also a South Florida spray tan expert and offers spray tan training.

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Tips to build a beauty portfolio

best spray tan solution

By Melissa Weinberg – Perfect Glow Sunless Inc

I am sure that you have all heard the old saying “A picture is worth 1000 words” Well that being said I am going to discuss tips on how to build a client portfolio. This blog is geared towards sunless tanning but my principles can be applied to many different industries.

Especially for spray tanning having good client pictures is crucial and will help potential clients take that step to book a session. Let’s face it, a common fear for new spray tan clients is that you are going to turn them orange. If I had a dollar for every time I get asked that question I could probably retire ( Just kidding. Well maybe I could book a luxury cruise)

So that being said beautiful pictures of your work can help alleviate that fear. I cannot stress enough that a beautiful portfolio showcasing your flawless tans will help bring in business. I always ask new clients how they heard about me. Most say from my website and that they loved the pictures I had posted (along with reviews but that topic is for another blog)

I see all sides of the spectrum. I get contacted by many new beauty professionals expressing frustration that they have difficulty getting client photos. Then I see many with tons of photos.

Spray tanning is a little different compared to a makeup or hair. Those professionals in many cases can fortunately snap a pic of the finished face or hair whereas a spray tan needs to have time to develop in order to see “true” results. Also being that many spray tan clients are in a bikini, undies or even their birthday suit at their appointment  many are shy to have their picture taken at the actual session. Even though many clients say they will send a picture once the tan has developed the fact is that life gets in the way and many forget.

So here are some helpful tips to help you build your portfolio:

Many clients think that you want a bikini pic. I always stress that I would love to see any pic and it of course does not have to be a bikini pic. Even if it is a picture of them at the dinner table I would love to see!

  • Let’s face it, if you have a busy day or night sometimes you just feel tired and worn out. When backtracking you may honestly forget the reason why your client came in for the spray tan (wedding, graduation, trip, and birthday) and you can get so busy that you forget to follow up. So to help with this, I recommend having a good old fashion pad and paper close by (or many times I make notes next to my client on my iPhone calendar at their session) When they come in I notate the occasion for them getting their spray tan ! This is so simple and makes such a big difference.
  • The next day when I plan my day, I set up a follow up task in the future to contact those client when I know they should have some pictures. I like to email them but you do what you are most comfortable with ( phone, text etc)
  • Are you fb friends? Ask them if they wouldn’t mind if you took some pictures that they are going to post on their page ( Many say yes and it takes the burden off of them for having to remember to send it to you)
  • If the tan was for an event like a wedding many clients think that you just want the professional photos. I always let them know that in the meantime it would be truly appreciated if they can send you some good ones that they took before the pro ones come in.
  • If it is a wedding or formal event ask them who the MUA and photographer is. Many photographers post the pics quick in their blog and if you have the client permission you can always contact the photographer or MUA directly asking if you can share them (Remember as a professional courtesy never remove the other professionals watermark)

Ok! So you applied these principles and now you are rocking & rolling and the pics are flowing in looking great! But….what’s those that have that filter?

When a client sends you a pic ask them not to please not use a filter! In tanning many times a filter can make the tan look orange or yellow when it really wasn’t. If they use a filter and it is altered it is not worth posting. Remember…A bad pic can do more harm than no pic in this case.

Another important element is lightning. I see many spray tan professionals use a camera or cell phone were the flash makes the tan look brassy etc. Always make sure that you are talking your pics in good lighting. If your salon has colored walls (pink for example) that can throw off the lighting. Try to have an area where you can have a neutral backdrop to help the photos look as good as possible.

When you do get the pictures in, before you post it is always a good idea to watermark them whenever possible & I can’t stress this enough!! Unfortunately I have seen many people on instagram stealing other salons work (and it has happened to me as well- totally NOT COOL btw)  For the IPhone an app that I recommend is Ezy Watermark but there are plenty of other ones as well.

So I hope these tips can help you and your portfolio continues to grow.

Happy Tanning – xo Melissa

Melissa Weinberg Tanning

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Melissa Weinberg is the creator of Perfect Glow Sunless & Melissa Weinberg Tanning & Beauty. A premium luxury line of professional spray tan solution and self-tanning products. Her products are used by professional salons and spas all over the world. She is also a South Florida spray tan expert and offers spray tan training.

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Photo shoot Tanning Tips

 

spray tan

Model Alexi Gropper for Perfect Glow Sunless

 

If you have an important photo shoot coming up or modeling event you might be thinking about getting a spray tan. It is a great idea as a tan will always make you look thinner, accentuate your muscles and definition if it is a fitness shoot. It also will make your teeth look whiter, eyes look brighter and help cover up many skin imperfections.

If you want to use a self-tanner to do it yourself to save some money make sure you choose a high quality product. I created Melissa Weinberg Tanning and Beauty self-tanning mousse with the highest grade of ingredients from my professional salon formulas. Using a top quality product can ensure that you will not have an orange or yellow looking tan when applied properly. Make sure you read the instructions when choosing any product for tips on how to best apply the product and to prevent the feet and hands from looking dirty. You can find out more about them here Shop

Model Heather Hansen for Perfect Glow Sunless

If you want to go the route of getting a professional airbrush tan make sure that you do some research beforehand. Get recommendations for a top rated professional that can provide a custom airbrush tan for your important shoot. Also take a look at their website and check out their portfolio to see if you like their work and read their reviews. The great thing about using a professional spray tan artist is that we can customize the color according to your skin tone and the level of tan you want to achieve. It is not just 1 color fits all. We can also contour to enhance or slim certain body parts that you cannot do if you use a spray booth.

If this is your first time getting a spray tan I highly recommend doing a trial first if you have enough time. If you are going to use a self-tanning product it can take also some practice to apply it properly. Unlike makeup or a hairdo, you cannot just wash off a sunless tan easily as it will be on your skin for 7 + days. So doing a trial session first is the best way to go to ensure you get that perfect color and best results.

If you do not have time for a trial tell the spray tanning tech to do a natural looking shade to avoid possible disaster by being way too dark for your skin tone. A spray tan works with your natural skin tone, so if you are very pale (Think Nicole Kidman) there is no way we can get you as dark as Jlo and not have you look pretty silly. So just keep that in mind and let the trained professional select a shade that they recommend for you. Although there is Photoshop it is very hard making a bad tan look good! So go natural and you can always darken up the color with body makeup or body bronzer if needed.

Don’t forget about the face! Make sure that your face has a natural spray. Two of the biggest disasters I see in photos are always related to the face. If you spray your face very dark and then apply very heavy makeup it can make it look orange or much darker than the rest of your body.

The other problem is when someone gets a spray tan but does not use a little darker makeup to match. This results in a tan body but a washed out paler face and that contrast does not look very good. So remember if you are doing your own makeup buy a shade or so darker or use some bronzer.

Rapid Tan Cocktail
Rapid Tan Cocktail- Model Shaana Ashley

So here are the answers to some important questions you need to know:

“How should I prepare for my Tan?–

It is imperative that you exfoliate your skin the day before or even for a few days leading up to the Spray Tan or when you are going to apply the self tanner.  (Do not exfoliate the day of as many scrubs will leave a film on your skin resulting in the tan streaking or being blotchy)  Exfoliation is important so the skin can be a clean even canvas. If the spray tan is applied on uneven skin, it can look blotchy and uneven. Plus the older dead skin cells will come off first causing the tan to possibly fade poorly.

Do not have any existing self- tanner on or any old spray tan on your skin !! This is a very common thing that I see and highly recommend you get all of it off. I compare it to getting a manicure. Would you want a new manicure being applied over chipped polish? (I don’t think so) So please have your skin void of any self- tanner. If not you would be combining different colors that can wind up looking very poor and patchy.

Any manicures and pedicures should be done before your tanning session. If you must get it on the same day as your spray tan session you must refrain from the massage. You do not want any oils or lotions on your skin as they will cause a barrier.

Waxing and shaving should be done at least 24 hours before your session. Streaky legs are almost always caused by shaving right before the sunless tan is being applied. If you shave the day of, the shaving cream can leave a barrier. Also many razors have the moisturizing strips that will cause the spray tan to streak on the legs!

Do not shower right before the session. You may think that you are helping by having fresh clean skin. But what you may not realize is that your pores are being opened and your skin is getting hydrated. It might not absorb as much of the spray tan solution resulting in a much lighter tan. Also many soaps, shampoos and conditioners leave a film (even if you can’t see it) that can cause blotchy areas and streaks.

Do not apply any oils, lotions, perfumes or deodorant the day of the tan. They can also cause a barrier and if you spray over perfume that area can result in the tan peeling.

What do I need to wear?–

Wear a dark colored swimsuit or undergarments. I always recommend going topless or nude as this way you will not have to worry about tan lines if you do not know what you will be wearing at your photo shoot.

How long until my tan develops?–

You will see instant color due to a cosmetic bronzer but the actual tan will take from 9-12 hours to fully develop. You can NOT shower or get wet until you rinse off as you will risk washing off the spray tan ! (no skin to skin contact either) If you do not have time to leave a tanning product on for that long & need to rinse off quickly ask the salon if they offer a rapid tanning option. This is a special tanning solution that will allow you to rinse off between 1-4 hours depending on the level of darkness you want. It might be a little more money but is perfect for those that have a busy schedule or do not like sleeping in spray tan solution. I also offer a rapid self-tanning mousse as well for those that want to diy http://mwmelissaweinberg.com/shop/– RAPIDMOUSSE

What should I wear after the tanning session?

Please prepare accordingly. Many times spray tans are ruined because the client did not wear the right clothes to wear after the self tanner or spray tan is applied. Wear either a loose t-shirt, button down shirt and loose pants or shorts. A strapless sundress is one of the best things you can wear. Do not put on any bras, spandex, jeans, leggings or yoga pants. No tight elastic around the waist or ankles & no socks or sneakers so bring flip flops. If is raining an umbrella does not always protect the tan. Water can splash up from your flip flops and get on your legs and heavy wind can still get you wet so long sleeves and loose long pants are the best thing for rainy days.

Follow these tips and you will be on your way to the perfect tan for your beautiful photo shoot.

Melissa Weinberg Tanning

Melissa Weinberg is the creator of Perfect Glow Sunless which is a premium luxury line of professional spray tan solution and self tanning products. Her products are used by professional salons and spas all over the world. She is also a spray tan expert and trainer located in South Florida.

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Business coaching and mentoring

coaching

I am excited to announce that I am now offering online business coaching no matter where you live!

This is not a spray tan instructional course but a comprehensive 1 on 1 coaching/mentor program. This is not only for sunless professionals but geared towards anyone in the beauty industry and other professions that want to get ahead in their goals.

Sometimes a mentor can be that one person that you can vent to when you do not have anyone else that can understand. ( Friends and family mean well but can sometimes be judgmental ) They can be someone who can help you answer your own questions, help you think outside the box and give you the confidence to know your worth and help you make key decisions.

But lets talk about YOU. Are you unsure what business coaching is or  that it can benefit you? Well here are some questions to ask yourself:

  • What do you want out of your business?
  • What personal goals do you want to reach?
  • Do you need more confidence- Do you get depressed looking at your competition on Instagram? Think that they are better just because they have more followers?
  • Are you an experienced beauty professional but struggling to build your business?
  • Does social media seem like a burden and have no idea what to post to engage followers?
  • Are you using a cheap DIY logo and do you look at your competition and wish your logo, website and branding looked as good?
  • Do you need a mentor to discuss your frustrations and obstacles you are having?
  • Are you tired of problem clients that expect too much & you feel guilty setting boundaries or do not know how?
  • Are you unsure on how to handle the client who always seems to have a problem or being a no show?
  • Is is hard for you to juggle everything on your own and seem to get overwhelmed a lot?
  • Are you having a hard time getting client reviews?
  • Do you struggle with pricing

Are you ready to find out more? Visit http://learntoairbrushtan.com/business-coaching/ for more details and to contact me for more information

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Should you use a prep spray on the client?

 


Most definitely ! This is a question that I get asked all of the time. Many technicians do not know if they should be using a prep spray.

Prep spray is such a crucial product for spray tanners to use & I always recommend it. Perfect Glow Sunless solutions are already PH balanced however a prep spray is crucial as an extra added measure to help prime and clean the skin for the sunless application.

Why is this important??

Well, we all know how many clients say that they prepped (or think they did) but they didn’t. Maybe they thought they were helping by showering right before their session by having “clean skin”  But the products that they are using in the shower (soaps, body wash, shampoo, exfoliating products, conditioner etc..can & many times will leave an invisible film/residue on the skin). Also if they shave right before, they can have shaving cream or residue from the razors moisturizing strips. Or maybe they just came from the gym and are sweaty, or came from a pedicure and have lotion on their legs. So a prep spray is an extra added measure to make sure the skin is free of barriers.

The simple fact is that all of these things (plus more)  can cause a barrier and hinder the tan from developing properly. And if it does then the client panics. We have all experienced the calls and texts from an upset client who might be freaking out because there is a problem with the tan. And the reality is that 9 out of 10 times it is because of poor prep ! So even though it was not the fault of the salon, it does not eliminate the issue of the client blowing up your phone or texting you pictures. Sound familiar?

Besides it becoming time consuming and stressful for all involved, the more phone calls or texts you have to spend time answering are eating away at the profit margin you made off of that tan. Especially of the client has to come in for a respray or touch up!  So using a prep spray on every client can help further clean the skin and help give the client & you that extra added measure to help eliminate many issues due to poor prep.

Some techs charge their client for the prep spray however I do not. That is a personal decision that you can decide on for your business. However I find that many people are on a budget and do not want to pay for certain“extras” & do not realize how important this is ( Again, if they just showered they think they are clean and their skin is ok) So I like to offer this as a complimentary service. My reasoning is that it is very beneficial for me to use it as this can help eliminate any post tan problems. I feel that for the low cost, providing something that can save me time and headaches due to issues with the tan development is worth more than the $2-$3 up sell.

For more information & to purchase my Perfect Prep spray please click here  Spray tan prep spray

 

Melissa Weinberg Tanning

 

 

 

 

Melissa Weinberg is the creator of Perfect Glow Sunless which is a premium luxury line of professional spray tan solution and self tanning products. Her products are used by professional salons and spas all over the world. She is also a spray tan expert and trainer located in South Florida.

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How To Take Care Of A Spray Tan

 

 

Perfect Glow Sunless

 

Post tan care is such an important topic if you like to spray tan or use a self tanner at home. I always tell my clients that if they are paying good money for a great tan it is important to follow proper aftercare to get their money’s worth.  Over the years I have had so many new clients tell me that their past salon did not educate them or they just did not realize that the right products do make a difference. They also had no clue that they should be avoiding certain things when they got an airbrush tan.

I can tell you from my personal experience the first place I ever went for a spray tan didn’t go over anything with me. They just took my money and I was left to fend for myself (with the help of my good friend google)

Post tan care is one of the most important factors on how your airbrush tan or self-tanning application will last. It does not matter if you go to the best salon in town, or if the application is flawless. Bottom line is how you care for that tan once you leave is 100% up to you & is crucial. What you do (or don’t do) will be the difference between a spray tan that lasts a good amount of time that will  fades great, compared to one that only lasts a few days and fades terrible ( Ever get that cracked lizard looking skin? Well thay can be avoided with my tips)

It is imperative that you use products that are made specifically made for or determined to work well with airbrush tanning which are free of harmful ingredients.

A minimal investment in the right aftercare products can actually save you money in the long run. A spray tan that lasts longer on you means that you need to make less trips to the salon and will get more out of your session.

So that being said here are some helpful tips to help that spray tan last and maintain your golden goddess hue for as long as possible:

Do not shower or bathe for at least 8-10 hours after your spray tan. If you do not wait the recommended time it can prevent your tan from fully developing. The longer you can wait the better. I recommend waiting 10-12 hours for optimum results. ( *However if you did a rapid tan product, then you shower in the time frame that is provided to you*)

Aftercare products made specifically for airbrush tanning will hydrate your skin and will not strip the tan like many soaps, body washes and over the counter lotions.

Do not wash your hands or get them wet for at least 8-10 hours. (Unless you used a rapid tan product it is OK after you rinsed off) Use rubber gloves if you have to use the sink for anything or bathe your little ones.

Wear loose fitting dark clothing after your session. On your feet I recommend flip flops or sandals with an open toe.  Tight clothes are the worst thing to put on after your airbrush tanning session! Yep that includes yoga pants! Leave those jeans, tight elastic waistbands and lycra tank tops at home too. If you wear them you are risking ruining the development of the tan. I compare wearing tight clothes after getting an airbrush tan to putting gloves on your hands before your manicure is done drying.  ( Um…. disastrous ) Avoid red fabric as well. The red dye will have a reaction with the spray tan and can cause it to turn green.

Avoid getting wet until after you shower. Water can ruin or hinder the development of the spray tan causing streaks and areas of the actual tan to come off. If  you are in a climate where you are able to wear shorts be careful as flip flops will kick the water up onto the back of the legs causing spots . ( I see it all the time with my clients in Florida) So if it is raining wear loose long sleeves and loose pants so all of your skin is covered. Make sure you have an umbrella and watch for puddles.

Do not let pets lick your spray tan. I know this sounds funny! But they always try to do this for some reason.

Wait at least 24 hours to shave as shaving can cause fading. If you must, make sure that you use hair conditioner instead of shaving cream. That is better for the skin and does not contain the chemicals that are in shaving cream so it is less drying to the skin. Try to shave only as needed & use a sharp new razor. A dull razor can cause fading or streaking.

Do not do any spa treatments for a few days after your tan ( pedicures, waxing, massages) as these treatments can fade or remove the tan. If you are getting married and have any of these scheduled for after your session you will run the risk of the tan being removed, becoming streaky and coming off patchy. It is imperative that you refrain from these things. If you don’t want to I highly suggest you do not spray tan, as you are just asking for trouble. Always do your pedicure prior to the session or applying self tanner. Soaking your feet will remove the tan. If you are going to get just a polish change after the session I recommend removing the polish yourself. Many salons use a lot of acetone and they rub the skin as well so it winds up in many cases  removing the tan on the toes.

When getting out of the shower BLOT your skin with a towel. Pat dry and DO NOT RUB! Remember, the spray tan is applied to the outer layers of the skin. You want to treat it delicately and anything that exfoliates the skin will remove the tan.

extender
Model Shaana Ashley tanned with 50/50 rapid tan combination

Moisturize your skin at least a minimum of 2x a day with proper aftercare . I recommend my luxury moisturizer by Melissa Weinberg Tanning & Beauty that I created specifically for airbrush tanning & infused with antioxidants & hydrating ingredients such as:

Apple Stem cell extract, Mango seed oil, Pure Coconut Oil, Hemp Seed Oil , Moroccan Argan oil , Panthenol, Almond Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Cranberry Seed Oil, Marine Algae Extract and more !

Do NOT start moisturizing until AFTER you shower, this can streak your spray tan and cause it to develop uneven. ( With the rapid tan start moisturizing the next day)  Many lotions that are sold at the mall and drugstores may smell great , but they contain alcohol and other drying ingredients that will not be good for your tan or your skin in general. A great body lotion is a key factor that will help you get more than a week + out of your tan compared to just a few days!

THINGS TO AVOID AFTER YOUR SPRAY TAN:

Do not do any waxing. It will take the tan off no question about it.

Baby oil, mineral oil or massage oils.

No skin to skin contact/sex until after you shower as it can cause the spray tan to rub off. (I have had a few clients develop with some funny looking handprints lol)

Avoid hot baths & long hot showers (use warm to cool water) and do not use any loofahs 0r washcloths. Remember that the spray tan or self tanner is on the outer layer of the skin. Anything

Avoid Dove soap and bar soaps as they can strip and fade a tan quickly. This is for both before and after the tan. You can use it on the “Pitts and private areas” but avoid it for the whole body. I can tell you that at least 99% of the time if the client has streaking or blotching it is from using dove or commercial quality bar soap! If washing with it before you session, this can create an invisible barrier on the skin.

Sorry, if you are going on vacation or a romantic getaway but you will need to avoid hot tubs as they will remove your tan. (I actually recommend hot tubs to my clients as the best way to remove a spray tan)

Avoid long swims in pools and oceans as the chlorine and salt water can remove/streak the tan. If you are doing this activity as part of a vacation or event you will want to purchase tan extender to replenish your color afterwards. I recommend my gradual tanner/tan extender

http://mwmelissaweinberg.com/product/gradual-self-tannertan-extender/

Avoid exfoliating or using any harsh scrub within the duration of getting a spray tan.

If going in the Sun wear SPF as the spray tan does not contain sunscreen. I recommend a sport aerosol brand.

Bug spray can cause your tan to fade

Anti-aging products that exfoliate or dry the skin, Accutane and Salicylic acids can cause issues.

Antibiotics and other medications that affect your skin can also affect your tan.

Cocoa Beach 10%
Model Heather Hansen for Perfect Glow Sunless. Tanned with Cocoa Beach 10%

 

Follow these instructions and you will see it truly makes a difference. Happy tanning xo – Melissa

Melissa Weinberg Tanning

 

 

 

 

Melissa Weinberg is a spray tan expert and the founder of Perfect Glow Sunless and Melissa Weinberg Tanning & Beauty. She also offers spray tan training and custom airbrush tanning in the South Florida area. For more information please visit www.perfectglowsunless.com

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Bridal Spray Tanning Tips

 

 
(Actual brides with custom spray tans using Perfect Glow Sunless)

The Ultimate Spray Tan Guide for Brides
By Melissa Weinberg- Founder Perfect Glow Sunless

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! To help you look your best on your special day, we have some tips to help make you say “I do” to the perfect spray tan!

A wedding is one of the most important days for a bride to be. You have taken the time and painstaking details to make sure your dress, venue, and other details are perfect. In all my years of spray tanning, it is common to see many brides booking their sunless tanning appointments at the last minute. Some even book their appointment a day or two before the wedding! Leaving this important detail for the last minute is not a good idea, especially if you are a first-time spray tanner.

If you are a bride, please read these three important tips to make sure your tan is perfect for your special day:

Research professional spray tan salons in your area. Now is NOT the time to do a booth or a self tanner. You want your sunless tan applied by a trained professional. This ensures a perfect application. So, while researching, make sure to read reviews and and check out the spray tan artist’s portfolio. You want to use someone who specializes in bridal tanning and knows what they are doing.

2. Find out if your chosen spray tan technician offers bridal spray tanning trials. Many choose to structure a package deal that include a few sessions. This a great way for brides to test out the airbrush tan for their bridal shower and bachelorette party before the special day.

3. When it comes to how dark you should be for your wedding, please listen to the professional. When I get a new client that books without a trial, I always recommend that they go light and natural. Just because they might want a dark tan, it might not be the best for their skin tone. They should not risk any unnatural color or the dreaded orange look. A bridal tan should always enhance your natural beauty and not overpower it. When you walk down the aisle, you want to show off your gown and flawless beauty. You do not want the tan to take over and be the first thing people notice.

Booking a Trial Spray Tan
I recommend a bride should book a trial at least a month or so in advance. This way, you can get sprayed at least once if not twice beforehand. It also gives the salon ample time to further customize the tan if you want to go darker or lighter. You’ll also have enough time to see the true longevity and fade, which is important if you want the tan to last for their honeymoon. You also have the chance to ensure you have enough time to get the old spray tan off before your sunless tan for the big day. (You never want to spray tan over an existing spray tan!)

To help avoid any misconceptions about their sunless tanning results, I share these facts with my bridal tanners:

Even if you have spray tanned 100 times, every salon uses different sunless tanning solution. All of these products have different ingredients, cosmetic bronzers, and fade times
A spray tan is a cosmetic procedure and you need to make sure that your skin does not have an adverse or allergic reaction. If there was something in the blend that irritated you or gave you a rash, you would be uncomfortable during the ceremony, and it would show in your wedding pictures. If you don’t do a trial, you are stuck with the color you get whether you like it or not!
You can not just wash off a spray tan like you could a bad hairdo or makeup application. You are stuck with it for at least a week in many cases.
A common question that I get asked is “Can’t I just spray over the first tan?” You can, though I do not recommend it, as you are not spraying on fresh skin. You will be spraying over some areas that have started the exfoliation process. Since it won’t be a fresh canvas, the new tan will not be flawless. I compare it to getting a manicure without taking the old, chipped nail polish off first. Up close, it is not going to look good, and every bride’s wedding tan should look perfect.
If you do not have time for a proper trial, I recommend you ask the salon if they can do a patch test on an area of your skin that won’t show. (Your stomach or legs should be good if you will be wearing a long gown.) This allows you to see if you like the results. Also, you might want to stick to a natural color and not spray your face if you can’t do a full trial because your makeup artist can match the foundation to the rest of your body.
Do not get any spray tans the day of any dress fitting. This can result in bronzer getting on the gowns, which the bridal shop will not appreciate. I had a client ask me if she could wrap her body in plastic wrap to protect the dress, which I do not recommend.

Let’s Talk Pre-Wedding Festivities!
Most brides need to consider the events they have planned for their wedding weekend. After consulting with them, there have been a few that I have actually turned away, as the events were not compatible with spray tanning. Discuss your planned activities with your spray tan professional to see if this service is the best choice for you.

Here is a list of some post-wedding activities that can negatively affect your spray tan results:

Massages and certain spa treatments.
A tropical climate or destination wedding.
Beach and water activities.

Some Important Tips for Tanners
Proper preparation is the key to achieving a flawless tan. Even if you chose a bridal tanning expert, the way you prepare for your spray tan can make or break your chance for a flawless experience. Here are some helpful tips for preparing for your spray tan:

Exfoliate your skin the day before or even for a few days leading up to the spray tan. (Do not exfoliate on the day of your sunless tan.)
I recommend you use exfoliating gloves rather than a washcloth or loofah. Also refrain from a scrub that contains oils, unless it is more than a day before your appointment. Oils can leave a film on your skin that can create a barrier and possibly block the spray tan absorption.
Never go to your spray tan session with any existing self tanner or an old spray tan on your body.
Consider getting sprayed topless. Just like a regular tan, bras or bikini tops leave tan lines. This is something to consider, especially if you have a strapless or backless gown.
While the tan is developing, drink out of a straw to avoid getting any liquid on you.
If you only have time to do one trial, and you are not sure how dark you want to be, ask for the darker color at your trial. It is always better to have to go lighter for the wedding spray rather than risking going darker for the big day and end up with an unnatural color.
Manicures and pedicures must be done before the spray tan session. If it is on the same day, you cannot have any lotions or oils applied to your body, as these create a barrier that prevents the spray tan solution from being absorbed.
You need to refrain from massages after your spray tan session, or on the same day of your appointment. This seems to be a common pre-wedding ritual.
Waxing and shaving should always be done 24-48 hours in advance. Do not use oils, lotions, perfumes, or deodorant the day of the tan, as these can act as a skin barrier and cause streaking or color from being absorbed in certain areas.
Many people think that they should shower right before the appointment, but I highly recommend you don’t. That is because when you shower, the steam will open the pores and your body gets very hydrated. This can adversely affect your tan because your skin might not absorb all of the solution. This results in a lighter tan and can take longer to dry off. I recommend showering at least showering four hours before by doing a light rinse with no soap or body wash, except on your armpits and private areas. If you absolutely must shower before your appointment, do not use very hot water or any soap or body wash, and make it a quick rinse.
Make sure you have the proper clothing to change into after your spray tan session. Refrain from wearing tight clothes such as yoga pants. Wear loose, dark clothing instead to avoid messing up the tan.

All the Best on Your Special Day!
When getting a spray tan before your wedding, don’t be shy about asking questions of your sunless tanning tech. We are here to help you look your best for your special day, so a professional spray tan artist shouldn’t mind answering their tanners’ questions. Also don’t be shy about asking for a printed list of aftercare instructions to make sure you take care of your tan and preserve it for your wedding. You have enough to worry about for your wedding, so you should trust your spray tan to the professional who applies it to your body.

 

 

Melissa Weinberg is a spray tan expert and the founder of Perfect Glow Sunless and Melissa Weinberg Tanning & Beauty. Luxury lines of spray tan solution & Self tanning products. She also provides sunless education & business consulting through her Perfect Glow Sunless Spray Tan Academy. For more information please visit Perfectglowsunless.com

 

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Mobile Spray Tan Tips

 

Airbrush tanning is increasing in popularity. The work is fun, income is great and it is rewarding to be in the beauty industry and getting to meet so many new people. Many salons now offer a mobile service and many techs starting out choose to be a mobile service only. A benefit of that is that they do not have to pay any rent or lease out a space, So it is a very cost effective option (with the exception of fuel)

I personally started out as a mobile only service. I traveled all across 3 counties 7 days a week and even in the evenings. It was a lot of trial and error to come up with a system that worked well for me to haul all my equipment. Trust me it was difficult lugging all that stuff ( especially up stairs)  and there was many things that I learned. So I wanted to share some spray tan tips to help you all with the process and maybe touch upon some things you might have not though about when starting your mobile airbrush tanning service.

Safety

This is the first thing that I talk about when I train or mentor new spray tanners. Many don’t even think about this but it should be your number one priority. I am not trying to scare anyone but we do live in a world today where this should be a concern & it is important to take safety measures. Especially for a female going into a strangers home or hotel room. Here are some measures and precautions that you should take when scheduling a mobile session

1) Google the person. See if the address they give you matches up to them . Check them out on Facebook to see if they exisit ( I know not everyone is on FB but many are)

2) Speak to them on the phone and get a feel of them. If you get any odd feeling then do not book the appointment. Remember..you have the right to refuse service and always go with your gut. It rarely never fails.

3) Do a reverse lookup of their phone number also to see if they are who they say there are. It may not be 100% accurate ( for example if a cell phone is in another persons name) but I do this and it works pretty good. I personally like the iphone app Lookup+

4) Know where you are going. Map out the location prior, use google earth as well so you do not get lost. If you are uncomfortable bring a friend or family member with you.

5) Provide a family member, co worker, roommate or significant other the address & client information prior to your appointment. This way they have it in case of emergency.

6) When you get to your appointment, go to the door to introduce yourself but leave your gear in the car! This is something I always do. Do not walk up to the door with your spray tent and all of your equipment. This provides a logical reason for you to have to walk back to your vehicle. This way if you get a bad feeling & sense that something is not right you can just get back into your car and leave! if you are standing at the door with all of your things then it can be awkward and you might not know what to so.

Hotels are an exception ( plus many have valet parking) so judge accordingly. If you are very nervous about spray tanning someone in a hotel room bring someone with you or do not book the session. You can also ask someone to call you at a certain time to check in and give a code word to make sure everything is OK.

7) Carry mace or another form of protection. I know many techs that have their concealed weapons permit or take a self defense course.

Hopefully you will never be in a situation where your safety is at risk. But knowledge is power.

 What to carry your equipment in:

I went through a few different systems when starting out and kept changing it up. Here are some ideas for consideration and maybe one of them will work for you.

1) Supermarket shopping cart- ( The metal ones that fold up) This is what i started out using. I know some techs use this as well and can even get creative blinging it out. There is also a cover that can be inserted inside to keep the cart contents concealed.

2) A sewing machine case. You can put a small HVLP machine in that to conceal it and it has wheels.

3) Duffel bag with wheels or a small suitcase.

4) Cargo totes. I love the ones that you can get from 31 gifts & I use this system now. I had mine embroidered with my company name and got additional pieces to match, such as an insulated tote that I use to carry my solution.

Track your miles

This is crucial come tax time! You want to have everything properly documented. I can not stress this enough. Keep a note pad in your car or use an app for your phone, Whatever you do is fine just do not forget to do this.

Get insurance

Do not forget the liability insurance. It is not very expensive and will provide piece of mind. I have heard many stories on how techs dropped solution all over the floor or their machine got over spray on the carpet or rug etc. Make sure you are covered, Hopefully you will never have to use it but at least you will have it.

Bring a backup machine

The last thing you want is to have an equipment malfunction when out on an appointment, (Especially if it is a large bridal party) Not only will you look unprofessional but you will lose revenue & damage your reputation if you can not finish the session. Could you imaging tanning someone and in the middle the gun breaks or the machine overheats and turns off? That would not be good, so I always have a backup machine in the car and carry a backup gun. You can not plan a problem and this way you will always be prepared. You do not need anything expensive, just something is better than nothing in a pinch.

I hope you have found some of these tips helpful. If you are just starting out it is a very exciting time for you and wish you all the best of luck in this amazing industry! Happy tanning…Xo Melissa

 

 

 

Melissa Weinberg is a spray tan expert & founder of Perfect Glow Sunless & Melissa Weinberg Tanning & Beauty. A luxury line of professional spray tan solution and self-tanning products. Her products are used by professional salons and spas all over the world. She also offers 5 star rated training programs and business coaching through her Perfect Glow Sunless Spray Tan Academy.

 

 

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