In search of the perfect tan

TO spray or not to spray.
That is the question facing thousands of women across Casey this summer in the never-ending search for the perfect tan.
Spray tans have become an increasingly popular form of attaining beautiful bronze skin without exposure to harmful UV rays.
The spray tan has now matched the rival solarium as the number one tanning choice amongst women, embraced for the speed, ease and effectiveness of application.
It takes just minutes for a professional technician to evenly apply the tanning agent, leaving users with a natural golden colour.
The tan can last up to a week, depending on skin type and proper maintenance.
The manager of Body Bronze in Narre Warren, Cathy Hudson, said the spray-tanning craze reached its peak during November’s Spring Racing Carnival, with up to 40 people a day flocking to the salon for a golden glow.
“During the Spring Racing carnival things were mental,” she said.
“Even around Christmas and New Year we were probably doing about 20 people a day.”
Ms Hudson said most people opted to have a spray tan for a splash of colour before a wedding or special occasion.
However, she said many underwent a weekly spray for sun kissed radiance all year round.
Despite the new spray-tanning trend, Ms Hudson said solariums were still a popular method of tanning.
“Spray tanning is only temporary so solarium use is still popular.
“But some people are too fair for solariums so they opt for the spray instead,” she said.
Clair Street, from Sundaze Tanning and Beauty in Berwick, said spray tans were very popular during summer.
However she warned that, although the spray turned the skin up to five shades darker, it did not provide sun protection.
“People are becoming more aware of UV exposure and spray tan is definitely a safer option.
“But we still have to remind people that it doesn’t provide UV protection and they still have to put on sunscreen.
“It’s amazing how many people don’t know,” Ms Street said.
Elissa Keir, of Creative Style Hair and Beauty in Cranbourne, said the tan would last the full duration if users adhered to maintenance guidelines.
“It gives a great colour that lasts up to a week as long as you look after it.
“We haven’t had any horror stories of tan gone wrong here but I know of one girl who had a spa an hour after being sprayed and it came out really patchy.
“You have to wait at least eight hours before contact with water and make sure you moisturise daily to ensure the life of your tan,” she said.
Spray tanning is not confined to the salon either and can be done in the comforts of your own home.
Kristal Smith launched her own business Kristal’s Tantastic Spray Tanning last year and has more than two years tanning experience.
She brings her own pop-up tent to homes in the Casey area and gives clients a golden tan within five minutes.
Ms Smith said she had also come to the rescue of many people who had attempted the DIY tan.
“They call and say they are orange and patchy so I tell them to exfoliate and then I go over and spray them again and fix them up,” she said.