If you are visiting The Tan Boutique for a spray tan for the first time, we will ask you to complete a patch test at least 48 hours before your first appointment.

It is a simple precaution that allows us to see how your skin responds to the tanning product before it is applied across your body. While reactions are uncommon, everybody’s skin is different, so this small step helps us provide a safer and more responsible spray tanning service.

What Is a Patch Test?

A patch test involves applying a small sample of the spray tanning product to a discreet area of your skin, usually behind the ear or on the inside of the elbow.

The product is then left on the skin and monitored over the following 48 hours, giving enough time for any signs of sensitivity or an allergic reaction to become noticeable.

It is quick to carry out and provides us with useful information before proceeding with a full spray tan.

Why Are Patch Tests Important for Spray Tanning?

During a spray tan, tanning solution is applied across a large area of the body. If you happen to be sensitive or allergic to an ingredient within the product, discovering this during a full-body treatment would be far from ideal.

A patch test allows us to take a more cautious approach.

Rather than applying the product immediately across your skin, we first test a very small area. If your skin responds normally, we can move forward with your appointment. If there are signs of a reaction, we can avoid unnecessarily exposing the rest of your skin to the same product.

What Should I Look Out For?

Once your patch test has been applied, keep an eye on the area over the following 48 hours.

Signs that your skin may not agree with the product could include:

• Redness
• Itching
• Swelling
• Irritation
• A rash
• Unusual discomfort or sensitivity

If you notice anything that concerns you, let our team know before your spray tan.

It is also worth remembering that a patch test cannot completely rule out the possibility of a future reaction. However, it is an important precaution that can highlight an existing sensitivity before treatment.

Do I Still Need a Patch Test If I’ve Had Spray Tans Before?

Yes. If you are a new spray tan client at The Tan Boutique, we will still require you to complete a patch test, even if you have regularly had spray tans at another salon.

This is because tanning products and their ingredients can vary between brands and salons. Your skin may have reacted perfectly well to one product in the past, but that does not automatically tell us how it will respond to another.

By carrying out our own patch test, we know that you have been tested using the product associated with your treatment at The Tan Boutique.

When Should I Arrange My Patch Test?

We recommend arranging your patch test in plenty of time before your intended spray tan appointment.

As patch tests must be completed at least 48 hours before your first appointment, it is not something that can be carried out immediately before your treatment.

Planning is particularly important if your spray tan is for a special occasion such as a:

• Wedding
• Holiday
• Birthday
• Prom
• Party
• Other important event

Getting your patch test sorted early means there is one less thing to think about closer to the occasion.

Why We Require Patch Tests at The Tan Boutique

For us, patch testing is simply part of providing a professional spray tanning service.

We would much rather take a little extra time beforehand than skip an important precaution for the sake of convenience. Requiring new clients to complete a patch test at least 48 hours before their appointment helps us understand how your skin responds and ensures we are taking sensible steps before carrying out your treatment.

It also means that when the day of your spray tan arrives, you can focus on choosing your perfect shade and getting ready for your finished glow.

Booking Your First Spray Tan With Us

If you are considering your first spray tan at The Tan Boutique, remember to arrange your patch test at least 48 hours before your first appointment.

The process itself is quick, with the test area then monitored before your treatment. Once everything looks as expected, you will be ready to move forward with your spray tan appointment.

It is a small part of the process, but an important one — helping us put your skin and your experience first from the moment you visit us.