Ever sat on the edge of your bed while lotioning your brown skin and thought “dang, I need a spray tan”? Never had that thought, not even for a moment? Then, sir or madame, you should be ashamed of yourself for being so closed minded. But, who can blame you since there’s pretty much a general consensus amongst people of color that they don’t need to tan. Especially in the African American community.
Most African Americans would agree that melanin is the best thing since sliced bread. There’ are even t-shirts created to articulate this point of view. Like everything else in this world melanin isn’t perfect and there are things that can be done to enhance your natural complexion. Celebrities like Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson spray tan all the time and we all agree that they look great. We’ll those of us who don’t bleach our skin or have any self-hating racial complexes. A spray tan can give your sunkissed skin a radiant glow that will appear as if you’ve been poked by God. Well, the God thing was a joke, but the radiant glow is very achievable.
Now, before you go skipping down the street to the first tanning salon you can find, there are some things that you need to be aware of. Frist off, there is a lot of prep work to do before you get your glow on. The night before make sure you exfoliate and moisturize your skin to create a smooth surface. Plus, you’re not allowed to put on any type of moisturizer the day of your tan.
It’s also recommended that you remove all of your body hair prior to the appointment. All of the men just checked out of this article, which is understandable. Unless you’re a man who already shaves his body regular then you have no problems with this request. However, the rest of us can’t see ourselves shaving our arms, legs, chests, armpits, backs (if this is you), or pubes for anything less than a medical procedure. Oh, by the
Oh, by the way, if you caught the pubes part then you might have caught on the next part where spray tans are usually done while nude. Some places will give you the option of wearing special paper underwear, but you might as well bare it all. No point in being further embarrassed by wearing a paper grocery bag around your genitals. Anyway, most people who get spray tans plan on showing off their bodies so here’s your chance to show it off what you’re momma and daddy gave you.
In addition to feeling like a dry-skinned hairless animal, there are a few other things to keep in mind. You can’t wear deodorant the day of, so it’s probably best to make the appointment early before you glands get to work. Taking a shower the same day is a “no-no”. It’s recommended to take a shower the next day to let the color sink in to get a deeper glow. Also, don’t sleep on white sheets and wear loose clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. It takes a while for the stick only to your skin.
While your new take is making itself comfortable you can’t do any fitness activities that will make you sweat. You might also want to check the weather so it’s not raining the day of your appointment. Wouldn’t want the color to run off your body and get washed into the sewage drains like pollen during Spring time. And prior to your appointment take care of any and all grooming practices like haircuts, manicures, pedicures, and plastic surgery.
If you can follow all of those guidelines, then you’ll be one day away from sporting a fresh spray tan that will make even the sun envious of your glow.
