The vast array of beauty treatment and therapies available can be daunting so in a series of help guides Siobhan Caffery, of SHINE Hair & Beauty, goes back to basics. This week she explains:

What It's Like To Have....a spray tan

WITH many people sporting a healthy glow these days it's clear the spray tan has become a mainstream part of beauty regimes, whether done at home or in a salon.

A new survey for Sienna X, which recently won best tanning supplier at the Guild Awards, shows there are plenty of reasons why: 86 per cent of people said they feel more confident with a spray tan and almost two thirds said they feel slimmer when they're tanned. Attending a wedding would prompt 56 per cent of respondents to fake tan, while 62 per cent would do it for a night out or party.

However, if you've never had a professional spray tan through lack of courage or knowledge, additional worries about emerging like a Munchkin or waking up to orange sheets may only serve to put you off altogether.

Reassurance is provided by Siobhan Caffery, a beauty therapist for eight years and co-owner of SHINE Hair & Beauty in Northallerton, who says having a professionally applied spray tan should allay any fears.

"The first thing to say is that the Sienna X tan we use comes in different natural shades and clients can choose the depth of tan they want to suit their natural skin colour and to create the look they're after," she explains.

Clients are advised to come to the salon freshly showered but without any body lotion or deodorant on and wearing loose-fitting, dark coloured clothing.

First the therapist moisturises any typically dry areas like elbows, hands, feet and knees. A shower cap can be worn to expose the neck and protect hair, and clients who don't want to be naked can wear disposable underwear.

The client then steps into a tall tent or booth that's open at the front and the tan is applied from a spray gun, first to the back of the body and legs, then the sides, then the front and face.

"Afterwards we wipe over the hands and fingers, toes and soles of the feet so the tan doesn't pool anywhere," explains Siobhan, who says the whole process takes around half an hour.

Sienna X, which is used on Strictly Come Dancing and by countless celebrities, dries instantly so clients can get dressed straightaway. They are advised not to shower for at least eight hours. Having a spray tan in the late afternoon so it can take effect overnight, or early in the morning so it has all day to develop are recommended.

For clients with less time to wait, a new product, Tonight's The Night, is set to be hugely popular as it takes only two-four hours to develop.

"If you want a last minute tan for a Saturday night, for instance, you can come in at lunchtime and be ready to go out in the evening with a lovely, healthy glow," says Siobhan.

Spray tans typically last for five-seven days, fading as the skin naturally sheds its outer layer.

  • Shine is running a special offer for Northern Echo readers of £15 for a full body spray tan (usual price £20). Please quote Echo Offer when booking. For more information and to book, contact Siobhan in Northallerton on 01609-771477 or Chloe at SHINE Preston Farm on 01642-670203.