Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/325995
Having a protocol that allows clients to shower on the morning of the competition makes a huge difference to them psychologically. They can't wear deodorant that day because it will react with the tanning product and turn green, and many other tanning providers don't let clients shower between the evening and morning tans, so I'm giving them a real advantage by letting them go into their event feeling clean and fresh. I use a pH-balancing prep spray before the tan, because bodybuilders' training diets can mess with their body chemistry. If the skin's pH is off, or if the tanning product isn't fresh, you risk turning your poor client green. They don't want to look that much like the Hulk! I've seen this happen at national-level shows (not to my clients, thank goodness). Additional Services to Offer Other services you can promote to your bodybuilding clients are body waxing and makeup. Skin care services may also be welcome as the rigors of a training diet can take a toll on facial skin. But keep an eye on how you're making your money. I can do three tans in the time it takes to do one makeup application. To network with potential clients, I've also attended posing workshops, trained in multiple gyms, and been an active contributor to relevant forums and social media. I reach out to trainers and offer exclusive discounts for their teams, post flyers in gyms, and network with fitness photographers. Once you're involved in your local bodybuilding community, find out where people are going for their spray tanning. Find out what those providers charge, what they include, what products they use—everything! Try to get a good idea of where each provider falls short, so you can emphasize what you bring to the table in comparison. Tanning Protocol Getting things right can take a while. My first show was a disaster. The formula I used on my clients took forever to dry, and I use a pH-balancing prep spray before the tan, because bodybuilders' training diets can mess with their body chemistry. the next morning it wasn't dark enough. Judges made comments, my clients lost points, and I got yelled at —rightly. Now I've figured out a protocol that works beautifully. I apply two to three coats of a 12 percent dihydroxyacetone (DHA) formula the night before the show and have the client sleep in it. The next morning, he showers and then applies a sweat-resistant bronzer. He comes back to me that morning and I spray two coats of another formula with a concentrated bronzer that is made for competitions. For clients who compete in the bodybuilding division, where a darker tan is required, I add extra bronzer at this step. For competitors in other divisions, I add mica, which reflects light, to really make their bodies glow. 18 ASCP Skin Deep July/August 2014