Let's talk about our LEVEL Up Solution
Mar 26, 2025
Looking to have a better understanding of BEETTAN's Level Up- Rapid Solution for Spray Tans? Read more below!
What happens when the Color Guide Washes Off?
Spray tans are a fantastic way to achieve a sun-kissed glow without UV exposure. However, the process can sometimes be confusing—especially when the initial color seems to “disappear” after a rinse. This exact situation happened to a spray tan artist who used BEETTAN's Level Up Solution on a client at 5:00 PM. By 10:00 PM, the client texted saying the tan had completely washed off in the shower.
So, what happened?
When a spray tan is applied, it contains a temporary 'color guide' that gives an instant appearance of a spray tan on your skin. This guide helps the BEETTAN artist see where they’ve applied the solution on their client, and provides the client with an immediate tan-like look. However, the actual tanning process happens beneath the skin as the BEET DHA (dihydroxyacetone) reacts with the skin’s proteins to develop color over time.
In the situation mentioned above, the client rinsed off the color guide in the shower, which is totally normal. The true tan takes up to 24 hours to fully develop. Many clients mistake the rinsing process as the tan “washing off,” but in reality, the solution is simply not finished developing in the skin. It will continue to develop after the rinse to become 'fully' tan!
So if it's a 'rapid' solution, then w does LEVEL Up still need time on the skin?
A common misconception is that rapid tans develop instantly. While rapid tanning formulas allow for a shorter processing time before rinsing, the DHA still needs a full 24 hours to reach its peak color.
*It’s rapid rinse. Not rapid results!
This means that even though the client was able to rinse after just a few hours, the actual tan was still in the process of developing. By the next day, the client should start to see the full effect of their LEVEL Up spray tan.
Educate Your Clients CORRECTLY about LEVEL Up solution to Prevent Confusion
If you’re a spray tan artist, it’s important to set clear expectations for your clients. Here are a few key takeaways to avoid similar concerns:
1. Explain the color guide – Let clients know that the initial color will rinse off, but their actual tan is still developing underneath.
2. Clarify development time – Even with a LEVEL Up- rapid solution, full results take up to 24 hours. The rinse is just a step in the process, not an indicator of the final color.
3. Advise on rinsing techniques – A water rinse is recommended. Clients should avoid scrubbing, or taking a long, hot shower immediately after their session. Recommend BEETBOD Body Wash to keep the tan protected in the shower (it has gentle ingredients that won't strip your tan, and helps balance your pH--which is pertinent for tanning results).
4. Reassure them – If a client panics after their rinse, remind them that their tan will continue to darken over time.
LEVEL Up is a great product for people needing to rinse, sooner--it allows your clients to adjust their plans, or not, depending on when they can make it to a spray tan appointment. The experience mentioned above is a great example of why client education is just as important as the spray tan itself. By ensuring your clients understand the difference between a color guide and their developing tan, you can help them feel more confident and satisfied with their developing results.
Don't forget to suggest our booster lotion and new lavender mousse to help them add moisture back to their spray tan and keep the skin glowing longer with BEETTAN!
Have you ever had a client worry that their tan washed off too soon? How do you explain the process to them? Share your experiences in the comments!
