Santa Cruz Spray Tanning
Notes from the studio on Capitola Road and from the beaches, cliffs and weekends of Santa Cruz County that clients tan for.
3 storiesWritten by Jana
The studio, the town and the sun
The studio has been on Capitola Road since 2007, and a lot of what we write begins with the town: the October weekends, the boardwalk, the cliffs, and the fog that rolls in on a Sunday afternoon with the sun close behind it.
These are notes for clients who live and play here, from Aptos to Capitola to the boardwalk, and for anyone visiting who would like to arrive at the beach already looking the part.
Stories from the studio and the coast
Local stories and the occasions people book for, close to home.
Begin with this one The Architecture of Vitality: Why Santa Cruz Professionals Are Trading Fluorescents for a Natural Tan Office light flattens everyone, and decades of research show how fast we judge faces, so a subtle tan that says you stepped outside this month has become a quiet professional habit.
Read the story →
02Why deSoleil Spray Tanning is the Best Choice for Your Next Event in Santa Cruz CountyWhy a spray tan suits the events of Santa Cruz County, from weddings and graduations to beach festivals, and how to book one.By Jana5 min read
03The Art of the Modern TanThe science, the craft and the formulas behind a modern spray tan, and why warm color on healthy skin looks so natural.By Jana7 min read Three habits every post comes back to
If you only have a minute before your appointment, this is the heart of it. The stories above fill in the why.
- 01
Before you come in
Exfoliate with exfoliating gloves whenever you shower, including the day of your tan, and shave or wax at least a day ahead. Then arrive with clean, dry skin: no product, no deodorant, no makeup, no lotion and no oil.
The day-of checklist → - 02
Your rinse time
Jana gives you your exact time before you leave. Rapid Development and Unity NR rinse at 2, 4 or 6 hours; Bronze Organics, Classic Bronze and Ultra Dark at 8 to 12 hours.
Compare the formulas → - 03
The days after
Your tan is fully developed at about 24 hours, so the swim waits until then; after that, swim as much as you like. After that, a hydrating lotion every day and sunscreen outdoors keep it even.
The Bronze Protocol →
You can see Jana's skill in the details: my wrists and ankles looked seamless, with no blotches or uneven spots. The finish looked like my own skin, just warmer.
Cliffs, beaches and coffee on a Saturday: the Santa Cruz weekend, tanned.
You've done the reading. Jana does the rest.
Every tan is applied by Jana herself, with the formula and depth chosen for your skin. Online booking closes 12 hours before an appointment.
