Nat•u•ral
adjective
1. In nature and not made or caused by people, coming from nature.
2. Not having any extra substances or chemicals added: not containing anything artificial.
As an industry, we all understand the pressures that have been placed on, above and over UV tanning. But, these days, the pressure is also constant on makers of sunless and spray-tan products to offer all natural, organic and skin-healthy ingredients. What are you advertising to your customers? What does your social media profile say about the sunless solutions you spray on their skin?
Organic
Do you currently tell your salon guests that the product they’re receiving is fully and 100% organic? Have you done the research on the particular products you supply? There still is no product on the market that is 100% organic; but many claim to be 100% organic and eco-certified.
Natural
Since organic is “off the table,” you can look to products that are natural. Many consumers today do not know the full weight and definition of the terms used by the product brands they buy. Here are a few of those terms as they apply to some spray-tan products that are currently available.
Gluten-Free
A product that is gluten-free excludes gluten, a protein composite found in wheat, barley, rye and all other grain species and hybrids. A gluten-free diet has been known to help people with irritable bowel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, amongst others. Many of your salon guests have a wheat allergy and can develop symptoms from sunless tanning products that contain gluten.
100% Vegan
Veganism is both the practice of abstaining from use of animal products, particularly in the diet, and an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals. A follower of either the diet or the philosophy is known as a vegan. Goods that are 100% vegan contain no animal products.
Parabens
Although most of us know that parabens are undesirable, to what extent does it truly matter and do they make a difference when it comes to cosmetics and personal care products? Parabens are the most widely used preservatives in products such as soap, moisturizers, deodorants and shaving creams, according to the Food and Drug Administration. They extend the shelf-life of products and prevent growth of bacteria. Most parabens are a compound formed from a mixture of acid and alcohol. I think we can agree: discerning salon guests are looking for products without these ingredients.
Non-Comedogenic
Products with this term on the label allow the skin to breathe, won’t clog pores. Many spray-tanners have sensitive facial skin and are always looking for this type of product.
Nut-Free
Nut allergies are much more prevalent than they were just five or ten years ago. Selling around your customers’ allergies can be a daunting task. Providing a high-quality product that is nut-free will allow your guests who are allergic to enjoy great results with your services.
Becoming familiar with this short list of terms found on a few spray-tan products in the market will help you in conversations with your salon guests. A little research to determine what you are really spraying on their skin can go a long way toward building their confidence in your professionalism. And before you make claims as to what you and/or your product will deliver, make sure you not only read the labels, but also dissect the ingredient list.
If you continue to stick to your simple truths and only deliver facts, your guests will respect you for it. So, make sure you do your homework and advertise what it truly is that you are offering.
Happy Spray-Tanning to you all!
