Spray tan info

Janepig

I have a feeling I'm sticking my head above the parapet on this one but here goes.....:D

DD is six and is taking part in a cheerleading competition next week, for which it would be preferable (although it's by no means compulsory) for her skin to be a bit darker than she is at the moment :rolleyes:. One of the other mums in the group took her DD (also 6) for a spray tan last week as a sort of "dry run" and it seemed to have turned out okay. I'm still undecided about what to do as I don't particularly think it's the right thing for a six year old, but on the other hand what harm can it do?

Anyway, having never been myself, I'm wondering what's involved and what the fall out is for your skin afterwards. Might be able to make a more informed decision if I knew.

Jxx

hieveryone

To be honest with you, I doubt it will do any real 'harm' to her skin etc. She will stand most likely with a bikini on and they will spray over her with the tan.

But on the other hand, is this the standard you want to set for her at such a young age? The thought that she must 'change' her skin colour to fit in for a competition?

What about when the other girls at high school are smoking to fit in, taking drugs to fit in etc... I know that's an extreme example but I personally feel starting the 'you must do the same as everyone else' mantra is a bit young at 6.

glowgirl_2

Hi, first of all I want to get out of the way that I do not support children wearing fake tan, I didn't let my daughter until she was 14 and now shes not keen either, I also agree with hieveryone on the peer pressure issue and would urge you to start a new trend, although this might not be easy as it sounds, I was involved in the children's dance world when my daughter was younger and couldn't wait to get away from it. However if you do decide to go down this route you may as well do it properly, try this product http://www.siennasol.co.uk/ in either the bronze or clear, its designed for dancers so wont melt off, its the same solution as a spray tan but for home use so you have more control, I would advise you apply with a mit as a spray machine can be messy, I'm guessing your not an expert;)This product is also very cheap and one small bottle will give you at the very least 3 or 4 body applications I would also urge you to read this http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1621869&highlight= thread its very long but lots of advice on application etc. Please think very carefully about this and if I can help any more fire away:)

geri1965_2

Why is it preferable for her to look darker?

nikki2804

If you do decide to get her a spray tan then id suggest Fake Bake, its got no artificial ingredients apparently.

Saying that I got one today (was a guinea pig for the Fake Bake stand at the Glasgow Girls Day Out thing and lets just say I could do better myself - it was done by a pro??

It will involve her standing in either a bikini or paper pants to be sprayed. Warn you now, its cold!!

glowgirl_2

Why is it preferable for her to look darker?

Its standard practice in the dance (this would include cheerleading) world, you see 3 year olds with layers of fake tan and more make up than you would believe not to mention hairspray etc (not that I'm saying OP would do this but I know where she's coming from), I have to say my friends daughters did Irish dancing for years and did very well without a scrap of make up or fake tan and hair scraped back, the quality of the dancing spoke for itself:)

glowgirl_2

Sorry, should of said the product I have recommended is natural and needs to be kept in the fridge she will have no side effects:)

frugallass

Janepig wrote: »

I'm still undecided about what to do as I don't particularly think it's the right thing for a six year old, but on the other hand what harm can it do?

Slippery slope IMO - she's 6 not 16 - where do you draw the line? false nails, eyelashes, boobs ? Blonde highlights, botox, collagen? Liposuction for the puppy fat?

6 year olds don't need fake tan (or anything else fake for that matter) they're beautiful in their natural state and should be told that by their parents. I would never take my 6 year old to somewhere where they expected her to change her appearance like that.

Janepig

glowgirl wrote: »

Its standard practice in the dance (this would include cheerleading) world, you see 3 year olds with layers of fake tan and more make up than you would believe not to mention hairspray etc (not that I'm saying OP would do this but I know where she's coming from), I have to say my friends daughters did Irish dancing for years and did very well without a scrap of make up or fake tan and hair scraped back, the quality of the dancing spoke for itself:)

It's to do with the lights apparently. The lighting is really harsh and you end up looking rather ghostly underneath them. Much like it being common practice to wear make up on stage just to end up looking "normal" because the lighting washes you out. Coaches would much prefer that they could just wear tights, but that's not allowed apparently. And it's for that reason, and not for reasons of wanting to look more "beautiful" that I'm considering it. And in fairness to the coaches, they're not pushing it at all, just if you're happy to do it then you can.

Make up hasn't been mentioned, for DD's age group through to seniors, and I've got to say that peer pressure or not, I would not be letting DD go if she had to have a face full of slap. I can't stand seeing small children in dance troupes like painted dolly birds. Ewwwww.

As for hair, she's just got to have two french plaits, which I posted about afew weeks ago , nothing special, and there will be a modicum of hairspray just to keep the wisps in place :o.

You might be able to tell that "beautification" is not my thing given that I've had to query what happens with spray tanning!! It's interesting to find out that there's special dancers fake tan (thanks glowgirl) because I am concerned if I do it myself that it'll rub off on her dress.

Jxx

aylithuk

Janepig wrote: »

Anyway, having never been myself, I'm wondering what's involved and what the fall out is for your skin afterwards. Might be able to make a more informed decision if I knew.

Jxx

Given that it's purely for a cheerleading competition I'd go with the advice from Glowgirl about using a designed fake tan for dancers because you are doing this to enchance her for a competition which has nothing to do with every day life.

As for the moral outlook i cannot see the harm because as you pointed out it for competition and not just because you or your DD thinks that having a spray tan makes her more beautiful.

Remember everything said here is personal views and you are her mother so if you feel happy and she does then go for it but if you have ANY doubts then don't.

Good luck in the compeition
Ay x

glowgirl_2

I am concerned if I do it myself that it'll rub off on her dress.

It probably will to an extent, I use the product I recommended but I use the extreme which would be too dark I believe, its the initial colour guide that rubs off so if this is important to you go for the clear option and do it a day or two before hand to see if you need another layer. The product comes off (if at all) on clothes much much less than any other type of tanning product I have used (its a lot;)) and will come out completely in the wash:)