Why More Competitive Dancers are Switching to Self-Tan

For many competitive dancers, spray tanning has become just as much a part of competition preparation as hair, costumes, and makeup. But as costs continue to rise at major events, more dance families are beginning to ask the same question:

Is there a more affordable way to maintain a polished, competition-ready look?

According to Celebrity Skin Chicago, the answer is yes — and many dancers are now making the switch to self-tanning at home.

At major competitions, the average cost of a professional full-body spray tan can reach approximately $80, with touch-ups often costing an additional $40. For dancers competing over multiple rounds, or attending several major events throughout the season, those expenses can add up quickly for families.

By comparison, Celebrity Skin Chicago’s Deep Bronze Kit costs $75 and lasts an average of 8-10 competitions.

The math speaks for itself. Self-tanning can provide significant savings for dance families throughout the competition season.

While there is a learning curve to applying self-tan products properly, many dancers are discovering that it is much easier to master than they originally expected.

A Competition-Ready Look Without the Repeated Salon Visits

Another reason dancers are embracing DIY tanning is convenience and control. Most dancers know that something as simple as accidentally dripping water on your leg before a competition can quickly turn into a tanning disaster.

With self-tanning products dancers can handle their own tanning and touch-ups throughout the competition weekend. And once dancers become comfortable applying self-tan themselves, many find they prefer the control and flexibility it provides on competition day.

One kit Irish Dancers love is the Deep Bronze Kit which was specifically designed with competitive dancers in mind. The kit includes: 

- Deep Bronze Tanning Mousse
- Application Mitt
- Brush for hands, feet, and detailed areas
- Travel-sized applicator for touch-ups on the go

For dancers traveling to majors, this can make a huge difference. Instead of rushing to book salon appointments during busy competition weekends, dancers can apply and maintain their tan themselves either from home before departure or on the go from their competition hotel.

The included travel-size applicator also makes quick touch-ups much easier before stepping on stage. For those interested, you can find the kit here: Shop - Celebrity Skin Chicago

BEFORE YOU APPLY THE TANNER!

The real secret is preparation. One of the biggest mistakes dancers make is improper skin preparation before tanning. 

Experts Recommend: 
1) Shaving beforehand
2) Exfoliating before application
3) Wearing loose-fitting dark clothing afterward

“Shaving naturally exfoliates the skin,” shares Heather Rice of Celebrity Skin Chicago. “If you shave after tanning, part of the tan can come off as well.”

She also recommends avoiding sweat or moisture during the first several hours after application, as liquid can interfere with how the tan develops.

For best results, dancers should wait approximately 8-12 hours before showering.

Another important tip? Work out before applying the tan, not afterward. Sweat and moisture too soon after application can interfere with the final colour and create uneven results.

More Isn’t Always Better

Another common misconception is that darker always means better.

The experts recommend no more than three coats of product, explaining that after a certain point, the skin can no longer absorb additional colour evenly.

“The more coats you apply, the less likely it is to dry properly.”

Instead, gradual, even colour tends to create the most polished and natural competition appearance — especially under stage lighting and photography.

The reality is that many dance families are discovering that DIY tanning can dramatically reduce competition beauty expenses throughout the season while also giving dancers more control over when and where they choose to do touch-ups.

Irish Dancing Magazine readers can save $10 off the Deep Bronze Kit using coupon code IDM10. Shop the kit at Celebrity Skin Chicago: Shop Celebrity Skin HERE!