Bayou Babes

Our Story

Bayou Babes is a salon located in Covington dedicated solely to spray tanning, we use all naturally derived solutions so it is 100% safe! We use a wide range of colors to provide our clients with a customized glow when they are done! The owner & operator,Shelby Stephens, is a certified & insured spray tan technician committed to making your spray tan an experience that you'll enjoy! She believes that your service from start to end should be an experience that makes you feel comfortable & welcome.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Spray Tan?
Sunless spray tanning is the spray/mist application of sunless tanning solution to desired areas of your body. When applied, DHA (the active ingredient in sunless tanning solution) reacts with the proteins in the skin’s superficial layer to form a golden brown color. Your skin begins to darken immediately after application and reaches its peak color within 8-12 hours. The color will gradually fade through natural exfoliation, just like a tan from the sun.

What is DHA?
The active ingredient most often used in all sunless tanners including tinted moisturizers, self-tanners, and spray tan solution is called DHA or dihydroxyacetone. DHA is a carbohydrate compound approved by the FDA for use in externally applied sunless tanning solutions. For misting applications, the FDA recommends protective measures to prevent eye contact, inhalation or ingestion. We will provide the necessary protective measures for you.

Has anyone ever had an allergic reaction to the spray?
Yes. If you’ve had previous allergic reactions to self-tanning lotions or cosmetics, you should consult a health care professional before spray tanning.

How long will spray tan last?
Our customized spray in our variety of colors will take 8-12 hours to fully develop. During this development time we strongly recommend to not shower, swim, or sweat as this could damage the tan. After the initial shower the tan will be locked in and will last normally 7-10 days. This is the normal length of time if you exfoliate & maintain correctly. We do have exfoliators & extenders for sale if you would like to purchase one! The extender will make the tan last about 14 days if used correctly!
Our rapid custom tan is for the person in a hurry & looking to shower in as little as 1 hour! This tan normally takes 1-3 hours to develop during this time we do not recommend showering, swimming or sweating as it could damage the tan! The difference with this tan is that we cannot customize the colors; it is dependent on how long the client waits to shower. If you shower in 1 hour it is the lightest bronze the tan will be, if you shower in 2 hours you will be a medium bronze, & if you shower in 3 hours it will be darkest the tan can be. This tan will normally last around 5-7 days because it does not develop for that 12 hour period!

What are the advantages of spray tanning instead of UV tanning?
Spray tanning does not have the potential to give you melanoma, wrinkles, age spots, moles, freckles, or sunspots. People with sensitive skin or people who have a hard time tanning (be it natural or in tanning beds) will find this form of tanning very comforting. One application with spray tanning will be equivalent to approximately 6 tanning bed sessions, therefore making it cost effective and healthy.

If I am pregnant or nursing, can I still receive a spray tan?
The concern some doctors have is over whether or not the active ingredient (DHA) is able to enter the blood stream; the indications are that it cannot. DHA only penetrates the outermost layer of the skin. However, we recommend all clients get permission from their physician first. Bayou Babes provides eye protection and nose plugs, and does not recommend spray tanning n**e if pregnant or breastfeeding.

How long will my appointment take?
Our appointments normally run about 25-30 minutes, the spray tanning service itself will only take about 20 but we want to make sure our client feels completely comfortable with their experience. For this reason before your service we will perform a consultation with you to determine the color you would like & what would look best with your skin color. After your spray service we allow 5 minutes to dry so that we can try to ensure the solution not staining clothing. Always feel free to ask any questions concerning any part of your service we want to make sure you are informed about everything!

Will my spray stain my clothing or sheets?
The cosmetic tan in the solutions we use at Bayou Babes will wash off your skin after your first posttan shower (you will most likely see a puddle of colored water in the shower). But until then, the cosmetic tan (bronzer) is water soluble and should not stain most fabrics. Most fabrics and materials are completely safe (excluding leather, silk, lace, nylon and spandex). In relation to the cosmetic bronzer topic, be sure to never judge your spray tan or final results until AFTER your first shower. Bronzers can smudge sometimes and it does not necessarily mean your spray tan results were affected.

*Prepping For Your Spray Session*
What should I do to prepare?
Good full body exfoliation within 24 hours prior to your appointment will provide significantly better results. A loofah/poof does NOT provide adequate exfoliation. We recommend using dry sugar from your kitchen on your wet skin at the end of your shower, then rinse. Many store bought scrubs contain oils which could possibly clog your pores or leave a film on your skin. Even plain body washes can leave a film of moisturizer/oil on your skin, blocking the absorption of the spray tanning solution.
If possible, arrive to your appointment with clean skin - free of makeup, lotions, toners, perfumes, oils and deodorants. Shave prior to your appointment (the day BEFORE is ideal, but at a minimum of 8 hrs prior is preferred). Get all of your spa treatments done including facials, pedicures & manicures, waxing (waxing should be done 1-2 days before), hair appointments and massages done PRIOR to your tanning session.

Do I have to remove my deodorant before my session?
Yes. For the best result remove deodorant and/or deodorant residue (it can turn GREEN). Wait 2-3 hours to reapply deodorant after a sunless tan.

What do I wear during my session?
Attire for women is whatever you are comfortable with. Many things can be done to minimize tan lines. The key is your comfort level, health choice or tan line preference. Attire for men is boxers, briefs, swim trunks or shorts. The FDA does not recommend that you tan n**e, however, if you wish to do so, please consult with your tanning specialist prior to your tanning session. Your tanning specialist will use the utmost discretion. Bayou Babes also provides a variety of disposable undergarments. Eye covers & nose plugs are available too.

What do I wear after my spray session?
Remember, you are DEVELOPING your color. What you wear could affect how you develop and create unevenness. Loose fitting, cotton clothing and sandals should be worn for leaving the facility. We have found that DHA reacts with wool, nylon, and silk. These fabrics should not be worn immediately following your tanning session. Wearing tight fitting clothing such as jeans, bras, leggings and tank tops within 8 hours of your appointment could result in a lighter/faded tan line(s).

*How Do I Maintain My Spray?*
Make sure you moisturize every day! Dry skin will not only lead to a shorter lifespan of the spray tan, but poor fading. For optimum results, use a Tan Extender every 2-3 days. We have found liquid soaps/body washes work better than bar soap in preserving your spray tan (do not use a wash cloth or loofah/poof). Most importantly, remember to pat dry after showering or swimming (rubbing a dry towel on your skin will exfoliate your skin/tan). Oil-free, water resistant sunscreens are recommended (lotions are better than spray cans due to the high alcohol content). Avoid excessive exposure to hot water (long, hot showers and hot tubs).Apply perfume and bug spray to clothes, not skin.

Thank you for considering Bayou Babes for your spray tan service we truly appreciate all of our clients! Our main goal here is to make sure you achieve a gorgeous tan while making it a comfortable experience for you! Call us today to book your custom tan!