Your senior pictures get a lot of use. These are going to be the pictures in your yearbook. Plus, they will likely hang around on mantles and fridges for years, thanks to your graduation announcements. Chances are, you will see these pictures again and again until it’s time to schedule your college senior pics. If you want to have your best session possible, the first step is to get your looks in order, and yes, this does include a tan! As a Harrisonburg senior photographer, I spend a lot of time helping students prepare for their senior session. Here’s the why and the how for tanning in Harrisonburg, VA.
Benefits of Tanning in Harrisonburg, VA Before Your Senior Session
Okay, so, first things first. Do you actually need a Harrisonburg, VA tanning session? Well, that really depends. Pictures, unfortunately, have a tendency to exacerbate our insecurities, and this can especially be true when it comes to your skin. All of a sudden, you see every pore in HD. The zit you thought you got rid of a week ago is still there. And even though you thought you had a natural glow, you now look a little more like a Victorian-era ghost. I promise I am not trying to stress you out. These are all issues we can take care of! But if you are a little self-conscious about your paleness, a tanning session should help.
If you have never gone tanning before, there are a few things to know. First off, there are a few different options. There are the classic tanning beds. This is how your mom used to achieve that classic 2000s beach Paris Hilton glow. With this option, it’s a process. You have to gradually build up to longer sessions so you can get the color you want. There are horizontal and vertical beds that you can choose from. And yes, this is the option that is the most unhealthy. Those UV rays can really take their toll, and it’s important to be cautious about how often you go. Remember how I said this is how your mom got her glow? It’s probably also how she got a few wrinkles!
Safe Alternatives For Getting The Perfect Glow
For a safe alternative, there is sunless spray tanning in Harrisonburg, VA. With this, you will work with a spray artist who will mix a custom color that will look natural. This tan will last for 5-10 days, depending on how well you prep and how you care for your skin afterward. Before you go in, you want to exfoliate extremely well. Afterward, you need to let the tan completely dry. This might include not working out and waiting to shower until the next day. There are a lot of different spray tan options, and no one is going to know how to maintain your shade as well as your spray tan artist. Don’t be afraid to ask them what it takes to keep your tan looking great.
With both options, it doesn’t hurt to space out a few sessions leading up to your photos. Many salons offer memberships, and you can normally find a package that lets you bundle multiple appointments.
So, how long should you plan your tanning session ahead of your photos? My suggestion is around 3-4 days prior to your picture day. It really is a science. You need to make sure you have enough of a tan without the camera capturing a harsh orange shade versus a natural glow. And don’t forget to think about tan lines. If you have visible tanlines, you will spend the next 4 years remembering just what bra you wore that one time you tanned. If you have any following your session, be sure to plan outfits that hide them entirely!
So, now that you know the basics, here are the best spots to go to get a tan in Harrisonburg!
Where To Go For Tanning in Harrisonburg, VA
Beach Bum Tanning
1645 Reservoir Street, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801
Beach Bum Tanning has locations all across the East Coast, so you can always have your perfect tan. Their Harrisonburg, VA location is open 7 days a week with hours you can easily fit in tanning before or after school. This center offers tanning beds and booths as well as airbrush tanning. They also offer the Versa Spa Pro Sunless Booth and the Mystic Sunless Booth. They have an app that lets you easily book your services online. They regularly offer promotions and first-time visitor discounts, so you can try them out with little risk!
Simmons Tan
1101 W Market St Apt 4, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801
Simmons Tan really is here for it all! Located inside EliteFit, this Harrisonburg, VA space has a 24/7 fitness center, a hair and nail salon, and tanning. They offer tanning beds and booths that use UV lights to help you catch some shade. They start out with the premium level, where you will have facial and shoulder tanners, body fans, and AC systems. You will be able to use this bed for 12 minutes at a time. From there, you can move up to the supreme level, where you will have a bed and a stand-up booth. They also have a “magic” bed that will work fast and require less maintenance. The center offers first-time customer offers to get you started.
Bronzed N Beautiful
35 Southgate Court, 201, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801
Bronzed N Beautiful is a smaller Harrisonburg, VA business that takes a personalized approach to tanning. The studio was opened by Hayley Ritchie, a skilled esthetician. She offers a wide variety of services, including eyelash extensions, eyebrow tinting, facials, and body waxing. She can provide you with a spray tan that looks beautifully natural. You can book additional services, including scents and finishing sprays. Hayley will work with you to determine your undertones so she can provide you with a spray tan that will suit you perfectly!
You Will Love Your Skin For Senior Photos Thanks To Great Tanning In Harrisonburg, VA
With these salons for tanning in Harrisonburg, VA, you can have the perfect glow for your senior pictures. Book that first appointment soon so you can be ready for your photo session!
Are you still looking for the best Harrisonburg senior photographer to help you celebrate this year? Then let’s connect! I am a Harrisonburg photographer, and I adore working with students around the area so they have pictures they love. If you want to find out if my style matches yours, send me a message so we can get the conversation started!
