It’s that time of year when winter rudely cuts into most people’s tanning time. Not mine, of course; as those that are acquainted with me know, I have a physical aversion to the word “suntan”.
I am more than willing, however, to try the latest in sunless tanning technologies, so long as they are safe and UVA/UVB free. That’so, a leading tanning range from Italy, offers just that.
So far, the Dubai-based spa, The Dollhouse, is the only salon to offer this particular type of spray tan. Created by owners, Mona Kattan and Basma Al Fahim, The Dollhouse is designed with childhood decadence and girly glamour in mind. Being the observant obsessive that I am, the niche products lining the walls were the first things to catch my eye: Nazila, Ciaté, QOD, and Model Co. Lash Fibres, most of which were previously available only online in our region. I’m enthralled.
Soon, my therapist Sarita ushers me into the impeccable white treatment booths. I’m told to remove my clothes but keep my underwear on. My confusion is visible; Sarita explains that the salon does not have disposables but, “Don’t worry, ma’am! The color does not stain!” I’m not convinced but continue nonetheless. She asks if I have applied any creams or deodorant that day as this can turn the application green(!). This is not my first spray tan so I knew to exfoliate my entire body in the shower that morning and avoided applying any greasy products afterwards. Surely it would have made more sense to advise the client of this when booking the treatment? Sarita applied a lotion to the palms of my hands and toenails and then I stepped onto the podium where she began to spray my face with an airbrush.
The fumes were quite strong and I really wished I hadn’t blow-dried my hair the night before (plastic shower caps were also not deemed an essential part of this treatment). One hour and many layers of spray tan later and I was glowing an unfamiliar shade of burnt umber.
The therapist then used a blow drier to set the product to the skin, though it remained quite tacky to the touch. I was glad I’d decided to wear black that day. “No washing for at least four to six hours.” I was warned by Sarita before her hasty exit.
Initially the tan looked patchy; my face, neck, and feet were a dark orange but after taking a shower in the evening, the surface layer of color washed away and I was left with an even tan all over. However, because no lotion was applied to my elbows and knees, they soon turned a deeper shade of brown. I also now have what looks like tangerine-colored palms and soles due to the fact that no plastic covering was placed over my feet during the treatment. Note to self: avoid wearing sandals for the next seven-to-ten days.
The final results were a bit too “footballer’s wife-orange” for my liking and the treatment was rather messy. Though in comparison to other treatments I have tried in the past, The Dollhouse is an innovative salon with talented staff and a dynamic ambiance, but when it comes to this particular treatment—serious improvements are called for.
