Why prep matters
DHA reacts with the dead cells of the skin's surface layer, the stratum corneum. Uneven surface, uneven color: dry patches, leftover lotion and dead skin all take DHA differently, and the difference shows up as streaks and patchy fade.
Oils and heavy lotions can leave a film that interferes with the DHA reaction. That is generic pre-tan practice, not a claim about any one product — and it is the whole reason prep exists. Exfoliation clears the surface so the solution meets clean, even skin.
The confirmed exfoliant lineup
Three exfoliants, all 8 oz. The names are confirmed on sass-ee.com; what is in them is not published, so this guide does not describe their formulas.
| Product | Format | Ingredients published? |
|---|---|---|
| Coconut Whipped Body Exfoliant | 8 oz | No — ask for current specs |
| Coffee Body Exfoliant | 8 oz | No — ask for current specs |
| Slough Off Gel Body Exfoliant | 8 oz | No — ask for current specs |
If a listing describes these exfoliants with specific ingredients, treat it as unconfirmed until the lab's spec sheet says otherwise. The catalog lists names and sizes only — the differences between the three are not published, so this guide does not invent them. The full catalog is on the SASS-EE product overview.
Barrier balm: the spots that pool
Barrier balm is used on hands, feet and nails — the places where color can pool and go dark. The catalog product is Cover Up Barrier Balm, in gallon or quart formats; the container and dose are not published, so ask for current specs before you plan how it is used at the station.
Barrier balm is back-bar, not retail. It belongs at the spray station, applied by the artist before the solution goes on.
The exfoliant you use in the appointment is the exfoliant you sell after it. Build prep into the service, and the retail bottle is the take-home version of what you just used.
A simple prep routine
The routine any salon can use, with no product claims attached:
- Exfoliate before the appointment. Clear dead skin so the solution meets an even surface.
- Arrive clean and dry. No heavy oils, lotions or deodorant on the skin at appointment time.
- Barrier balm on the pooling spots. Hands, feet, nails — applied by the artist, before spraying.
- Loose, dark clothing after. The color guide can transfer while it develops; clients should plan for it.
Your salon sets the exact timing. The point of the routine is consistency: the same prep every client, every time, so results stop varying by accident.
What to ask the lab
- What are the full ingredient lists for the three exfoliants?
- Which exfoliant is meant for retail, and which for back-bar use?
- What is the Cover Up Barrier Balm formula, and how is it applied?
- What are the current minimums and pricing for the pre-tan range?
- Can the exfoliants be private-labeled under my brand?
The SASS-EE product overview lists every confirmed product, and the SASS-EE funnel is where the order conversation starts.