Frequently asked questions
The most common questions we get from our clients
The solution in spray tanning is called Dihydroxyacetone or DHA. DHA is a colorless sugar that interacts with skin cells located on the outer layer of your skin. As the sugar interacts, a color change occurs. DHA has been in use since the 60's and is approved for cosmetic application by the FDA.
You are welcome to wear whatever you are most comfortable in while getting spray tanned. If you would like to tan with shorts, bra, underwear, or sports bra, or go nude- that is fine with us as long as you are comfortable. Please be aware that if you do wear any kind of clothing while getting spray tanned, you will have lines.
Absolutely not! The word "orange" is not in our vocabulary. 😉 Your custom solution is mixed according to your skin type, skin tone, and desired end result. When spray tans over process, that's when "orange" enters the chat; as long as you follow the processing time discussed during the pre-tan consult, you should be good to go! In addition, our solution is packed with anti-aging and hydrating ingredients that are great for your skin.
Spray tan longevity depends 50% on how well the skin was taken care of (meaning properly prepping before your appt and following after care recs) and 50% on your spray tan technician. Depending on how well you prep your skin and maintain your spray tan, your tan should last 5-7 days, but can last up to 10 days. Please make sure to read and follow our spray tan prep and care instructions.
Please view the Tan Care section to find out the proper steps that need to be followed before your spray tan.
The entire process takes about 20-30 minutes depending on add-on services.
Tan Care
-Complete any waxing at least 24-48 hours before your appointment
-Complete your prep shower (shave and exfoliate) at least 12 hours before your appointment for best results. Try not to rinse the day of your appointment - we know this sounds gross but doing so will ensure the skin is not fully hydrated with water and the tan can be better absorbed.
-We recommend using one of our specially made exfoliating mitts with a TAN SAFE body wash or sunless tan remover to remove all dead skin and any left-over sunless tan
-Avoid using any bar soaps or cream-based body washes (especially DOVE!) These products will leave a residue on the skin acting as a barrier to your sunless tan.
-Once you get out of your "prep shower" DO NOT put anything on your skin - no lotions, oils, perfumes, etc.
-Do not apply any products to your skin. This includes lotions, deodorants, perfumes, body oils, etc. These products can prevent your tan from developing properly.
-Bring or wear dark, loose-fitting clothes to your service. We recommend the baggiest clothes you can find! Any tight-fitting clothes put on directly after your spray tan can mess up the tan or prevent it from developing properly. Don't forget your flip flops too! Bronzer transfer can happen on clothing, but it is water-based so it should wash right out!
-You will not be able to get wet or sweat until after your initial rinse time. Any contact with water or any liquid can smudge or stop the tan from developing in that area. If you do accidentally get a drop of water, or your pets tongue comes into contact with you, no worries, take a dry, stiff makeup brush and blend the area. Most likely it's just the bronzer that was messed up and your tan will still develop fine.
-DON'T TOUCH YOUR BODY! Since we wiped the palms of your hands at your service, try not to rest your hands directly onto your body until after the initial rinse.
-Rinse AT YOUR SCHEDULED rinse time by taking a 3-5 minute lukewarm shower, with WATER ONLY. You will see the cosmetic bronzer start to run off into the shower. Rinse until your water runs clear and then get out and pat dry with a towel. If you get out of the shower and your tan looks streaky or splotchy, hop back in and rinse again to ensure that all cosmetic bronzers are completely washed off.
-Start to moisturize 24 hours after your scheduled appointment time. All sunless tans take up to 24 hours to be fully developed. You won't see your final result until that time.
MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE!
We recommend moisturizing with our spray tan safe moisturizer at least morning and night. The more hydrated your skin is, the longer your tan will last and the more even it will fade. If you allow your skin to dry out, you may start seeing a cracking appearance from the tan. (We call this snakeskin!) When your skin dries out, so does your tan.
HYDRATE!
Be sure to drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. The more hydrated you are, the longer your tan will last.
AVOID SWIMMING, HOT SHOWERS, LONG BATHS, ETC.
Anything that naturally exfoliates your skin, will do the same to your tan. If you will be spending time at the pool or beach we recommend stepping up your maintenance game with a hydrating lock spray during your appointment and our take home hydration spray.
AVOID PRODUCTS THAT EXFOLIATE YOUR SKIN
Until you are ready to remove your tan, avoid products like body scrub, loofahs and wash clothes. You will also want to avoid products that include the following: Dove soap, baby oil, mineral oils, retinol, benzol peroxide, makeup remover, harsh soaps, bar soaps, hair removal products, adhesive tape, band-aids, and tanning oil. These items will cause your tan to fade faster.
SHAVING
If you need to shave after getting your spray tan, we recommend using our spray tan safe shower gel and a basic razor.
WARNING: Spray tans do not protect you from UV exposure. Please be sure to use a spray tan safe sunscreen.
EXFOLIATE
It is important to get all left over tan off before getting a new spray tan. Failure to exfoliate the old tan will cause the new tan to fade faster and look uneven. We recommend using our exfoliating mitt in circular motions. If you are still having issues removing old tan, we recommend using our sunless tan remover.
SUNBURNS
We do not advise getting a spray tan if you have been burned by the sun and or a tanning bed within the last 6 weeks. You will be required to sign a liability waiver if you choose to go against these recommendations.