Frequently Asked Questions

How does airbrush spray tanning work?

Your body is sprayed with a solution that contains a percentage of DHA (DiHydroxy Acetone), a colorless sugar derivative which reacts with the amino acids in the dead layers of your skin, which over a period of several hours goes brown - similar to what an apple does when you have bitten it!

Is airbrush spray tanning safe?

Yes! DHA has been approved for cosmetic use by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Canadian Health Ministry and most of the EU member nations. It is considered nontoxic and non-carcinogenic. DHA based Sunless tanning has been recommended by the Skin Cancer Organization, American Academy of Dermatology, Canadian Dermatology Association, The American Cancer Society and the American Medical Association.

How long does an airbrush spray tan last?

Your body constantly 'sloughs off' dead skin cells. This is why natural sun tans fade over time. Spray tanning only affects the outer skin layer, so again, as your skin cells are naturally shed, the spray tan will fade. Your tan should last 5-10 days, typically 7 days, but longer if you look after your skin by moisturizing every day. However, we cannot offer a guarantee as everyone is different.

Can anyone get a spray tan?

Most people are suitable to have a airbrush tan. We suggest that pregnant women in the first trimester, those with severe asthma or with very sensitive skin refrain from spray tanning or to check with your doctor.

I am diabetic. Is spray tanning okay for me?

DHA is a chemical derived from glycerin and was first used in the treatment of diabetes, as some diabetics are better able to tolerate DHA than glucose in their treatment! So basically, yes you can have a sunless spray tan.

Is it okay for people of any age to spray tan?

Yes it is. However, we require the signature and presence of the parent or guardian for those under 16. Also, we require that they are clothed in either swim trunks for males or bikini for females (or equivalent clothing).

Is airbrush tanning messy or smelly?

Not ours! The HVLP sprayer produces a very precise spray and any overspray is caught in the filter of the exhaust fan and the tanning tent. The solution has no odor at all.

What should I wear for my spray tan?

You may wear as much or as little as you like. For women, a dark bikini or dark bra and panties or g-string. However, my female clients are welcome to have your tan topless or nude, and many people do. (We have disposable panties for your convenience.) For men we would suggest dark swim trunks, boxer shorts, or other underwear. We do NOT spray men nude, but Speedos are fine. For after your appointment, please wear dark, loose fitting cotton clothing and undergarments. The tanning marker washes out of most fabrics, but it will stain nylon, rayon, leather, and wool, so plan accordingly.

Will I go orange or streaky with a spray tan?

No, absolutely not! We take great care in talking with you before your spray tan to assess what level of color is optimal for you. If someone gets orange from an airbrush tan, it means that their technician has used too dark of a solution for their skin type or you have left an Express Tan on too long before showering. If your skin will mostly tan in the sun, and not burn much, you may choose between light, medium, and possibly even a dark solution. If your skin mostly or only burns in the sun, you need to use a light solution, as opposed to a medium or dark. You'll still get great, natural color, but you won't look orange.

How do I prep for a spray tan?

• Shower, exfoliate, and remove body hair before your tanning session. Do NOT use a moisturizing soap or body wash (especially Dove) before you tan. Use either a gel body wash or a bar soap like Ivory or Dial, with either nylon exfoliating gloves or a washcloth. Make sure you scrub your entire body well.

• Shave at least 12-24 hours before your appointment. If you tan right after shaving, your pores will be wide open, and you could possibly get little dots on your legs!

• Be sure to wash off any hair conditioner residue from your body with a clear body gel or wash, otherwise you may get very little color on your back.

• If your appointment is later in the day, you may need to shower to remove any sweat and oils from the day before your appointment.

• Skin should be clean and dry before being sprayed. Don’t apply moisturizers, oils, perfume, or makeup before your tanning appointment. They can effect tan development. (A little anti-perspirant is fine.)

• Wear dark, loose, easily cleaned clothing to appointment. Wear loose shoes or flip flops. Bring an old swimsuit or undergarment to tan in. (wool, lycra, nylon, spandex, silk, rayon, and leather can all stain) We have disposable panties for women, or you may tan topless or nude if you prefer. Males must wear shorts, underwear, or a bathing suit.

• Style hair in a hair-clip or ponytail so it will be off of face and neck.

• Remove all jewelry before being sprayed.

• You will not be able to get wet or sweaty for 8-12 hours for a Regular Tan and 2-4 hours for an Express Tan – so please plan your activities accordingly.

• Bring a towel to cover leather or light colored seats.

• If it is raining or snowing, bring an umbrella and/or hoodie. If you get rained or snowed on, you will streak or spot!

What do I do after my airbrush spray tan?

Follow these simple rules...

• Wear loose, dark clothing and do not shower for at least 8 hours for the Original Tan, and 2-4 hours for an Express Tan, as this can remove some of the tan before it has had a chance to develop.

• The first night, it is best to wear pajamas or baggy loose clothing in order to prevent disturbing your developing tan and to protect your sheets (do not sleep in silk sheets as these may stain).

• When you do your first shower, you will notice some brown staining in the water. Do not panic! This is just the marker dye washing off, revealing your tanned skin underneath.

• Avoid soaking in the bath as this encourages the sloughing of dead skin cells and will hasten the fading of your tan.

• Avoid hot tubs and swimming pools as chlorine will hasten the tan fading.

• Moisturize every day (preferably twice) in order to keep your skin and tan in tip top shape.

• Wash GENTLY, and moisturize at least one to two times daily to maintain the best result of a spray tan. Applying moisturizer at night before you go to bed offers the best result.

• If your skin looks patchy -- dark patches between breasts, in belly button, on feet or anywhere else, that means you need to exfoliate! Your skin is shedding dead layers of cells that are visible because they are tanned with DHA. To even this out take a shower (not a bath - this will create more patches if not remove your tan altogether) and exfoliate these areas gently until it evens out. Moisturize afterward.

• If your skin looks cracked or lizard like -- It usually means you are not applying enough moisturizer. And if you are moisturizing once a day, step it up to twice a day.