Frequently asked questions
The most common questions we get from our clients
- On average, your tan will last 7-10 days. In all honesty, 90% of successful spray tans depend on self-prepping and maintaining your skin after tanning.
- DHA is considered to be safe and has been FDA approved ONLY if you follow guidelines to protect mucous membranes. The active ingredient in spray tans is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which reacts with the proteins in the outer layer of your skin to create a temporary tan. The FDA has approved DHA for external use on the skin, but not for inhalation or contact with mucous membranes (eyes, lips, etc.).
Preparing for a spray tanning session can make a huge difference in achieving that perfect, even bronze glow.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get ready:
- Exfoliate - The day before your appointment, exfoliate your skin thoroughly to remove dead skin cells.
Use a gentle scrub or exfoliating mitt. This will ensure amazing, even and long-lasting results. - Soaps - Avoid harsh soaps, scrubs, or exfoliants that can strip your tan. Look for products that are specifically designed for sensitive or tanned skin. Choose a body wash that does not contain SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate).
- Shave or Wax - If you plan to shave or wax, do it at least 24 hours before your tan. This will give your skin time to recover and minimize any irritation.
- Avoid Lotions and Oils - On the day of your appointment, avoid applying any lotions, oils, or makeup. These can create a barrier and prevent the tanning solution from absorbing properly.
- Wear Loose Clothing - Choose dark, loose-fitting clothes and flip-flops to wear to and from your appointment. Tight clothing and shoes can rub against your skin and affect the tan while it’s developing.
- Remove Jewelry - Take off any jewelry, including rings, necklaces, and bracelets, to avoid any unwanted tan lines.
- Last Spa Appointment - Make sure to schedule your hair, nail, facial, massage, etc. appointments, at least 24-48 hours before your tanning session.
- Yes, pregnant women can get spray tanned, but it's important to take certain precautions to ensure safety.
The active ingredient in most spray tan solutions, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), is considered safe for external use on the skin. Use protective gear for your eyes, lips, and nose to prevent inhalation or contact with mucous membranes.
It is best to consult with your healthcare provider before undergoing any cosmetic treatments during pregnancy.
- Moisturize Daily - Use a moisturizer that’s free from alcohol and fragrances, as these can strip the tan. Keeping your body moisturized is KEY to a long-lasting tan.
- Avoid Hot Showers and Baths - Hot water can dry out your skin and cause your tan to fade faster, opt to take a lukewarm shower instead. Avoid the use of hot tubs, chlorinated pools, and saunas until you are ready for your tan to come off.
- Pat Dry, Don't Rub - After showering or swimming, gently pat your skin dry with a towel rather than rubbing it. Rubbing can exfoliate the skin and remove the tan more quickly.
- Use Gentle Products- Avoid harsh soaps, scrubs, or exfoliants that can strip your tan. Look for products that are specifically designed for sensitive or tanned skin. Choose a body wash that does not contain SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate).
- Stay Hydrated - Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin hydrated from the inside out, contributing to a longer-lasting tan. Hydrated skin makes for an amazing, long-lasting color.
- Avoid Chlorine- Chlorine in swimming pools can bleach your tan. If you do go swimming, make sure to rinse off and moisturize your skin afterward. Remember, sitting on the side of a swimming pool with your legs dangling in the water can cause your tan to fade and be uneven.
- Top-Up Tans- Consider using a gradual tanning lotion or self-tanning product to top up your tan and keep it looking fresh.
- Stay Dry- After your spray tan, avoid getting wet for at least 6-8 hours. This includes showering, swimming, or sweating.
- Choose dark, loose-fitting clothes and flip-flops to wear to and from your appointment. Tight clothing and shoes can rub against your skin and affect the tan while it’s developing.
- After getting a spray tan, it's best to wait at least 6 to 8 hours for the first rinse. Use ONLY warm water! Soap, shampoo, conditioner and any other shower products should NOT be applied to the body during this initial rinse.
The first rinse is to only remove the bronzer from the body. Once the bronzer is rinsed off, the tan will continue to develop 24 hours to its full depth of color.
Rapid tans generally require a first rinse after 2 to 4 hours, while classic solutions will require a client to wait 8 to 12 hours to rinse.The first FULL shower should be done after the tan has fully developed. This will take place 24 hours after your spray tan is applied. Absolutely no soaps until 24 hours after your session!
- Avoid chlorine and any physical activities that might cause you to sweat for at least 6-8 hours after getting a spray tan.
Tan Care
What products should I avoid before and after the tan?
- Avoid showering on the day of your appointment. If you must shower the day of your tan, please do so a minimum of 4 hours before your appointment and shower only with cool water - absolutely no soaps or shaving/waxing.
- Soaps - Avoid harsh soaps, scrubs, or exfoliants that can strip your tan. Look for products that are specifically designed for sensitive or tanned skin. Choose a body wash that does not contain SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate).
- Lotions and Oils - Avoid using any moisturizers, lotions, or oils on the day of your tan, as they can create a barrier that prevents the tanning solution from absorbing evenly.
- Deodorants- Deodorants can react with the tanning solution and cause discoloration. It's best to skip it on the day of your appointment.
- Perfumes and Fragrances - These can also interfere with the tanning process, so avoid applying any perfumes or fragranced products.
- Makeup - Remove all makeup before your session to ensure an even tan on your face.
- Harsh Soaps and Exfoliants- Avoid using products with strong detergents or exfoliating agents, as they can strip away your tan. Stick to gentle, sulfate-free cleansers.
- Oil-Based Products - Recommend opting for water-based or aloe-based moisturizers. Be sure to check your product ingredient list!
- Chlorine -Prolonged exposure to chlorinated water, like in swimming pools or hot tubs, can bleach your tan. Rinse off and moisturize immediately after swimming.
- Shaving and Waxing- Avoid shaving or waxing immediately after your tan, as this can remove the top layer of skin and affect the evenness of your tan.