Frequently asked questions
The most common questions we get from our clients
Typically, most spray tans only take about 20 minutes, so you are in and out quickly!
Yes! The DHA solution that we use is 100% organic, vegan, and cruelty free.
Our formula has been specially formulated to produce a balanced tan without the orange tint. The orange tint is often the result of excessive quantities of DHA being applied to the skin.
Most spray tans last roughly 7 to 10 days, though certain factors can extend or shorten that period.
For optimal results, the skin should be clean and free from moisturizers, make-up, deodorants, and perfume. These chemicals can cause the solution not to perform as well. On the night prior to, or on the morning of the tanning session, the client should shower using mild, non-moisturizing gel soap. Exfoliate the skin with a NON-oil based exfoliant. Also use caution while conditioning your hair, making sure that conditioner does not get on your skin, as this could cause a barrier between the tanning solution and your skin
Make sure to wear loose fitting clothing to your tanning session. Make sure there isn’t a tight band or elastic clenching to your body. DO NOT wear jeans. Wearing loose attire will ensure that the tan will not rub off or be disturbed. Flip flops and sandals are recommended, rather than socks and shoes. During your tanning session, you should feel free to wear whatever you want. Please be aware whatever you do keep on during your tanning session is where you will have tan lines.
Tan lines are OPTIONAL. A Cosmopolitan Survey on airbrush tanning reported that females are 40% nude, 50% topless, and 10% wear bra and underwear (bathing suit) during an airbrush tan. Don’t be shy. Your privacy is my top priority. I know how difficult it can be to show your imperfections, especially when it comes to your body.
Every time your skin is exposed to UV rays, your chances of developing skin cancer increase. Each year, the rate of skin cancer grows, due to harmful UV exposure. It is estimated that 7,000 people die from skin cancer every year. According to WebMD, about 50,000 new cases of melanoma skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States yearly. Additionally, sun damage can cause wrinkles, spots, and burns. Airbrush tanning is pain free. It's easier to spend 20 minutes once a week instead of 20 minutes every other day in a tanning bed.
While your spray tan is new, you'll want to avoid chlorinated water, as this can make the color fade faster. In addition, cut the amount of shaving you do, as this works as an exfoliant and can make your tan fade. Once your tan has started fading naturally, you can resume most of your normal skincare regimen.
Periods, menopause, and pregnancy can give lighter results or could result in your spray not lasting as long. Hormones play a big role in spray tans!
Absolutely! Manicures and pedicures shouldn’t be done the day after your spray as it could scrub the tan off your hands, arms, lower legs, and feet.
With our Rapid Tan option, you can shower anywhere between 2-5 hours after your application. With our traditional option, most of the DHA reaction time occurs in the first 8 hours but will continue to develop up to 12 hours after the application. We recommend you wait longer to shower or work out, so you will hold the tan longer.
We recommend 48hrs prior to your event. Be sure to book at least a week early to ensure you get in the time and date that works best for you.
Sure, sometimes clients skin can handle more or less solution so coming in for a trial is a great way to ensure we achieve the perfect tan for you.
Spray Tan Preparation
Not sure what to do before your airbrush tan?
That’s fair! We’ve got you covered. Here’s what you need to know.
- 2-Plus Days Before Your Tan: Any waxing, facial treatments, or microdermabrasion that you plan to have done. This includes retinol, chemical peels, or anything that we all do to try to maintain our youth.
- 1 Day Before Your Tan: Manicures and pedicures can be done the day before your airbrush tan treatment, if you choose to do so.
- 8 Hours (Or More) Before Your Tan: Shower, shave, and exfoliate your skin. If possible, avoid adding moisturizer. If your skin is “thirsty,” it will more readily absorb the tanning solution. Fewer than 8 hours until your appointment? Skip it all and come as you are. Trust us, you’ll love your tan WAY more.
- The Day of Your Tan: Wear loose-fitting clothes in darker colors to prevent staining. Wool, silk, and synthetic fabrics can interact with DHA, the active ingredient in your tan. If possible, skip those fabrics. Not dressed for the occasion? We’ve got some comfies and some flip-flops that you can purchase to get you—and your tan—home.
- At Your Tan Appointment: Before your airbrush tan, put your hair up so that it doesn’t touch your face or neck. Remove all jewelry (and your deodorant, if you wore any), and get ready to party!
- Avoid wearing moisturizer, lotion, perfume, makeup, and deodorant to your appointment. These products can all negatively affect the results of your tan. Is it too late and you already put it on? DON’T try to shower it off…Just come in and we’ll make it work.
- Within 24 hours after getting your tan, avoid the following: manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing, dermabrasions, hot yoga, intense conversations, deep thoughts, and overthinking.
- When you take your first shower after your airbrush-tanning treatment, you will see the cosmetic bronzer come off in the water. Don’t panic! This is a normal part of the spray tan process. What you’re seeing is just the excess product rinsing off.
- For the best results, your first shower should be a lukewarm, quick rinse. This will maximize the length of your tan (and let’s be honest, it’s going to save you time that day.)
- Follow these tips to maximize the longevity of your tan.
- Wear dark, loose-fitting clothing following your spray tan. Avoid wearing bras with tight straps, sports bras (or really any bra at all!), tight clothing, or tight shoes and socks while your tan is developing. Embrace the makeup-free and comfy life - your tan will thank you!
- Wait 8-12 hours to shower after your spray tan if you got the classic spray tan or 2-5 hours if you got the rapid tan. This gives the tanning solution the ideal time to set. While you can shower sooner, it will lessen the intensity and longevity.
- Avoid moderate to intense physical activity until after your first shower. Anything that includes water or sweating should be avoided for the 8-12 hours. This includes activities like swimming, working out, or relaxing in the sauna or hot tub. Even an Epsom salt bath should be avoided. Why? Because anything that dehydrates your skin - salt, chlorine, etc - will start to remove your tan and could result in blotchy results.
- Avoid exfoliation after your tan. When you’re bathing or showering, use a mild shower gel and go without the exfoliant or thorough scrubs (this includes your loofahs and washcloths). Not sure if what you have will work? There are products specifically formulated for before and after your tan - just ask us and we can recommend exactly what you need!
- Pat your skin dry after showering. Pat - don’t rub - and you’ll keep your glow looking nice and even.
- Moisturize twice daily (starting after your first post-tan shower). Before your tan, you want your skin thirsty - avoid the moisturizer. But AFTER your tan, you want to keep it hydrated - so moisturize away! Roots to boots! This will help it last longer.
We offer fast, affordable, and convenient spray tanning so you can have the fabulous tan that you deserve!
Sprayin’ on Sunshine is where to go for your next date, wedding, bar-mitzvah, beach trip, vacation, birthday, girls day, prom, etc. When you're ready to get your glow on, book your appointment today!
