Airbrush tanning involves applying DHA, or dihydroxyacetone, to the skin using an air mist delivery system. DHA interacts with amino acids in the skin to produce the golden brown color.

Most airbrush tans contain a bronzer that gives instant color once it is applied to the skin. The bronzer will wash away after your first rinse and will have no affect on your tan. The amount of DHA in a solution is what creates a darker tan, not the amount of bronzer.

The darker you tan naturally in the sun, the darker you will tan with an airbrush tan. Since each solution contains different strengths of DHA, your skin tone will determine which strength of DHA should be used and how long it should be kept on before rinsing.

DHA-based sunless tanning has been recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, American Academy of Dermatology Association, Canadian Dermatology Association and the American Medical Association as a safer alternative to sun bathing. The FDA permanently added DHA to their list of approved cosmetic ingredients in the 1970’s restricting it to external application only.

Although results may vary by skin type, custom airbrush tans can last anywhere from 5-10 days. The results will also depend on how well the recommended pre and post tan care is followed. Your skin will naturally start to shed old skin cells and your airbrush tan will begin to fade. You can delay this process by using a spray tan friendly shower gel and moisturizer (free from sulfates, mineral oil, and petroleum).

Female clients may choose to tan in whatever you feel comfortable in…a bathing suit, undergarments or nothing at all. Male clients must wear an undergarment/bathing suit. Please keep in mind the tanning solution will get on any garment worn so you will probably want to choose something dark.

In all honesty, 90% of a successful spray tan is in prepping the skin correctly. Please make sure to have all waxing, sugaring, manicures and pedicures done at least 24 hours before your tanning appointment. The day before your appointment you will want to shower and exfoliate using an oil-free scrub and scrub mitt/gloves. Please avoid all bar soaps and Dove products before and after tanning because they tend to create a barrier on the skin. Also, please do not shower right before your appointment as the heat/steam will adversely affect your tan. 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. Avoid using any soap, shaving cream, exfoliants, lotion, oils, perfume, make-up or deodorant the day of your tan. Please refer to the “SKIN PREP’ section of this website for more details.

After you receive your airbrush tan, you will want to put on dark, loose fitting clothes with flip-flops. Please no jeans, tight fitting clothes, sports bras, socks or running shoes until after your first rinse. Rainy day? Make sure to wear a jacket with a hood, loose pants, an umbrella and shoes that cover your feet but aren’t tight. Also it is important to not get wet in any way BEFORE your first rinse. Avoid the following right after being sprayed: rain, washing your hands and face, working out, any water activities, perspiring, and skin on skin contact such as crossing your legs. These activities are fine after your first rinse. Please refer to the ‘SKIN PREP’ section of this website for more details.

If you have been sprayed with a Rapid solution, please follow the 2-6 hour rinse time that was recommended. You may have little color immediately following your rinse but don’t panic. This particular tan continues to develop for up to 24 hours after rinsing. Do not use any type of body wash during your first rinse. Also, do not apply any moisturizer or any other product to your skin for 24 hours after your initial rinse.

Please follow the recommended wait times before your first rinse. Do not use any type of body wash during your first rinse and don’t apply any moisturizer or other products to your skin for 24 hours after getting sprayed. Your tan will continue to develop for up to 24 hours after getting sprayed. Do not be alarmed when you see the cosmetic bronzer washing off. This is normal and will not affect your tan. Avoid scrubbing while in the shower and choose body wash that do not contain SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate.). Use a sharp, new razor when shaving and use hair conditioner in place of shaving cream. When exiting the shower, pat dry with the towel instead of rubbing dry.

Massages, manicures and pedicures must be avoided after your tan because the water soak will remove the tan and the products used during services will break down your tan. Also, avoid long hot showers, baths and hot tubs because hot water and prolonged water submersion will break down your tan. It is imperative that you Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize with a product that does not contain mineral oil or petroleum’ after the word moisturizer. This will slow down your skin’s natural cell turnover and ensure an even, flawless fade. Lastly, it is recommended that you wear sunscreen when outdoors. The lotion versions of Coola and Sun Bum sunscreens are two brands of sunscreen that are safe for spray tans. Please refer to the ‘SKIN PREP’ section of this website for more details.

There is a possibility that any existing sun spots and sun damage on your skin will appear darker once a spray tan is applied. Sometimes sun damage isn’t really noticeable pre-spray tan but when the tan is applied it will take on a darker freckled look. Sun spots that are already visible pre-tan will sometimes appear even darker after the tan is applied. The spots do eventually fade back to the lighter color but it may take several weeks. These outcomes don’t happen for everyone but just want you to be aware of the possibility.