How does Airbrush Tanning work?

During your session an airbrush technician will gently spray your body in a fine mist, using a sunless tanning solution.  The active ingredient in the solution is a colorless sugar, called Dihydroxyacetone (or DHA) which has been FDA approved for more than 30 years.

This special formula works by interacting with the natural amino acids in the dead surface cells found in the outermost layer of the skin. This produces a color change, which resembles a UV based tan.  As the dead skin cells gradually wear off, the color slowly fades, just like a genuine sun tan. This does not cause damage to the underlying living layers of skin.

Is it safe?

Yes! DHA has been approved in the personal care industry for over 30 years.  No adverse effects have been reported other than minor skin irritations on allergic people.  Allergic reactions are very rare and can usually be eliminated by showering.

How long will my tan last?

Just as every person is different, every skin type is different. Once your "tan" is applied, with moderate care, it should last between 5 to 7 days, depending on your skin type and upon your ability to follow a proper daily moisturizing regiment. Proper skin hydration is the key to maximum longevity. Each person's skin type is different, so fading times and patterns will be different.

Is airbrush tanning recommended for pregnant women or nursing mothers?

Although there is no evidence that any of the ingredients in our tanning solution would cause a problem, we elect not to take any chances. Therefore, we do not airbrush pregnant women or nursing mothers. Your natural glow will have to suffice until you deliver.

What do I wear?

During your session you can wear a bathing suit or under garments, while getting airbrushed. The bronzer we use for your initial color should easily wash out of most fabrics. However, spandex, lycra, wool, nylon, and leather can stain. You can also wear shorts and a shirt, if you prefer. Remove any jewelry when being sprayed.

What if I don’t want tan lines?

Some customers prefer to be tanned in the nude to avoid tan lines. This is a personal preference and we leave it up to the customer to decide. If you are a man, please understand that although we are professionals, we leave it up to the technician to decide what is comfortable and appropriate for them during your session.

At Tan Girl, we are professionals, and nudity does not offend us.

How long do I have to wait after my session before I can shower?

We recommend that you wait at least 6-8 hours after tanning to give the solution enough time to fully set. Allowing product to develop on skin overnight is ideal. If you shower earlier, you may diminish the intensity of the tan. When you do shower, the initial tan created by the water-soluble bronzer will wash off, but your long-lasting sunless tan will remain. If you are getting your tan for a special occasion or just to look great any day, we suggest getting other maintenance services such as pedicures and manicures done BEFORE you schedule your tan.

Can I swim and/or work out after my tan?

To make your tan last as long as possible, working out directly following a tanning session is not recommended. After the initial "curing" of your tan, you may shower, workout, garden, shop, do whatever you would normally do! We recommend a curing period of eight hours following your session.

Swimming and/or the use of hot tubs/saunas is not recommended with the use of any self-tanning products. Prolonged exposure of water to the skin allows for loss of tan. This is simply due to the outer layer of the skin being "shed" more quickly than if not exposed.

Am I safe to go in the sun?

Our sunless tanning solution DOES NOT include any sunscreen or protection from the sun. You must use a topical sunscreen to protect you!

What should I do before my session?

Exfoliate!  A good exfoliation before your tan will help prolong your tan and allow for the most even coverage.  Just use a washcloth or puff to vigorously clean your body before hand, paying special attention to more dry areas like knees, elbows, feet, etc.  Come to your session with a clean face,  no makeup (eye makeup/mascara is fine), and no deoderant.  Remove all watches/jewlery or anything where you wouldn't wan to leave a "tan line".  Wear loose fitting clothes as anything tight could leave a "tan line".  Dark garments are also recommended as there is a possibility the bronzer could rub off onto very light fabrics.  No worries though, if the bronzer does rub off on a light fabric, it's washable!

What should I do after my session?
Relax for one!  It is best to stay as dry as possible during the processing time. Do not shower, work out, or do any activity that causes sweating for the same period of time. Perspiration may adversely affect the results of the tan.  For your appointment, be sure to wear loose fitting, dark clothing.  Jeans, tight pants and tight fitting undergarments such as underwire bras or sports bras should not be worn directly after tanning if at all possible.  These garments are made to fit snug, and we don't want them to leave a "tan" line where there wasn't one before.  For footwear, non-leather flip flops are best.  Tennis shoes are too snug, and will erase your tan before it has a chance to develop. 

How often can I shave?

When shaving makes sure you use a clean sharp razor. Using a mild hair conditioner, as a shaving product, will help the razor glide. A dull razor scrapes off more skin and tan. Electric razors remove the least amount of tan.

Pat dry in the shower, do not rub.

Long hot baths, hot tubs, and chlorine, salt water, prolonged submersion can all affect the "tan" on some clients. Using a water resistant sun block lotion can help prolong the tan.

A women's tan may also develop differently during various hormonal changes. The tan could be streaky, patchy, fade worse, or produce lighter and even no color.

Oily skinned clients can develop a lighter tan then people who have dry skin. Dry skin absorbs more products faster; excess skin oils can coat the skin.

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