Frequently asked questions
The most common questions we get from our clients
No, with proper prep, solution choice, and after care, no one should ever have an orange tan. Make sure you listen to your spray tan professional about proper rinse times. Leaving a solution on too long is one of the main causes of an orange tan.
Shower, shave and exfoliate gently 24 hours before your tanning appointment, Waxing, pedicures, manicures and massages should be done 48 hours before your tan. Have clean dry skin, no moisturizers or oils. You will also need loose fitting clothing to wear afterwards. I recommend long, loose pants and a long sleeve, loose-fitting shirt. No denim, leggings, spandex, or socks and shoes. Flip flops are recommended.
Proper care is important to maintaining a beautiful tan. Quick and irregular fade, as well as the tan turning an unnatural color can be prevented with the proper aftercare. All products should be without sulfates, alcohol, perfumes, and dyes. Check out my complete line of tan-safe products to get the most out of your new tan.
Appointments are usually 15 minutes with the exception of the first appointment. The first appointment takes approximately 30 minutes because we spend time assessing your skin tone and desired outcome.
Sunless tans typically last approximately 1 week; however, with proper prep and aftercare, it is not unusual to get 10-14 days from your Stay Golden tan.
2-3 days is best to make sure your tan is fully developed and looking its best.
It is recommended to wait 24 hours (when the tan is fully developed) before sweating, if possible. Tight, restrictive clothing like leggings, sports bras, and socks and sneakers can wreak havoc on a fresh tan, as well.
It's perfectly fine to swim after a spray tan has fully developed; however, it is recommended to rinse off salt water and chlorinated water as soon as possible to avoid drying of the skin, which will speed up the fade of your tan. For maximum longevity, a waterproof LOTION sunblock over your tan while swimming helps create a barrier between your skin and the drying properties in the water. Staying hydrated and moisturized will go a long way in increasing the life of your tan.
Loose, dark clothing is recommended. The holy grail of after spray lounge wear is a pair of black, loose pajamas.
Yes!! There is a science to getting the best tan result. The pH of your skin determines how your tan develops. If your skin is too acidic (usually very oily skin), your tan can develop lighter or not at all. If your skin is too alkaline (think flaky, dry skin, eczema), the tan will be patchy and won't fade well. This is why it is recommended not to shower within 8 hours before getting sprayed. Showering temporarily changes the pH of your skin and can have an effect on your final results. Using improper aftercare can not only strip your tan but can also cause it to turn brassy looking (i.e., orange). Make sure you are using the best tan-safe products to make sure your Stay Golden tan develops beautifully and stays that way until it's time for the next one!
Yes! Certain acne and eczema medications can cause hyperpigmentation to the face/body, which isn't evident until the tan develops. There are certain types of hormones and thyroid medications, which can have a negative effect on the tan's development. Make sure you tell your tan professional if you are on any medications so adjustments can be made in regards to the solution used and the rinse time.
Yes! DHA has been deemed not harmful to the baby; however, I always recommend checking with your physician. Nose plugs and masks are also available to use during your spray to decrease the amount of overspray you breathe in.
Pregnancy and other hormonal factors (menses, menopause, etc.) can affect the development of your tan. Please let your tan professional know if you are experiencing any hormone changes (such as menstrual cycle) so adjustments can be made to ensure your tan developments beautifully.
Pre/Post tan care
Follow These Preparation Tips for Superior Results
- We cannot over stress the importance of preparation by the client for a long lasting, even tan. Exfoliation is the most important step to a successful airbrush tan. Exfoliate your skin all over, preferably with an exfoliating glove or sponge. Try to avoid scrubs as they usually contain oils, which will act as a barrier between the solution and the skin. Don’t forget your elbows, ankles, neck and underarms!
- Avoid all bar soaps, heavily fragranced or moisturizing body washes such as Dove. These products can cause a film on your skin.
- Any waxing or shaving should be done 24 hours prior to your session.
- All manicure and pedicure appointments should be done the day before your session if possible.
Don’t Create Sunless Barriers
- Avoid showering within 8 hours prior to the appointment. Doing so can result in the tan not developing at all or in a much lighter result.
- You should refrain from applying anything to the skin that may act as a barrier between the sunless solution and the skin. Deep penetration is key to beautiful lasting color. For this reason, do not apply lotions, creams, or perfumes prior to session. Also, if possible, avoid deodorant the day of or at minimum, use sparingly.
- Remove any makeup prior to sunless application.
- Wear loose fitting, dark clothing and flip-flops or sandals after your tanning appointment. I recommend long, loose pants (no yoga pants/leggings) and a loose, long sleeve tee. This minimizes skin on skin contact, which can cause bronzer transfer. This also minimizes the possibility of other things coming into contact with your skin, which can smear the bronzer (i.e., crying babies, spilled water, etc.)
- Remove jewelry.
- Wear a dark-colored bathing suit or undergarments.
- Remember, whatever you are wearing will create your "tan lines" so if you do not want strap marks, wear a strapless top (female clients may choose to go topless or bottomless; however, male clients must wear bottoms). The bronzer usually washes out of clothing; however, I always recommend wearing dark clothing, just in case.
- If you will be driving at all before rinsing, I recommend sitting on a dark-colored towel to avoid staining seats.
