Frequently asked questions

Yes! Spray tanning is considered a safer alternative to tanning in the sun or a tanning bed because you can achieve a beautiful glow without exposing your skin to harmful UV rays.

The main tanning ingredient, DHA, works by reacting with amino acids in the outermost layer of your skin to temporarily create color—it does not require UV exposure to develop your tan.

For clients who are more ingredient-conscious or simply aren’t sure about traditional spray tan formulas, I also offer a clean solution option with only 6 ingredients. Just let me know at your appointment and we can choose the solution you’re most comfortable with.

No! Your spray tan is customized to you, not a one-shade-fits-all formula. I choose your solution based on your natural skin tone, undertones, desired color, and how deeply your individual skin can develop.

Darker isn’t always better. Every skin tone has a point where it can become overdeveloped. Leaving a solution on too long or trying to push the skin darker than it can naturally handle can lead to brassy or overly warm/orange tones and could possibly cause the tan to fade unevenly or patchy.

That’s why your solution and rinse time are customized specifically for your skin to give you a natural, bronzed result.

For the best results, I recommend arriving in dark, loose-fitting clothing—preferably a loose long-sleeve top and loose pants. Keeping your skin covered helps prevent skin-to-skin contact, rubbing, and transfer while your tan is developing.

Avoid tight clothing such as leggings, jeans, bras, socks, or anything with tight waistbands or straps, as these can rub against your fresh tan and cause uneven areas.

Loose, dark slides or sandals are best for footwear.

I recommend avoiding white or light-colored clothing while your tan is developing. Spray tan solution contains a cosmetic bronzer that may transfer onto clothing before your first rinse.

After your first rinse, you can wear white or lighter colors. Keep in mind that a small amount of residual bronzer may occasionally transfer, especially if you sweat.

For the most even, long-lasting tan:

• Shower, shave, and exfoliate at least 8–24 hours before your appointment.
• Arrive with clean, dry skin and no lotion, oils, deodorant, perfume, or makeup.
• Pay extra attention when exfoliating dry areas such as the knees, elbows, ankles, and feet.
• Avoid applying heavy or oil-based products before your appointment, as they can create a barrier between your skin and the tanning solution.

While your tan is developing, avoid water, sweating, working out, swimming, or anything that may cause rubbing or skin-to-skin contact.

Wait until your recommended rinse time before showering. Your first rinse should be quick and with lukewarm water. Avoid scrubbing your skin.

After your tan has fully developed, moisturize daily to help it fade evenly and last as long as possible.

And remember—a spray tan gives you the vacation glow without the sun damage, but it does not provide SPF protection. Always wear sunscreen when you’re outside. ☀️🤎

Most spray tans last approximately 7–10 days with proper aftercare. Keeping your skin moisturized, avoiding excessive exfoliation, and limiting long hot showers, baths, and chlorine will help extend the life of your tan.

For weddings, homecoming, photos, vacations, or other special events, I recommend scheduling your spray tan 2 days before your event. This gives your tan plenty of time to fully develop and settle into a beautiful, natural-looking glow.

If you’re leaving for vacation, try to schedule your appointment 1–2 days before you leave.

Your tan is customized to you! We’ll choose the best solution based on your skin tone, desired color, and how deep you want your tan.

With a rapid solution, your rinse time helps determine your final depth of color. Rinsing earlier gives you a lighter result, while leaving the solution on longer allows for a deeper tan.

More time doesn’t always mean a better or darker tan. Certain skin tones can only process so much DHA, and leaving the solution on longer than recommended can cause the tan to overdevelop. This may result in an unnatural tone, uneven fading, patchiness, or a tan that doesn’t last as beautifully.

That’s why your recommended rinse time is customized specifically for your skin and desired result.

Keep in mind that your tan will continue to develop after your first rinse, so don’t worry if you look lighter immediately afterward. Allow the full development time before judging your final color.

No. A spray tan gives you the look of a sun-kissed glow without intentional UV exposure, but it does not replace sunscreen or protect your skin from sun damage.

Always apply SPF when outdoors—even when you’re beautifully bronzed. ☀️

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that chlorine, salt water, and prolonged time in the water can cause your spray tan to fade faster.
Before swimming, apply Afterglow Spray followed by Afterglow Oil to help create a protective barrier between your tan and the water. Both are available for purchase in the salon and are perfect to take along on vacation. 🌴🤎

After swimming, rinse off with fresh water when possible and gently pat your skin dry—never rub. Keeping your skin moisturized will also help your tan fade more evenly and last longer.

Avoid working out or excessive sweating until after your first rinse. Sweat, tight workout clothing, and skin-to-skin contact can interfere with your tan while it’s developing.

After your first rinse and once your tan has developed, you can return to your normal workouts. Keep in mind that during the first day, you may still notice some residual color transfer onto clothing, especially with sweating or friction. Wearing darker, loose-fitting clothing is recommended.

Frequent sweating, friction, and showering can also cause your tan to fade a little faster, so moisturizing and following proper aftercare will help extend the life of your tan.

Proper aftercare makes a huge difference in how long your tan lasts and how evenly it fades. I carry spray tan–safe retail products designed to protect, maintain, and refresh your glow between appointments.

✨ Afterglow Mist & Afterglow Oil — Help keep your skin hydrated and your tan looking fresh. Perfect for everyday aftercare and especially helpful during vacations, swimming, and frequent workouts.

✨ Tan Boosting Lotion — A vacation must-have! Adds a subtle boost of color while helping maintain your existing tan, making it perfect for longer trips when you want to keep your glow going.

✨ Tanning Mousse — Perfect for refreshing your color or adding more color between professional spray tan appointments when you can’t make it into the salon.

Your spray tan is an investment—your aftercare helps you get the most out of it! Ask me which products are best for your skin and plans, and I’ll help you choose the right combination.