Spray Tanning Guidelines
Airbrush Spray Tanning Preparation
Careful preparation of your skin is essential for the best, even looking tan. Exfoliating a few hours prior to your session is the most important step to prepare for a spray tan. Particular attention needs be given to any dry areas of the body such as the knees, elbows and ankles. Moisturizing these area will help to produce a better looking tan.
Balm acts as a barrier to the tanning solution. We advise applying balm to your lips, eyebrows, and palms of your hands. You may opt to apply balm as well to your nails to avoid staining.
Do not apply lotions or perfumes prior to tanning. Use deodorant very sparingly. You should shave the day before you tan. Remove make-up and jewelry before the tanning process to avoid blocking the spray mist.
If you are looking for an airbrush tan for a special event I suggest you come in at least one week prior to the event for us to determine the exact color tone that is best for you. The tanning session for the event should be scheduled one or two days prior to the event.
What to Expect During a Tanning Session
If this is your first visit, we will ask that you fill out a short intake form, providing Elements of Bodywork with your contact information.
The therapist will step out of the room to provide privacy while you undress. What you wear or choose not to wear is your choice. Our clients have worn bathing suits, underwear, disposable spa wear or have opted for no tan lines and gone topless or have been spray tanned in the nude. The disposable bra allows the entire back to spray tanned without tan lines. The choice depends on your comfort level. A robe will be provided for your comfort while we prep you for the airbrush spray tan.
Dry skin will absorb more of the tanning solution, resulting in uneven tanning. Therefore, before the spray tan we will moisturize those areas of the body that are prone to having dry skin. A Pervonia moisturizing lotion will be applied to your palms, bottom of your feet and your cuticles. A mositurizer from Fantasy Tan will be sprayed on your knees, front and back, your elbows, under your arms, and the back of your heels.
The spray tan starts at the back of your neck working down the back of the body. We then do each side of the body, including your arms, then the front of your body starting at the ankles and working up to your neck. Your feet, hands and face are done last using the airbrush. During the airbrush spray tanning session the therapist will instruct you on how to position your body to allow for an even application. The spray session will take 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
Please wait 10 minutes after the tanning application for the solution to dry before putting on any clothing. Loose, dark clothes should be worn after tanning as the solution may stain clothes if not completely dry. Any color that does rub off on clothing usually washes out. However, please wear clothes that you do not mind the possibility of staining.
After Tan Care
Immediately after your spray tanning session avoid activities that may cause you to sweat excessively to avoid streaking of the cosmetic bronzer.
The cosmetic bronzer in the Fantasy Tan solution provides an instant radiant tan while the active ingredient DHA continues to develop over the next 4 to 8 hours.
It is advisable not to bath or shower for 8 hours after a spray tanning session. When you shower, the water may run red-brown. This is the bronzer being washed off, revealing a great, natural looking tan that your own skin developed underneath.
Please avoid running your hands under water while washing them for the first few hours after the spray tanning session. A hand sanitizer such as Purell is advised to be used on your palms to avoid washing the tan off the back of your hands.
Moisturizing is recommended for daily skin care and will help to prolong the tan.
Airbrush Spray Tanning FAQs
How long does a airbrush spray tan last?
Your Fantasy Tan should last between 4 and 8 days.
Does an airbrush tan help even out a farmers tan?
Airbrush tanning is the perfect solution to even out a farmers tan. First the area of the body that does not have a tan is airbrushed to match the tanned part of the body. Then the entire area is sprayed with a light solution to blend the areas together.
What will I look like after the tanning session?
Pre and Post Airbrush Spray Tanning Photos
How many days before an event should I spray tan?
Two days before is ideal, especially before a big event such as a wedding. The extra day is helpful if there is any area that needs to be touched up and clients report that the tan looks best on the second day.
What does the disposable spa bra and bikini look like?
Disposable Spa Wear Photos
Does an airbrush tan rub off on clothing?
The cosmetic bronzer that is used may rub off on your clothing. The tan from the DHA will not rub off on your clothing. We use as little bronzer as possible to minimize the amount that may rub off on your clothing.
Should I avoid pools, swimming and hot tubs?
Yes, the chlorine in pools and hot tubs will cause the spray tan to fad faster.
How do I remove a spray tan for example from my palms?
During our training when we first purchased the Fantasy Tan system I got several very dark areas on one of my palms. I used a body scrub multiple times during the day. After two days the tan was almost completely removed and by the end of the third day it was gone.