Question 1

How does Airbrush Spray Tanning work?

Accepted Answer

Spray tanning solutions contain a colorless chemical called dihydroxyacetone, or DHA. When applied to skin, a reaction occurs between amino acids and the outermost skin layer to produce a brown color, or tan.

DHA carries fewer health risks than any other tanning method, achieving a tan without sun exposure and UV rays. DHA is considered safe enough to be approved for external cosmetic application by the FDA, and is considered nontoxic and non-carcinogenic.

DHA should be regarded as offering NO SPF protection against UV rays, although a small protective effect has been observed. Always wear a sunscreen for UV protection.

Question 2

I know a spray tan is not as bad as tanning beds, but is it safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved DHA (active ingredient) for external application to the skin in 1977. For your safety, you should avoid getting solution in your eyes, mouth or nose. We will provide you with all required safety items to ensure you have a safe sunless session.

> Disposable nose filters (optional) to ensure you do not breathe in any sunless mist.
> Disposable undergarments for women- bra and bikini (optional). Men must wear their own briefs for sunless tanning (required).

Question 3

How long will an Airbrush Spray Tan last?

Accepted Answer

The answer to this question it can vary depending on several factors, including your skin type, how well you prepare for your spray tan, and how you take care of your skin after the treatment.

A spray tan typically lasts 5-10 days
Factors such as skin type, preparation, and aftercare can affect how long it lasts
Dry or flaky skin can cause the tan to fade faster
Proper preparation, such as exfoliation and moisturizing, will extend the tan
Avoiding hot showers + bath and using gentle soaps + moisturizers will also help
Following the advice of your spray tan technician can help you get the most out of your tan
For more detailed info on prep and after care will be provided when you schedule

Question 4

Does an Airbrush Spray Tan protect me from the sun?

Accepted Answer

No. Spray tan solution doesn't have any kind of sunblock in it.  It's not the same as a "base tan". If you are going out in the sun, please use sunblock. Don't forget to use spf lipbalm too!
 
SPRAY TAN FRIENDLY SUNSCREEN/SUNBLOCK/SPF: (Link to Amazon)
 
BODY:
Sun Bum SPF 30 Sunscereen Lotion with Vitamin E
COOLA Organic Body Lotion, Broad Spectrum SPF 50
FACE:
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Face Lotion 
COOLA Mineral Matte Tinted Sunscreen & Sunblock SPF 30 Fragrance Free
EltaMD UV Physical Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 41
LIPS:
Sun Bum Tinted SPF 15 Lip Bam
Aquaphor Lip Protectant and Sunscreen - Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Question 5

Is there anything I should do to prepare for my in home Airbrush Spray Tan appointment?

Accepted Answer

When preparing for your in home Airbrush Spray Tan, exfoliating is key; but don’t wait until the day of your spray tan. It’s best to exfoliate your skin in the days leading up to your Airbrush Spray Tan appointment to take away any dead skin cells. By exfoliating ahead of time, you’ll be prepping your skin to soak in all the bronze color a spray tan has to offer! This will help ensure your color lasts the max amount of time.
 
Follow these detailed pre-appointment prep instructions: https://www.alohaglowsunlesstan.com/prep

Question 6

Is there anything I shouldn't use on my skin before my Custom Airbrush Spray Tan appointment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are certain products you should avoid using on your skin before your Custom Airbrush Spray Tan appointment. Here are some things to avoid:

Oil-based products: Avoid using oil-based products such as lotions, creams, or makeup as they can create a barrier on your skin, preventing the spray tan from properly adhering and developing evenly.
Exfoliants: Avoid using harsh exfoliants or scrubs that can strip away the top layer of your skin, as this can result in an uneven tan.
Perfumes and deodorants: Avoid applying any perfumes, deodorants, or antiperspirants as these products can interfere with the development of your spray tan.
Waxing and shaving: Avoid waxing or shaving 24 hours before your appointment as this can cause irritation and create patches in your tan.

It's important to follow these guidelines to ensure that you get the best possible results from your Custom Airbrush Spray Tan.

Question 7

What should I wear after my Custom Airbrush Spray Tan appointment?

Accepted Answer

After your Custom Airbrush Spray Tan appointment, it's important to wear loose, dark-colored clothing to avoid any transfer of the solution onto your clothes. Here are some tips on what to wear after your spray tan:

Loose-fitting clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing that doesn't rub against your skin, as this can cause the tan to rub off or develop unevenly. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes or bras, as these can leave marks on your skin.
Dark-colored clothing: Wear dark-colored clothing, as the solution may transfer onto your clothes, especially in the first few hours after your appointment. Avoid wearing light-colored or white clothing.
Flip-flops or sandals: Wear open-toed shoes or flip-flops to avoid rubbing off the tan on your feet. Avoid wearing socks or closed-toe shoes, as these can cause the tan to rub off or develop unevenly.
Don't wear jewelry: Avoid wearing jewelry or accessories, as these can leave marks on your skin and interfere with the development of your tan.

It's also important to avoid getting wet or sweating excessively for at least 8 hours after your appointment, so try to plan your outfit accordingly. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your Custom Airbrush Spray Tan develops evenly and lasts as long as possible.

Question 8

When can I shower after my Custom Airbrush Spray Tan appointment?

Accepted Answer

The amount of time you should wait before showering after your Custom Airbrush Spray Tan appointment depends on the type of solution used by your technician.

If you opt for the overnight solution, you must wait 8-12 hours before showering to allow the solution to fully develop and set on your skin
If you opt for a rapid-rinse solution, you may be able to shower sooner, typically within 2-6 hours after your appointment
Follow the specific instructions provided by your technician to ensure the best results
Use lukewarm water and a mild, sulfate-free soap to gently cleanse your skin
Avoid using hot water, exfoliants, or loofahs, as these can cause the tan to fade faster
Pat your skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing, and moisturize your skin after showering to help extend the life of your tan
Talk to your spray tan technician if you have any questions or concerns.

Question 9

Will I look orange and splotchy?

Accepted Answer

Absolutley not!  Aloha Glow specializes in a natural glow to enhance your skin tone.
 
The formula for a perfect spray tan is: proper preparation + flawless technique + high quality solution.
 
As long as you do your part, which is come with your skin prepped as per our extensive preparation guidelines, we have the rest covered. Our first appointent includes an extensive skin consutation, where we take the time to talk to you and find out your motivation behind the tan and your glow goals so we can create a custom blend for you.

Question 10

Can I get a Custom Airbrush Spray Tan if I have a sunburn?

Accepted Answer

It's not recommended to get a Custom Airbrush Spray Tan if you have a sunburn. Here's why:
Sunburned skin is damaged: Sunburned skin is already damaged and can be painful or uncomfortable. Applying a spray tan solution to sunburned skin can further irritate it, causing even more discomfort and potentially making the burn worse.
Spray tan solution may not develop evenly: The solution may not develop evenly on sunburned skin, resulting in a patchy or uneven tan. Additionally, the tan may not last as long on sunburned skin as it would on healthy skin.
Increased risk of peeling: Sunburned skin is more likely to peel, which can cause the spray tan to flake off and fade unevenly.

It's best to wait until your sunburn has fully healed before getting a Custom Airbrush Spray Tan. This will ensure that you get the best possible results and avoid any potential discomfort or damage to your skin.

Question 11

How “instant” is the tan?

Accepted Answer

As we are custom spraying you, we are also applying a cosmetic bronzer. This bronzer helps us, as technicians, see where we’ve sprayed you and to ensure even color. The bronzer also helps to give you some instant glow. The real sunless process begins to show in 8 hours with full color developed at around 24 hours.

Question 12

How frequently do you recommend I get an airbrush sunless spray tan? Can I do it several days in a row?

Accepted Answer

The frequency of sunless tanning application depends on your skin cell turn over and preference of color intensity. People with quick cell turn-overs may want to get sprayed once a week to keep color fresh, while others may need to wait and get sprayed every other week. It is important to fully exfoliate prior to your next sunless session to prevent “layering” of old color. Aloha Glow's Custom Airbrush solution does not require back-to-back application – 1 session will give you perfect color!

Question 13

Will a Custom Airbrush Spray Tan affect the color of my nails or nail polish?

Accepted Answer

No. The solution will not discolor nail polish.
We pay meticulous attention to your hands and feet, including taking care of your manicure and pedicure. We provide a barrier cream which you apply to your hands, feet, nails and cuticles prior to a sunless spray application to avoid any discoloration. After your Airbursh Spray Tan is complete, we wipe off barrier cream and solution off your nails and cuticles.

Question 14

How many days before my event should I book my in home Airbrush Spray Tan

Accepted Answer

It is reccomended you book your appointment 24-48 hours before your event.
Ideally, Thursday appointment for a Saturday event.
 
If this is a very important day - wedding, photo shoot, etc, I highly reccomend a trial tan at least 2 weeks before to ensure we select your exact color and we can further customize your result, if needed.

Question 15

Which is better - the Original 8 Hour Sunless Tan or the Rapid Rinse Sunless Tan?

Accepted Answer

Rapid Rinse Tans provide the same lasting glow as expected from the Original 8 Hour tan, but with the added convenience of being able to be rinsed off hours earlier. Rather than having to wait 8, 12, or more hours, clients are able to rinse off in as little as 1 hr 30 minutes! Both products still take 8 hrs to start to show color and full 24 hours for the full final sunless glow. Both options provide amazing results and the tan lasts aprox same amount of time. 
 
The benefits of the Original 8 Hour are:
 
> No worries of over processing - any time over 8 hours the solution stops developing
 
> Evening appointmentscan sleep in the solution and rinse the next day
 
> You want to get extra dark
 
> The cosmetic bronzer adds to your glow and color lasts an addtional day or so.
 
The benefits of the Rapid Rinse are: 
 
> Book a morning appointment and you do not have to wear the cosmetic bronzers all day
 
> Sensitive skin can rinse off the bronzers sooner
 
> You do not have to sleep in bronzers
 
> Moms don't transer developing tan onto baby

Question 16

My face and hands fade faster than the rest of my body. How do I make the sunless tan in these places last?

Accepted Answer

This is very common issues. We are washing our hands and hand sanatizing more than ever before. Applying and removing makeup, wearing masks and simply washing your face, can cause your face tan to fade faster. 
 
The Fix: On approx day 3 or so, you will need to start adding back color to your fading face and hands with a tan extender. The Aloha Glow Sunless Tanning Wateris a clear mist you apply in the evening after your wash and moisturize your face and hands. A few light sprays and you'll wake up with a glowing face again! Apply nightly to keep fading areas glowing!

Question 17

Why don’t I want anything on my skin before a Airbrush Spray Tan?

Accepted Answer

The main ingredient in a spray tan, DHA, reacts with the Amino Acids in your skin to create the bronze glow. If there is something that will interrupt that process by not allowing the DHA to come in contact with those acids then the spray tan will not set to 100% of its ability.
 
Only use oil free moisturizers and skincare products after your tan has set, preferably after your first shower. For spray tan friendly skincare products shop the Aloha Glow Store.

Question 18

Can I shower and exfoliate right before my appointment?

Accepted Answer

It is reccomended your last shower should be at least 4 hours prior to our appointment. This allows time for your your skin’s natural oils to replenish. Your skin will hold the color, for longer. If you need to rinse - a quick cool water rinse with no soaps is ok.
 
Showers & body lotions alter your skin's natural pH and your acid mantle.  A high pH - your tan doesn't last as long.

Question 19

How long is our appointment?

Accepted Answer

Our appointment from start to finish is approx 45 minutes for new clients and 30 minutes for regular clients. New clients need additonal time to go through a skin consultaion to deterime desired color and where to set up.
 
The actual airbrush tan takes approx 5 - 7 minutes, with an additonal few minutes to warm air dry and powder if needed.
 
If you have a time constraint, please let us know in advance. We will do everything ensure we are arrive and are completed in your time frame.

Question 20

I live in a very small place. How much room do you need to set up?

Accepted Answer

We're experts in small spaces, this is Chicago!
All you need to provide is 5ft x5ft space with acess to electrical outlet.
Common set up areas are: Hallway, bathroom, kitchen, living room - all work out perfect.
 
We bring everything in a small rolling suitcase. The tent is  4 ft x 4 ft and 8 ft tall so we need an area minimum that size with access to an electrical outlet. The floor area surrounding the tent is protected, and all the mist stays in the tent. If you are unsure where to set up, we can help you determine the best spot in your home.

Question 21

Why should I have an Airbrush Spray Tan at home?

Accepted Answer

BENEFITS of an ALOHA GLOW LUXURY IN HOME SUNLESS TAN:

📲 Easy 60 second Online booking, E-mail Confirmation & 24-hour reminder, ETA Text announcing arrival.

🚙 Saves time - no driving to salon

🚦No traffic or parking stress

🅿️ No parking or uber fees

⏳No waiting outside until your appointment time

☔️ No weather worries

😷 No mess up stress putting on shoes, masks etc

💨 No rushing to go in before salon closes - appointments 24/7

🧖‍♀️Comfortably stay warm and cozy in your home

🕟 Efficient 30 min (regular client) - 45 min (new client) appointments

Professional Sunless Aftercare avail - you don’t have to go to store to purchase - Spray Tan Friendly Body Wash, Moisturizer, Tan Extender/Gradual Tanning Moisturizer, Self Tanning Mousse, Tanning Facial Mist, Deep Exfoliating Glove...

🗓 Monthly Memberships available to keep you glowing year round (limited avail, restrictions apply)

Question 22

Does Aloha Glow have a Studio location? Can I come to you?

Accepted Answer

Yes - we have a studio in the suburbs of Chicago. 
We are conveniently located in South Barrington/Hoffman Estates inside Glow Salon and Spa

3029 Barrington Rd
Hoffman Estates, IL 60192

Question 23

Do Men get Airbrush Spray Tans too?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Guys benefit from an Airbrush Spray tan as well. It's not just for competition body building either.
 
Most men get airbrush spray tans for the same reason women do: they want to look more in shape for vacations and photo shoots, healthy glow for weddings, and have bit of color to boost confidence on zoom meetings. Some use it to even out their skin tone in the winter or look better on first dates. We also offer in home teeth whitening to really give that full package confidence boost. 
 
Aloha Glow specializes in making the Airbrush Spray Tan look like your natural sun tan, without the damage to your skin. Never over done, never orange, never streaky, patchy, sticky or smelly. Guaranteed.
 
MAN TAN TIP: Most of our Men prefer the Express Rinse Airbrush Spray Tan option - You can rinse off the solution sooner and do not have to sleep in the bronzers.

Question 24

What are your hours?

Accepted Answer

Chicago Mobile services are by appointment. 
Monday - Friday, with the exception of Rush Hour (6am-9am / 4pm - 6pm).

Spring 2023 hours are:
 
Monday - Thursday: 9:15am - 4pm
Friday: 9:15am - 2pm
Saturday & Sunday Closed
 
*Hours are subject to change without notice.

South Barrington / Hoffman Estates Studio Hours are by appointment.

Question 25

Can I Work Out After My Airbrush Spray Tan?

Accepted Answer

It's recommended to avoid heavy sweating at least 18 - 24 hours after your Airbrush Spray Tan appointment. The newer the tan, the more vulnerable it is, and sweating can lead to unwanted streaking. If you consider yourself a gym rat, try and get a great workout in before your Airbrush Spray Tan appointment.

Question 26

What Spray Tan Color Should I Get?

Accepted Answer

This is completely up to you!
 
Our first appointment will inculde a detailed skin consultation. There are many factors that go into determining your color such as: skin tone, time of year, and what you’ll be wearing and where you’ll be going with your sunless glow. If you have a picture of your desired tan - either natural or a previous sunless tan, that always helps too! 
 
We will keep your unique color blend on file, and can always further customize your next session to make it lighter darker depending on your mood and occasion!

Question 27

Can You Spray Tan While You Are Pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Before getting a spray tan while pregnant, you should always consult your doctor first especially in your first trimester. Even with a doctor’s approval, you should do a small test patch on your skin, which may become more sensitive during pregnancy. Seek medical guidance about what products are safer for use on your skin during your pregnancy.
 
NOTE: Hormones affect the result of your glow - sometimes making it lighter than intended.

Question 28

What areas does Aloha Glow service?

Accepted Answer

Chicago Mobile Services are based in Lincoln Park and provide services 5 mile radius

Suburb Studio location in South Barrington / Hoffman Estates inside Glow Salon + Spa

Frequently Asked Spray Tan Questions