Frequently Asked Spray Tan Questions

 

Your Sunless Questions Answered Here! (And if they’re not…definitely give us a call!)

 

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How does Airbrush Spray Tanning work?

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



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

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 thier own briefs for sunless tanning (required).



How long will an Airbrush Spray Tan last?

Most Airbrush Spray Tan last roughly 5 to 10+ days That's a pretty big difference. I'm sure you're asking: how do I get my tan to last 10+ days instead of just lasting 5. We have good news and bad news: The bad news is that, chances are, you’re the one preventing your tan from lasting 10+ days. The good news? We can help you change that! For more detailed info on this go to the prep and after care section.



Does an Airbrush Spray Tan protect me from the sun?

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



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

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 amout of time. Follow these detailed pre appointment prep instructions: https://www.alohaglowsunlesstan.com/prep



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

Avoid lotions, oils, perfumes, deodorant, make up. The above create a barrier on your skin and can react with sunless soltion to make your new tan uneven.



What should I wear after my Airbrush Spray Tan appointment?

Wear loose, long sleeve, long pants in dark colors. The solution also contains a cosmetic bronzer that may rub off on your clothes, however should wash out in the wash.



When can I shower after my appointment?

The Orginal Solution can be rinsed off after 8 hrs. The Rapid Rinse can be rinsed off based on the time provided to you at the time of the treatment - 1hr 30min for light up to 6 hrs for very dark. Your first rinse will be just luke warm water rinse to wash off the bronzers - no shampoo or soaps. You may take a regular shower 18-24 hours after the tan was applied. It's crucial to avoid any swimming or sweating, not to apply any products or moisturize, and not to exfoliate before this first regular shower. All of these things can affect the processing of your sunless tan.



Will I look orange and splotchy?

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.



Can I get an Airbrush Spray Tan spray tan if I have a sunburn?

It’s not recommended. If you’ve recently gotten a sunburn then your skin is going to start peeling soon. Once it does, you’re going to lose that beautiful tan you just got! It’s much better to wait until after your skin has had a chance to recover (approx 3 weeks) before setting your next spray tan appointment.



How “instant” is the tan?

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.



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

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!



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

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.



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

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.



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

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



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

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 Water is 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!



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

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.



Can I shower and exfoliate right before my appointment?

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.



How long is our appointment?

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.



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

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.



Why should I have an Airbrush Spray Tan at home?

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)



Does Aloha Glow have a Studio location?

No, we do not have a studio location. Aloha Glow Sunless Tan is based out of River North Chicago. The luxury our service provides is that we bring the Airbrush Studio to your home or hotel.



Do Men get Airbrush Spray Tans too?

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.



What are your hours?

We take appointments 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Services are offered by appointment only.
Regular hours are: Monday - Friday: 9am - 8pm Saturday: 9am - 4:30pm Sunday: 11am - 4:30pm Anytime outside of the above hours is considered after hours and after hour pricing applies. *Hours subject to change without notice. Need an appoointment today? Text/Call with your name & location for availability: 312-436-1550



Can I Work Out After My Airbrush Spray Tan?

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.



What Spray Tan Color Should I Get?

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!



Can You Spray Tan While You Are Pregnant?

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.