Standard Airbrush Tan Preparation
One to Two Days BeforeYour Tan
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Exfoliate! Use exfoliating gloves or a body polish to exfoliate your entire body, from head to toe.
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Laser hair removal should be done 2 days in advance with no sensitivity or abrasions present.
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If you shave before your appointment, be sure to wash/scrub your legs afterwards with a gel-like cleanser to remove ALL shaving cream/oil/moisture strip residue.
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If you have thick hair or large hair follicles, we recommend shaving the day before your appointment to reduce the issue of bronzers settling into the open follicles.
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Waxing should be done 48 hours or more prior to your appointment. Sugaring can be the same day, before your tan, just be sure to clean ALL the sugar residue and do not apply any after care products that contain oil.
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Make sure all manicures, pedicures, waxing, facials and massages are done before tanning
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Avoid ALL bar soaps and oil based scrubs & cleansers during your final shower prior to tanning.
Day of Your Tan
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Women, you may wear as little or as much as you want. Our artists are fully trained and operate in a discreet manner and fully respect client confidentiality. Men, you may wear brief, boxers, or a crotch sock.
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Shower 2 + hours prior to tanning. Showering immediately before tanning can result in a lighter than desired tan.
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It's best to wash your body with a gel-like body wash as the very last step to ensure all residue i.e. hair conditioner, soap, moisture strip from shaving.is washed off your skin.
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Soap bars as well as creamy body washes, like Dove and Oil of Olay, can create a barrier on the skin, which can result in a light or streaky tan. If this is all you have available, we recommend applying the cleanser to a puff or wash cloth, and lathering it into a thin but sudsy foam BEFORE applying it to your body. (Applying the soap directly to your skin will definitely leave a thick residue, you must dilute the cleanser).
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Avoid all bar soaps and oil based products.
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Avoid wearing deodorant to your appointment if possible. If this is not an option, you may wear deodorant, but be sure to request a wipe so you can scrub it off before tanning.
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Avoid wearing thick body creams, oils, or perfume to your appointment.
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You MAY use the following lotions to your appointment as they don't cause issues with our tanning solution: Hempz, Cetaphil, Cerave (Do not use their thick creams or oils).
Post Tan
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After your tan, you should wear dark loose clothing. We HIGHLY recommend loose long pants and sleeves until it's time to rinse. This reduces skin-to-skin contact, which can result is unevenness, or transferring to your furniture/sheets, etc.
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Do not wear a tight bra or clothing, as it will rub the solution off of your skin.
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Rinse at the recommended time, or your will be at risk for over development! (Orange!)
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Your first rinse, will be just a QUICK warm water rinse, without soap. Use your hands to remove the cosmetic bronzer. You will see the bronzer rinsing away, this is expected.
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Your tan will be fully developed around 24 hours post tan.
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Use a hydrating body wash during your next regularly scheduled shower, followed by a moisturizer free of mineral oil and petroleum products. You should moisturize from head to toe at least twice per day.
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Keep your showers quick, cool to warm (not hot), and hand lather to wash - do not use a wash cloth or scrub.
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Keep your skin hydrated and moisturized with a lotion free of mineral oil, petroleum, ethanol, AHA's, and other exfoliating and alcohol based products, as it will strip your tan. We offer variety of options that will keep your skin hydrated and your tan lasting longer.
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Avoid long hot showers and baths, Jacuzzis, loofahs and exfoliants of any kind, including waxing and sugaring, until your tan is ready to be removed.
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Acne and anti-aging products often contain chemical exfoliators, which will cause uneven & premature fading.
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As always, use a lotion based sunscreen as spray tans do not protect from harmful UV rays.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm pregnant, can I get a spray tan?
Pregnant women have been spray tanning without issues for decades as there is no known contraindications. We offer various forms of protection including eye wear, nose filters, & an extraction unit that filters the over spray in the air. It is recommended that pregnant women wear underwear during your spray tan. Although our tanning solutions use organic, natural, & hypoallergenic ingredients, we still recommend consulting your doctor before the use of any spray tan during your pregnancy.
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Does a spray tan protect me from UV rays and sunburn?
No. No it doesn't! Spray tan solutions do not provide any useful protection against UV rays. We recommend the use of a high quality sunscreen in the form of a lotion, not aerosol. Your technician can recommend a few spray tan-safe options.
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How do I extend the life of my tan?
Your spray tan can be extended through the use of approved products. Incorporating an approved low pH soap and lotion, free of mineral oil, petroleum based products, and alcohol. You should moisturize your skin at least two times per week, and stay hydrated from the inside out. Soaps such as Irish Spring & Dial should be avoided as we find that it dulls your tan. Using a gentle cleanser and your hands only to lather & wash is the best way to prevent premature fading. Incorporating a tan extender or gradual tanning lotion, is a good investment as it will further extend the life of your tan. Do not use aerosol sunscreens or apply perfume directly to your skin - the alcohol will erode your tan. Please note: You should avoid excessive exposure to water and any form of exfoliation, including waxing & sugaring, while maintaining your spray tan. Your tan sits on the dead skin cells so as they shed, your tan goes with it.
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What should I do after my tan has been applied?
You should avoid water, sweating, exercising, and tight clothing, including a bra.
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What should I wear during my tan?
It is recommended that you wear loose and comfortable dark clothing after your spray tanning appointment. Our tanning solution, in most cases, will not stain clothing and any slight rub-off should come out in the wash. However, some staining may occur on some light colored or sensitive fabrics & materials.
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How do I prepare for a spray tan?
We recommend you shower and exfoliate with a body polish and exfoliating gloves. This will ensure the best possible results, by eliminating the dry and dead skin. Your tan will sit on the upper most layer of your skin, so eliminated the layer that will shed in a day or two will prevent premature fading of your tan. It is also recommended that you avoid wearing deodorant, perfume and lotion as it may interfere with the effectiveness of the tanning solution.
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How long will my tan last?
Most people can expect their Sunfx tan to last for 5 to 7 days depending upon your skin type and preparation. We have found that our clients who incorporate our recommended low pH soap, daily moisturizer, and gradual tanning lotion will maintain their tan for 2 weeks.
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Are spray tans safe?
Our house solution is made of a unique combination of organic, natural and hypoallergenic ingredients along with highly purified water (aqua) and the natural sugar derived tanning agent, DHA. This combination produces beautiful results. Our product is unique and clients can be assured that it contains no alcohol, oils, perfumes, parabens or artificial preservatives. This is critical to the health of your skin, as these chemicals are drying, causes itching, dry patches, and cracking-appearance of the tanned skin. It's also a bad idea to be inhaling these chemicals during your tanning process. Mint Tan offers protection for the mucous membranes via nose plugs and eye protection, upon request, at no charge should you feel a need to use it.
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How good are the spray tan results?
We will, on nearly all skin types, provide an impressive and natural looking tan. We strive to give you a natural "peak of summer" tan. In many cases, the results are superior to sun and solarium exposure, and significantly safer!