Spray Tanning - Frequently Asked Questions

What preparation do I need to carry out for my spray tan?

You should exfoliate well the day before your tan in order to remove any dead skin cells (this will help prolong your tan). If you shave or wax, this should also be done before the day of your tan. Do not wear deodorants or make up or any other preparation on your skin on tanning day as these can act as a barrier to the tanning solution.

What qualifications do you have?

All of our Spray Tanning Therapists have been trained and are certified to apply spray tans using HVLP spray tanning equipment on courses approved by The Guild of Professional Beauty Therapists.

How does spray tanning work?

Your body is sprayed with a solution that contains a certain percentage of DHA (DiHydroxyAcetone), a colourless sugar which reacts with the Amino acids in the dead layers of your skin and over a period of a few hours goes brown - just the same as an apple does when you have bitten it!

Is spray tanning safe?

Yes! DHA has been approved for cosmetic use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Canadian Health Ministry and most of the EU member nations. It is considered nontoxic and noncarcinogenic. DHA based Sunless tanning has been recommended by the Skin Cancer Organization, American Academy of Dermatology, Canadian Dermatology Association, The American Cancer Society and the American Medical Association.

How long does a spray tan last?

Your body constantly 'sloughs off' dead skin cells. This is why natural sun tans fade over a few days. Spray tanning only affects the outer skin layer, so again, as your skin cells are naturally shed, the spray tan will fade. Your tan should last 5-10 days, typically 7 days, but longer if you look after your skin by moisturising every day. However, we cannot offer a guarantee as everyone is different.

Can anyone have a spray tan?

Most people are suitable to have a spray tan. We suggest that pregnant women in the first trimester, those with severe asthma or with very sensitive skin refrain from spray tanning. However, if you are unsure, please contact us.

I am diabetic, is spray tanning OK for me?

DHA is a chemical derived from glycerin and was first used in the treatment of diabetes, as some diabetics are better able to tolerate DHA than glucose in their treatment! So basically, yes you can have a sunless spray tan.

Is it OK for people of any age to spray tan?

Yes it is. However, we require the signature and presence of the parent or guardian for those under 18. Also, we require that they are clothed in either swim trunks for males or bikini for females (or equivalent clothing).

Is spray tanning messy or smelly?

No. The therapist will set up a spray tan booth in your home. The HVLP sprayer produces a very precise spray and any overspray is caught in the booth. There is a faint smell of coconut, and that is all.

What should I wear for my spray tan?

You can wear as much or as little as you like. For men we would suggest dark swim trunks or boxer shorts. For women, a dark bikini or dark bra and knickers/g-string. However, you are perfectly welcome to have your tan topless or nude and many people do.

Will I go orange or streaky with a spray tan?

No, absolutely not! Orangeness is the result of tanning pills, and older tanning agents. A professional spray tan with modern tanning agents avoids this, and streakiness is caused by improper application of home tanning creams and sprays - which is why you should always let a professional apply your tan.

What do I do after my spray tan?

Follow these simple rules...

• Just wear loose dark clothing and do not shower for at least 8 hours as this can remove some of the tan before it has had a chance to develop.
• The first night, it is best to wear pyjamas or baggy loose clothing in order to prevent disturbing your developing tan and to protect your sheets (do not sleep in silk sheets as these WILL stain)
• When you do first shower, you may notice some brown staining in the water. Do not panic! This is just the marker dye washing off, revealing your tanned skin underneath.
• Avoid soaking in the bath as this encourages the sloughing of dead skin cells and will hasten the fading of your tan
• Avoid swimming pools as chlorine will hasten the tan fading
• Moisturise every day (preferably twice) in order to keep your skin and tan in tip top condition
• Use our Tan Extender to moisturise and top up your tan with more DHA
• Use our Facial Tanning mist to top up the tan on your face, arms and hands with DHA
• For those nights out, use our Silver Shimmer to add a sparkle to your beautiful tanned skin