Frequently Asked Questions
How do spray tans work? When the solution is airbrushed on, you immediately see your skin is a darker color. This is only a cosmetic bronzer you are seeing that gives a guide for the artist, and the client instant appearance of a tan. The actual spray tan begins to develop in 1 hour, and will be noticeable after you rinse off the initial bronzer. For regular solutions, it may take 12 hours to fully darken, and for the express rinse options, it takes up to 24 hours for the tan to fully set. Even once you rinse the bronzer off at your designated time, the DHA will still darken up.
What is DHA? Dihydroxyacetone or DHA is the ingredient in spray tans that creates the appearance of a tan for 7-10 days. DHA is a simple sugar that when exposed to the amino acids in the outermost layer of skin, causes a reaction similar to when a cut apple turns brown.
How long will the tan last? With proper aftercare, your spray tan will last on average of 7 days, but with a tan extender and diligent care, it can last up to 10 days. As your skin begins to naturally exfoliate, your tan will lighten up as well.
Cancellation Policy: I get it, life happens. If you need to reschedule or cancel an appointment no worries. Just let me know at your soonest convenience. If this is a recurring event, I may charge and collect the deposit for cancellations under 2 hours.
How far do you travel? I travel 30 minutes in any direction from downtown Portland. After 30 minutes, for every extra 15 minutes of travel you will be charged an extra $10. (For example, Portland to Vancouver at 5pm takes roughly 60 minutes. There would be a $20 fee added to your total.) Keep this in mind if you live in suburban areas when booking. I travel to Beaverton and Vancouver frequently, but during non peak hours so it takes me 30 minutes or less.
What should I wear before my tan? I recommend wearing loose, dark clothing. Maxi dresses are great in the summertime, and robes are nice to relax in if you are staying at home.
Will I be orange? This is a very common question. Spray tans turn orange when there is too much applied, too high of a concentration applied, and/or left on for too long (express). I am very conservative with my first time clients, and gradually build up to darker tans to ensure their skin type can handle more solution if they wish to be dark.
What if I splash water on my tan during development? Reach out to me ASAP! If it was a few hours after your appointment, you will most likely be fine when you rinse. If there are visibly smudges after you rinse, reach out and we can troubleshoot, and possibly schedule a touch up.
Will my tan protect me from the sun? NO! Although you may not see your skin getting burned underneath your tan, you are still susceptible to UV damage.
What type of sunscreen do you recommend? Lotion based sunscreens are the best. Try to find one that does not contain alcohol or mineral oil.
When can I use soap and/or lotion? 12 hours after a regular spray tan 24 hours after an express spray tan
How soon can I workout? I recommend waiting 12 hours for light workouts, and up to 24 hours if you tend to sweat a lot. Never workout before your first rinse.
Will it stain my sheets? If you are sleeping in the solution overnight, I recommend wearing long sleeves and sweatpants. I also recommend using a dark pillowcase. The solution will rinse out of most fabrics, but there are no guarantees it 100% will come out. Wearing long sleeves also reduces the chance of your tan rubbing against skin to skin potentially causing unevenness.
Can I go in swimming pools, hot tubs, or the ocean? Yes!...but I would limit your time, especially in chlorinated pools and hot tubs. These are steps I recommend when you want to get your tan off.
I am breastfeeding, can I get a tan? Yes! For my breastfeeding mamas out there, I recommend wearing a bathing suit top or pasties (I can provide them). If you need to feed before your rinse time, make sure to wipe any tanner off where your babyโs mouth or cheek might come into contact. Once the solution has been rinsed off, you are free to feed as normal.
When is the best time to get a tan before an event? I recommend getting sprayed two days before a special event. For example, if you are attending a wedding on a Saturday, getting sprayed on thursday will allow enough time for two showers so any excess bronzer will be removed before then.