Whether this is your first time or you have experience tanning, you maybe have questions about the different types of tans, for example, the difference between airbrush tans or spray tan booths, or how to properly prepare and maintain your sunless tan. Below is a list of sunless tanning FAQs, or visit our blog for additional resources.

Sunless Tanning FAQs: What you need to know

When should I get an airbrush tan?

If you would like to be tan for a special event, we recommend scheduling your appointment 1-2 days before. You receive your best color the first three days of the tan.

How often can I get an airbrush tan?

You can get an airbrush tan for a special occasion or you can visit us once a week to maintain a year-round glow. It is best to exfoliate any remaining color from previous sessions before coming in for a fresh application.

How long does a sunless tan last?

A  Norvell airbrush tan will last anywhere from 7-10 days; and a Norvell spray booth tan will last anywhere from 5-7 ays depending on:

  • How much time you spend in the shower
  • What products you use on your skin, body, and hair
  • How often you exercise and sweat
  • How fast your skin naturally exfoliates

When can I get my nails done?

We recommend you get your nails done at least 2 hours before your sunless session.  Barrier cream will be applied to protect your nails from the solution and you will be able clean them after your session.  Also, make sure to remove any wipe any lotion from your skin before your session.

You can get a manicure/pedicure afterwards but we recommend you do it after your first shower and we suggest you skip the exfoliation.  Also, acetone will fade your sunless tan so make sure they are careful when removing polish.

What should I wear to my appointment?

Our professional all female airbrush team is confidential and comfortable with whatever you would like to wear.  However, all males are required to wear underwear.  Be sure to let the airbrush artist know what you are getting airbrushed for so she can work with tan lines. You can wear a bikini, bra and underwear, topless or go nude.   Disposable undergarments are available for purchase.

What should I do after my appointment?

Avoid any liquids or water, No skin to skin contact or constant rubbing on the skin with in the first 6 hours of application.  Avoid exercising or sweating too.  During your first post-tan shower use warm water only and no soap. You will see a tea color rinsing off of your skin. Don’t worry, your tan is still intact! This is just the cosmetic bronzer rinsing off and is meant to happen.  Pat your skin dry after showering.

How should I maintain my airbrush tan?

Apply moisturizer morning and evening after your post-tan shower (avoid moisturizers with harsh mineral oils, alcohols, sulfates).  Avoid long hot showers and baths, and scrubbing the skin excessively. Pat your skin dry after showering. Chlorine in swimming pools and hot tubs can remove or shorten the longevity of your tan. Take care when exercising as friction and excess sweat may cause your tan to fade prematurely or unevenly.

Can I choose the shade of my airbrush tan?

Yes! You can choose anything from a healthy glowing tan to a deep tan; although there is no ‘color chart’. We will help guide you toward a choice that will work well with your own natural skin color.  Norvell’s sunless solution works with your skin’s natural chemistry, by molding to its tone; therefore, no two people will have the exact same result.

Is airbrush tanning safe?

Yes. Our tanning solution has the active ingredient DHA (dihydroxyacetone). DHA has been approved for cosmetic use by the FDA. It is considered non toxic and non carcinogenic. DHA is a simple non-toxic sugar derived from sugar cane. When applied to the skin, it penetrates only the top layer of skin, and does not absorb into the body or bloodstream.

Is your solution organic?

Our solution is paraben, gluten, nut allergen free and 100% vegan.  The main ingredient in the solution is DHA, which is derived from sugarcane.  There are small portions of the solution that are not considered organic though.  Norvell does have an organic solution but we do not carry it.  We have tried Norvell’s organic solution and many other organic brands.  We have never been satisfied with the color or how these solutions fade so we have chosen not to carry them here.

Can I work out after my sunless session?

We recommend you do not get wet or sweat for at least 10 to 12 hours.  It is OK to work out after your first shower but it can affect how long the tan lasts and how it fades. Take care when exercising as friction and excess sweat may cause your tan to fade prematurely or unevenly.

Schedule a sunless tanning appointment or visit one of our two locations to learn more.

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