Faq's

About Airbrush Tanning

Why Sunless Tanning?
There are more than 1 million new cases of skin cancer diagnosed every year. Despite the clear and present danger of Cancer, UV rays are also the cause of premature skin cell aging, sun poisoning, and transmitted diseases from unsanitary tanning beds. We are now fully aware of the sun’s harmful effects and damage to our skin. As a result, more and more people are opting for UV free sunless tanning. In 15 minutes you can have a safe and beautiful tan, achieving the same results as countless days in the sun, without the aging effects. Celebrities have been using airbrush spray tanning for years and now it’s available to you.

What is Airbrush/Spray Tanning?
This tanning is a unique sunless tanning application performed by a professionally trained and certified technician who will spray DHA tanning formula onto your body. Remember, no individual or machine will ever be able to apply a spray tan as well as a trained technician can. The tanning formula will be customized for your specific skin type providing you with a natural looking tan. This is a personal treatment tailored to meet the client’s individual needs. The customized tanning formula is airbrushed onto your body and actually creates the same reaction in your skin as the sun does, but without any of the skin damage or harmful UV rays.

What are the Advantages of Airbrush Tanning?
Spray tanning booths can produce poor results due to lack of customization. Airbrush tanning offers a customized solution to the client that will provide a flawless tan. No more self applied orange and streaky self-tanners and no UV damage. Airbrush tanning can hide old stretch marks and reduce the appearance of spider veins and cellulite. Airbrush Tanning is quick, flawless and very natural looking.

Is It Safe?
YES! DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) is the active ingredient in our 94% water based solution and has been approved by the FDA for over 30 years. DHA is a simple non-toxic sugar and it is often derived from plant sources such as sugar beets and sugar cane. The sunless airbrush tanning application is safe, effective and takes as little as 20 minutes from start to finish. The solution takes 6-8 hours to fully develop and your tan will darken during this time.

What is the Solution and How Does It Work?
The FDA approved dihydroxyaceton (DHA) reacts with the amino acids in the outermost layer of the skin. The amino acids in the skin will respond naturally to the DHA and other complementary ingredients in the tanning formula to produce the most beautiful sunless tan you have ever seen. You will continue to tan for up to 6 hours after your session. In addition, our solution contains a bronzer, a temporary coloring agent, which washes off leaving behind a deep, bronze skin tone.

Will I Turn Orange?
Because our solutions do not contain dyes, the results of your airbrush tanning session are purely natural looking. Your tan will be customized to your skin type so that you will NOT experience the orange discoloration that you may have experienced in the past from other sunless tanning products.

How To Get Started

How Long Does The Tan Last?
The length of time you will enjoy your tan involves various factors. The primary factor is how well you typically hold a natural tan along with how hydrated you keep your skin. On the average, most clients enjoy their tan for about 7-10 days before it has fully, naturally faded (It will not come off in patches as sometimes experienced when people use self tanning lotions). The desired depth of color will determine how often you need to have it redone. As with any tan, the more you moisturize, the longer you will keep your tan.

How Can I Continue to Keep my Tan?
Your tan will have the appearance of a healthy natural looking tan from the very first visit. If after that first visit you wish to build your color even darker, we recommend coming back for a second tan within  4-5 days OR, make sure to schedule your next appointment 7-10 days out so that you can continue to keep and build your natural looking color. You will be surprised at the beautiful long lasting tan a few sessions can achieve.

How Do I Prepare For My Appointment?
It is best to lightly exfoliate your skin and shave/wax at least 8 hours before. This promotes even coverage and lengthens the duration of your tan by removing dead skin that would otherwise flake off. Do not wear makeup, moisturizer, deodorant, lotions, etc. which can act as a barrier to the spray and stops the process from working properly. While not necessary, wearing dark, loose fitting clothing and undergarments to your appointment is helpful.

What Do I Wear During The Session?
You can choose to be dressed (or not) ~ most clients wear just a thong, some wear panties or a bathing suit.  Disposable panties are available if desired. A disposable hair cap will also be provided. The topical bronzer may rub off on clothing but it will wash out of most fabrics.

What Do I Do After The Session?
Wait at least 8-12 hours before showering, exercising, or using a pool. (don't get caught in the rain after!!) Most importantly, moisturize morning and evening on a daily basis after your tan, and avoid Dove soap and moisturizers containing AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid). Also avoid long hot showers and baths as excessive cleansing can dull the affects. Chlorine in pools and hot tubs can decrease the longevity of your tan too.

How Can I Extend the Life of My Tan?
For best results, use the specially formulated products from our skin care line to help develop and maintain healthy skin and a gorgeous tan. The following products are available for purchase at the time of your session:
• Hydrating Daily Moisturizer
• Personal Bronzer
• Tan Extender with DHA to help extend the life of your tan
• Mild Cleansing Body Wash
before your tanning session.

What Other Add-On Products Can Make My Tan Special?
For your special events or just for a little extra sparkle, we have both Twinkle Tan and Bridal Tan. Twinkle Tan has a “shimmer” and is a bronzy cosmetic that is sprayed on over the Airbrushed tan. The effect is subtle and it’s most evident when light shines on it. It does contain DHA but the shimmer effect washes off. It can be applied immediately after the tan has dried or, if the client prefers a more “natural” looking tan, they can shower after the recommended 8-12 hours and then return for an application of Twinkle Tan. Twinkle tan is applied to the part of the body that would naturally see sunlight such as the shoulders.

Do you offer your services to large groups?
Yes! Ask us about our tanning parties as well as special discounts that can apply to large groups. You will be surprised at what a fun event a tanning party can be with a bunch of girlfriends. Ask us for more details!


To set up your appointment please call 703-926-8683 or email info@fairytaletans.com