Question 1

BENEFITS OF AIRBRUSH SPRAY TANNING?

Accepted Answer

Spray tanning delivers a radiant glow without the risks linked to UV exposure. Unlike traditional tanning methods, it won’t lead to premature aging, sunspots, freckles, or increase your risk of skin cancer. It’s especially ideal for those with sensitive skin or individuals who have difficulty tanning naturally or in beds. Just one airbrush session can give results comparable to several tanning bed visits—making it a safer, healthier, and more cost-effective choice.
Additionally, airbrush tanning is fully customizable. Your technician can use contouring techniques to create the illusion of a slimmer physique, much like highlighting and shading with makeup. It can also help minimize the appearance of stretch marks and skin imperfections, leaving you with a more even, confident complexion.

Question 2

IS AIRBRUSH SPRAY TANNING SAFE?

Accepted Answer

Yes, airbrush tanning is a safe and proven method for obtaining a realistic tan. The active ingredient DHA is derived from sugar beets and is FDA approved for sunless tanning. As with any product, sensitivity can occur, but it is rare. The bronzing effect occurs solely on the outermost layer of your skin and does not penetrate deeper or enter the bloodstream. As your skin naturally renews itself and sheds dead cells, the color gradually fades — just like a natural tan would over time.

Question 3

ARE THERE ANY CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR AN AIRBRUSH SPRAY TAN?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are a few contraindications for a spray tan. If you have had a sunburn in the last 6 weeks, are experiencing eczema flare-ups, have a fresh tattoo or piercing, a recent open wound, extremely dry skin, or skin allergies, it is best to wait until these conditions have resolved before getting a spray tan.

Question 4

CAN I GET AN AIRBRUSH SPRAY TAN AFTER A SUNBURN?

Accepted Answer

No! Worst cause in patchiness and peeling of your spray tan. You need to wait a minimum of 4-6 weeks. Your skin can continue to peel up to 6 weeks post sunburn even if you don't physically see it peeling. Sunburns and spray tan's don't work well together!

Question 5

CAN I GET AN AIRBRUSH SPRAY TAN AFTER GETTING NAILS OR LASHES?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it’s best to wait 24–48 hours after your spray tan before booking any nail or lash appointments, just to be cautious. Avoid doing nails or lashes after your tan — activities like soaking, filing, scrubbing, or using polish remover can strip away the color. Additionally, under-eye pads or tape used during lash services may lift the tan around your eyes, leaving uneven, pale patches.
For the best results, complete beauty treatments like nails or lashes before your spray tan session.

Question 6

IS IT OK TO AIRBRUSH SPRAY TAN DURING MY PERIOD OR MENSTRUATION CYLCE?

Accepted Answer

Your menstrual cycle can influence your body’s natural pH levels, which may affect how the spray tan solution interacts with your skin. Due to hormonal shifts, some women notice uneven fading, patchiness, or a shorter-lasting tan when tanning during their period. However, that is not always the case but it can occur.

Question 7

CAN I GET AN AIRBRUSH SPRAY TAN WHILE PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Spray tans use DHA (dihydroxyacetone), a non-toxic ingredient that safely interacts with the outermost layer of the skin to create a sun-kissed appearance. For expecting moms, it’s best to wait until after the first trimester before getting a spray tan. If you're breast feeding I just recommend covering your breasts that way the bronzer won't transfer to your baby during a feeding. However, I recommend checking with your general practitioner first.

Question 8

WILL AN AIRBRUSH SPRAY TAN PROTECT ME FROM THE SUN?

Accepted Answer

No, the solution does not block UV rays, it is recommended to wear an SPF when you are out in the sun.

Question 9

HOW TO DETERMINE WHICH AIRBRUSH SPRAY TAN SAFE SUNCREEN IS BEST FOR ME?

Accepted Answer

Your best choice would be a waterproof, oil-free sunscreen lotion. Avoid the aerosol can sunblock they don't spread evenly and contain alcohol which is drying to the skin.

Question 10

WHEN SHOULD I EXFOLIATE, SHAVE OR WAX?

Accepted Answer

It's recommended to wax and shave 48 hours before your spray tan appointment. Also, exfoliate 24 hours before getting a spray tan.

Question 11

WHY DO I NEED TO WAIT 24-48 HOURS AFTER SHAVING TO GET AN AIRBRUSH SPRAY TAN?

Accepted Answer

When you shave, you're not only removing hair but also lightly scraping away dead skin cells from the surface. This action can cause tiny micro-cuts or abrasions that aren’t visible but leave the skin slightly vulnerable. These typically heal within 24–48 hours. Applying sunless tanning solution too soon after shaving can cause the formula to seep into these micro-tears or open pores, potentially leading to uneven results or what's commonly referred to as "strawberry skin" on the legs.
To avoid this, always rinse thoroughly after using any shaving product—like gels, foams, or creams—to ensure no residue remains. A gentle exfoliation post-shave can also help prepare the skin for a smoother, more even tan.

Question 12

HOW TO PREPARE FOR MY AIRBRUSH SPRAY TAN?

Accepted Answer

We recommend showering at least 6 hours before your appointment, overnight is better.

1. Start hydrating your skin several days before your spray tan. Make sure you are moisturizing daily for several days prior to your appointment and drinking lots of water.
2. Shower, shave and exfoliate at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. 
Showering right before your appointment is not ideal. If you must shower close to your appointment time, please use cool water and no product.  
3. If you have recently had a spray tan or used a sunless product, make sure you completely remove any old tan from your skin before coming in for your appointment.  You NEVER want to layer a sunless tan.
4. Do not apply any lotion to your skin after your last shower before your appointment. Dry or oily skin can alter the color and longevity of your spray tan.
5. Remove all make up and deodorant before your spray tan.  
6. Wear loose fitting, dark clothing and flip flops to your appointment.  NO LEGGINGS or TIGHT JEANS please. 
7. Have your manicure and pedicure done BEFORE your spray tan.
8. Any waxing or other skin treatments should be done at least 48 hours prior to your spray tan.

Question 13

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO MY APPOINTMENT AND AFTER MY AIRBRUSH SPRAY TAN?

Accepted Answer

You should show up with a clean face wearing no makeup, no deodorant, lotions or perfumes. Wear loose-fitting clothing and flip flops to your appointment to prevent your tan from rubbing off or looking uneven. Avoid wearing any tight leggings, jeans or bras.

Question 14

WHAT IF MY SKIN TONE IS VERY LIGHT? OR MY FIRST TIME AIRBRUSH SPRAY TANNING?

Accepted Answer

Our solution will react naturally with each specific skin tone. We will remind you of a specific time for you to shower based on your natural base color. However, if it is your first time tanning, or you have an extremely fair complexion, we suggest having your first water rinse shower within 1-2 hours after your spray tan to ensure satisfaction and expectations your first time.

Question 15

WILL THE AIRBRUSH SPRAY TAN MAKE ME LOOK ORANGE?

Accepted Answer

There are a few reasons that spray tans can make you look orange, when the DHA level is too high for your skin tone. For instance a Fitzpatrick Skin Tone Level 1, trying to go too dark would give that appearance. That is why the time that you sit in your spray tan before your first rinse is important to be on time. The longer you sit in it the darker you get and that doesn't always mean a better looking tan. Also, very dry and dehydrated skin, medications.

Question 16

HOW DARK WILL MY AIRBRUSH SPRAY TAN BE?

Accepted Answer

The depth of your tan will depend on your unique skin tone and how long the tanning solution stays on before your first rinse. We customize each tan to ensure you achieve a natural, radiant glow.

Question 17

WHAT IS DRYING POWDER?

Accepted Answer

It is a talc-free natural powder. The powder will help dry and set your spray tan eliminating that post spray sticky feeling after a spray tan. Drying powder also reduces the fake tan smell. Drying powder is included in the cost of all tans.

Question 18

CAN MY AIRBRUSH SPRAY TAN HIDE STRETCHMARKS OR SCARS?

Accepted Answer

It is possible, but for the most part majortiy of textured and scarred skin will not absorb sunless tanning solution evenly or at all.

Question 19

I STEPPED IN A PUDDLE OUTSIDE LEAVING AND MY LEGS GOT SPLASHED, WHAT DO I DO?

Accepted Answer

Gently pat your skin dry. Use a large makeup brush to blend any uneven spots. You might notice some lighter patches before your first shower, but these should fade away once you rinse.

Question 20

HOW LONG SHOULD I WAIT TO SHOWER AFTER MY AIRBRUSH SPRAY TAN?

Accepted Answer

Your wait time depends on your skin tone. It varies between 1-5 hours. Depending on each person, you will shower within the 1-5 hour time frame with just a water rinse. Then, 24 hours after your spray tan, you will be able to do an official soap rinse. We will give you instructions for your rinse times when you should first shower and your 24 hour soap rinse time as well.

The rapid rinse spray tan solution is formulated to provide varying levels of tan intensity all based on the rinse time and the depth that your skin will allow.
-Rinse after 1 to 1.5 hours for a lighter tan
-Rinse after 2 to 2.5 hours for a medium tan
-Rinse after 3 to 3.5 hours for a darker tan
-Rinse after 4 to 4.5 hours for an extra dark tan.

Question 21

WHY DO MY LEGS OR BODY LOOK STREAKY OR LIKE I HAVE STRIPES GOING DOWN MY LEGS?

Accepted Answer

If you notice streaks or lines on your legs after your first rinse, it’s often because the bronzer wasn’t evenly removed—usually due to not using your hands to help wash it off. Just get back in the shower and continue to rinse using your fingertips with water until the water runs clear.
However vertical streaks up and down your legs are commonly caused by razor drag or leftover shaving product residue on the skin. To prevent this, make sure to shave at least 24 hours before your spray tan and follow the recommended exfoliation steps in the pre-care instructions.

Question 22

WHAT TO AVOID AFTER MY AIRBRUSH SPRAY TAN?

Accepted Answer

After getting a spray tan, you should avoid: tight clothing, excessive sweating, hot showers, swimming in chlorine, exfoliating products, products with AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids)/parabens/sulfates/fragrances/dyes, harsh soaps (DOVE, Bath & Body Works, Baby Oil, etc.), lotions with mineral oil, shaving or waxing immediately, and applying deodorant right after the treatment as these can all cause your tan to fade prematurely or become uneven.

Question 23

WILL THE AIRBRUSH SPRAY TAN STAIN MY CLOTHES, PJ OR BED SHEETS?

Accepted Answer

We suggest wearing loose long pants and long sleeves immediately after your tan! You may experience slight rub off from the cosmetic bronzers immediately after your tan, however, after your first shower rinse, you should not experience any transfer to clothing. If you do experience slight color transfer, the tan should easily come out of your clothing or sheets in the washing machine.

Question 24

CAN I WASH MY FACE AFTER MY AIRBRUSH SPRAY TAN?

Accepted Answer

We recommend doing a face mask or peel the night before your tan.  After your tan, you should wait until your first shower to wash your face. Products intended to remove acne, even texture, or brighten the skin will likely remove your tan, too. It’s common for your hands and face to fade more quickly because you wash those areas more frequently.

Question 25

CAN I SHAVE AFTER MY AIRBRUSH SPRAY TAN?

Accepted Answer

Yes — plan to shave at least 24 hours before your spray tan (and wax at least 48 hours in advance) to give your skin time to calm and your pores to close. If you need to shave after your tan, wait a couple of days and do so gently. Keep in mind that shaving acts as a mild exfoliant and can cause your tan to fade more quickly.

Question 26

WHEN CAN I WORK OUT AFTER AN AIRBRUSH SPRAY TAN?

Accepted Answer

It's best to avoid working out before your initial rinse, as sweat and movement can interfere with the developing tan, causing streaks or uneven results. Once your tan has fully set—typically after 24 hours—you can resume your regular fitness routine.

Question 27

CAN I TAN AFTER MY AIRBRUSH SPRAY TAN APPOINTMENT?

Accepted Answer

Yes, just remember to wait the recommended time of 24/48 hours post spray tan to apply any other products, such as sunscreen, etc. Be aware, that it may be difficult to see if your skin is darkening or burning though.

Question 28

HOW LONG DOES THE APPOINTMENT TAKE?

Accepted Answer

A regular studio tan takes 20-30 minutes or less. A mobile appointment will take about 45 minutes total, with set up and break down included in the time.

Question 29

MY AIRBRUSH SPRAY TAN HAS WHITE SPOTS, WHAT CAUSED THIS?

Accepted Answer

White spots after a spray tan can be caused by:
 • Sweating while the tan is developing
 • Residue from showers, lotions, or perfumes
 • Skin conditions like pityriasis versicolor (also known as tinea versicolor)
 • Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH)
 • Contact with water-based products that drip or splash onto the skin

Question 30

HOW LONG WILL MY AIRBRUSH SPRAY TAN LAST?

Accepted Answer

Our skin loving spray tans are made with hydrating, skin repairing ingredients to help your glow last about 7-10 days, but don't forget that your tan longevity 100% varies on your skin type, level of daily fitness activity and how well you follow our aftercare instructions. Like your regular suntans, the sunless tan fades gradually as well as your skin cells shed. Most importantly stay hydrated and moisturize 2x daily using spray tan specific aftercare products!

Question 31

HOW WILL THE AIRBRUSH SPRAY TAN LOOK AS IT FADES?

Accepted Answer

Several factors influence how your tan fades over time. At Skin and Ink Lab, I select premium, skin-friendly tanning solutions designed to nourish your skin and ensure a smooth, natural fade.
Typically, the hands and face lose color first because they receive a lighter application and are washed more often. Facial products and medications can also speed up fading. Using a facial tanning mist or a tan-extending moisturizer can help maintain your glow between sessions.
Areas prone to sweat and friction—like the cleavage, inner elbows, and behind the knees—may fade faster. When you notice uneven fading in these spots, gently exfoliate them to even out the color. Toward the end of your tan’s lifespan, you might find it helpful to exfoliate your entire body to prepare for your next application.

Question 32

WHY IS MY SKIN LOOKING CRACKED & MESSY?

Accepted Answer

Your skin is lacking moisture. Be sure to stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and apply a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer at least twice daily. Some excellent tan-friendly options include Hempz Lotion, Aveeno Moisturizing Cream, Hemp Nation by Australian Gold, or any high-quality tan extender product.

Question 33

WHAT SHOULD I USE TO EXFOLIATE THE AIRBRUSH SPRAY TAN OFF ONCE IT STARTS FADING?

Accepted Answer

Using exfoliating gloves or mitts helps prepare your skin by removing dead cells, creating a smooth, soft surface that allows your spray tan to develop evenly and last longer. Skipping this step means applying tan to skin that’s ready to shed, causing your color to fade faster. Unlike mitts, loofahs and bath puffs don’t contour well to your body, which can lead to patchy exfoliation and a streaky, uneven tan.

Question 34

DOES THE AIRBRUSH SPRAY TAN HAVE TO BE REMOVED?

Accepted Answer

The tint from a sunless tan isn’t something that rinses away—it gradually fades as your skin naturally sheds its outermost layer. To help the color fade more quickly, you can gently exfoliate using a mitt or apply a tan remover product. Typically, it takes about a week or longer for the tan to completely disappear.

Question 35

HOW OFTEN CAN I AIRBRUSH SPRAY TAN?

Accepted Answer

There’s no limit to how often you can get a spray tan, but I suggest scheduling sessions about every two weeks. This allows your current tan to last, gives your skin time to shed naturally, and lets you properly prepare for your next treatment. It’s important to remove any remaining tan before applying a new layer for the best results.

Question 36

HOW LONG SHOULD I WAIT TO BOOK AN AIRBRUSH SPRAY TAN BEFORE AN IMPORTANT EVENT?

Accepted Answer

You should aim to book your spray tan two days before your event to allow the color to develop. For brides we recommend 3 days before your wedding date.

Question 37

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN COST OF THE AIRBRUSH SPRAY TAN?

Accepted Answer

All Sunless Tans Include Hair Net, Hair Tie, Nose Plugs, Disposable Thongs & Pasties. Application Of  PH Balancer Spray, Barrier Cream and Drying Powder To Be Applied By The Technician.

Question 38

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR THE MOBILE AIRBRUSH SPRAY TANS?

Accepted Answer

Before your session begins, I will need a 5x5 space or larger to set up my equipment, mobile tent, and machine, as well as access to an electrical outlet for the sunless tanning session.
Upon stepping into the mobile spray tanning tent, you’ll be provided with foot pads to prevent any residue on your feet and an optional hair net for protection. If using a hair net, please ensure your hair is pulled up and out of the way for the best results.
You may dress down to your comfort level, whether that’s a swimsuit, disposable undergarments (provided), your own undergarments, topless, or nude—whatever makes you feel most comfortable.
Before we begin, we’ll discuss your desired shade, tone, and depth to ensure you achieve your perfect glow. The spray tanning process takes approximately 15-20 minutes for a basic tan.

Aftercare Tips for the Best Results:
 • Wear loose, dark clothing after your session.
 • Avoid bras, socks, or any tight clothing immediately after to prevent smudging.
 • Your tan will appear darker initially due to the cosmetic bronzer—it will lighten after your first rinse.
 • Moisturize twice daily to maintain an even, long-lasting tan.

Question 39

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

Accepted Answer

We are an appointment-only studio, so we kindly ask that you cancel at least 48 hours in advance if needed. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before your appointment will forfeit the $25 deposit for in-studio spray tans and the $50 deposit for mobile tans. Last-minute cancellations (same day) will be charged the full service amount. Your appointments are very important to us, and our schedule is often fully booked. Please arrive on time to ensure we can provide timely and quality service to each guest. We have a strict 5-minute grace period for all appointments. The credit card used to book your session will only be charged if you no-show or late cancel. Please bring a form of payment to your session, as we will not use the card on file. We accept cash, Zelle, Cash App, and credit cards with a 3% processing fee.

Glow With Confidence.

Quick, Easy Application.

Safe, UV-Free Glow.

Long-Lasting Natural Tan.

Customizable Shade Options.

Airbrush Spray Tanning-Glow Beautifully, Tan Confidently.

What Is An Airbrush Spray Tan?

Who Is The Treatment For?

Key Benefits

What Is The Process?

What To Expect.

Schedule Your Airbrush Spray Tan In-Studio or Mobile Session
with Skin and Ink Lab Today!

Refresh. Bronze. Shine

FAQ'S

FAQ'S

View All Frequently Asked Questions

Areola Restoration FAQ

Hair Restoration FAQ

Inkless Scar Lightening FAQ

Inkless StretchMark Revision FAQ

Explore Services

Glow With Confidence.

Quick, Easy Application.

Safe, UV-Free Glow.

Long-Lasting Natural Tan.

Customizable Shade Options.

Airbrush Spray Tanning-Glow Beautifully, Tan Confidently.

What Is An Airbrush Spray Tan?

Who Is The Treatment For?

Key Benefits

What Is The Process?

What To Expect.

Schedule Your Airbrush Spray Tan In-Studio or Mobile Session with Skin and Ink Lab Today!

Refresh. Bronze. Shine

FAQ'S

FAQ'S

View All Frequently Asked Questions

Areola Restoration FAQ

Hair Restoration FAQ

Inkless Scar Lightening FAQ

Inkless StretchMark Revision FAQ

Explore Services

Schedule Your Airbrush Spray Tan In-Studio or Mobile Session
with Skin and Ink Lab Today!