AIRBRUSH TANNING 101
The FAQ's of sunless tanning
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Welcome to our Airbrush Tanning 101 Page!
This page is a compilation of the most common questions we are asked over the phone and email, with simple, straightforward answers. This page is especially intended for those who are new to airbrush tanning or are opening a tanning salon or other airbrush tanning business.
If you are interested in purchasing a kit or system but have no idea where to begin, may we suggest the Airbrush Tanning Kits Buying Guide and/or the HVLP Tanning Systems Buying Guide. Of course, if you still need some help, we will be happy to assist you - just see the "Customer Service Tab" in the main menu for our full company information.
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• What is airbrush tanning?
Tanning occurs when the skin produces pigment to protect itself from UV rays and permanent skin damage. In airbrush tanning, the tanning solution is applied by a technician using a compressor and airbrush. These tanning solutions contain the active ingredient DHA that reacts with the outer layer of skin to produce a bronzing effect, similar to what a traditional tan does. It must be emphasized that the pigments resulting from an airbrush tan do not provide UV protection. For most solutions, the color of the skin will continue to darken after the initial application, and the maximum color is reached within about a 12 hour period (exactly what to expect from a particular tanning solution will be specified on the website and/or the solution directions). Typical solutions also have a bronzer that provides an immediate tan effect and helps the technician to distinguish areas of the skin that have solution already applied. The majority of this bronzer will be washed off when showering after application.
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• How long will an airbrush tan last?
A typical tan lasts from a 4-10 day period depending on the aftercare attention and the general nature of a specific person's skin. It is recommended to only get a tan on average about once per week.
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• What should I charge for my airbrush tanning service?
Like all services, local market conditions may influence your fee and schedule. We suggest asking around, considering the competition, and to consider offering your customers a 'starter package' of 2 back-to-back applications to establish a good base tan. A favorable price for this package would be in the $55-75 price range, with single applications in the $35-50 range. A reasonable charge for a facial tan is about $8-12.
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• What results should I or my client expect?
With a tinted solution, the bronzer will produce an immediate coloration on the skin which will for the most part wash off in the shower. The 'actual' DHA tan should develop within 12 hours and should result in skin coloration that is 1 to 2 shades darker than the shade of the bronzer. Of course, multiple applications will result in a darker tan.
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• How long does it take to apply?
With practice, a single application can take as little as 12 minutes or so. Factor in the drying time of about 10 minutes, and you can average a total time of about 25 minutes for an airbrush session.
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• What should I or my client do to prepare for an airbrush tanning session?
On the night prior to or the morning of your session, use an exfoliant. This will prepare your skin by cleaning and 'buffing' it, leaving it cleaner than a typical soap or body wash. It is best to use a non-oil based exfoliant, we have a collection of exfoliants we sell on our Pre-Sunless Tanning page. Your skin should also be free from applied products like lotion, and makeup. Do not wear deoderant as it will turn skin green! Following pre-tanning directions ensures the best possible tan can be achieved.
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• What should I or my client wear to the airbrush tanning session?
Wearing loose fitting clothing to the tanning appointment is recommended, and allow 10 minutes drying time after application before dressing.
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• How soon can I or my client take a shower after an airbrush tan?
Allow 10-12 hours after the tanning session before showering. Ideally, DHA needs 12 hours for the skin to develop its full tanned color.
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• How do I or my client maintain my airbrush tan?
Hydrated skin is the essential key for maintaining a longer-lasting tan. Apply moisturizer the morning and evening after the first tan, and continue to moisturize daily thereafter. We have an excellent selection of moisturizers on our Post-Tanning Page.
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•What additional equipment should I have?
A blow dryer and hand towels are handy. The blow dryer can be used once the solution is applied to help speed up the drying process. Hand towels are just convenient to have available at any need.
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• Is a special room required?
A spray area of about 4'x8' is recommended. If the area is enclused, ensure that the room is ventilated 3 times per minute, this can be done with many ventilation fans (we have the perfect extraction fan for just this purpose here). A hard floor is preferred for easiest clean up, but outdoor carpet may be used. We also suggest taking a look at our Pop Up Tanning Tent selection for an easy to take care of, contained, space saving tanning environment.
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• How many applications does 1 gallon of solution yield?
The standard application range is 2-4 ounces of solution per client. Most vendors quote 2 ounces per client, but those with darker or oiler complexions will likely need more. At 2 onces per cleint, each gallon would have about 64 applications; at 3 ounces, about 42 applications.
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• What is the cost per application?
The cost of application depends both on the amount used (addressed in the prior question) and the original cost of solution. This average is likely in the $2.50 to $3.00 range per customer. The cost of a dissatisfied customer, however, can be rather high. Even an expensive solution is cost effective, not to mention more hassle-free, when the client is happy, so don't just pick the cheapest solution. We have a variety of solutions at cost-effective prices here so you, as a technician, salon owner or even customer, can maximize your return.
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