Frequently Asked Questions

Spray Tanning is a form of sunless spray tanning. The solution includes a cosmetic bronzer that gives the client a “just off the beach” look instantly. The ingredients in the sunless cosmetic bronzer are similar to those used in cosmetic foundations or powder bronzers. The DHA, or dihydroxyacetone, is the active ingredient that interacts with the top layer of your skin cells to produce the tan. After 24 hours your results are a natural looking tan for up to 7 days.

DHA (dihydroxyacetone) is a colorless chemical derived from sugarcane that interacts with the amino acids in skin cells to produce a brownish color appearance. DHA is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for cosmetic use. DHA has no known toxicity.

The FDA has advised that all users of DHA spray tanning services avoid inhaling or ingesting DHA. When using all-over sunless tanning sprays containing DHA it may be difficult to avoid exposure to sensitive areas including the eyes, lips, mucous membranes or internally.
The FDA, along with A Mist of Color recommends you take the following protective measures during your sunless tanning session:

• Use of protective undergarments
• Using protective eyewear
• Sealing lips with lip balm

Above items are available in the dressing room, except for the lip balm. Lip balm is available for purchase at the front desk.

If you have additional concerns, please consult with your healthcare provider. To understand the complete FDA stance on DHA please visit www.FDA.gov.

The application process is 10-15 minutes, however we book clients for 30-minute appointments. This allows us to discuss the options that would best suit your needs, answer any questions you have, and review the procedure to be sure you are comfortable before the application. The 30 minutes also gives us enough time to advise on any products you may need and for checking out after the service.

It is extremely important to exfoliate your skin the 24-hours prior to your session for best results. We also advise refraining from using any type of lotions or perfumes, or makeup the day of the appointment to be sure that there is no barrier on your skin. Do Not use an oil-based body scrub the day of your appointment. This will leave a residue on the skin that will prevent the active ingredient from working with your skin.

Shaving, waxing or any other form of hair removal should take place 24 hours before a spray tan. The hair follicles need time to close, and we also don’t want any residue from shaving gels, wax, etc. on the skin as those create barriers preventing the tan from absorbing evenly.

During your session, you have the option of wearing undergarments or going topless. We also provide disposable thongs, hair covers, and Neat Feet (to keep your soles from getting brown) for our clients. If you prefer tanning completely nude to avoid all tan lines, that is perfectly fine if you are over the age of 18 or have a legal guardian sign our release/permission form at the time of the appointment. Please note that we require our male clients to wear some form of undergarment if being sprayed by one of our female Spray Tan Artists.

Please be sure to have darker colored, loose-fitting clothing for after you get sprayed. Socks should be avoided for after your session for at least an hour. We also advise to go without a bra for a few hours afterward to avoid creating tan lines if you chose to go topless for your spray tan session.

The cosmetic bronzer will wash out of all materials except for silk or nylon blend material. The solution may rub off slightly on your clothing, in which case we recommend wearing loose clothing that is darker in color the day of your appointment. After you completely rinse off the cosmetic bronzer the tan will not stain your clothing.

For the Original Spray Tan, you should wait 8-12 hours after your session to shower. This will result in an even tan that will last up to 7 days. Don’t be shocked when you see the cosmetic bronzer rinse off in your first shower. This is completely normal as that is the temporary color guide.

Our most popular option is the Rapid Spray Tan for those that prefer to rinse off the cosmetic bronzer sooner. The Rapid solution that is used for the accelerated tan allows you to rinse off in 1-hour for a light tan, 2-3 hours for a medium tan or 4-hours for a dark tan.

The tan typically lasts 5 to 7 days (or up to 10 days when using Aviva Labs Tan-Extending Skincare products). The faster your skin cells turn over and shed from your body, the faster the sunless tan fades. The tan created by the DHA affects only the top layer of the skin and will begin to fade after 4 to 5 days as the skin naturally begins to shed. To get the longest life from a spray tan, it is crucial to exfoliate prior to the spray tan application and to moisturize daily after the application.

Please wait for 24 hours before working out. Rinsing off prior to working out is ideal. This will rinse away any bronzer – the cosmetic portion of your spray tan. That way you won’t have to worry about sweating off the bronzer or streaking the tan.

Don’t be discouraged by this answer and rule out getting a spray tan. Give us a call and we will help guide you in scheduling your spray tan based on your routine. Besides, spray tanning makes you feel like you just lost 10 lbs, and you look more tone too!

You will not appear orange with A Mist of Color Spray Tan. We use the highest quality solutions. Your Mist of Color Spray Artists are well educated with the solution and will use the proper percentage of DHA and application technique so that your tan looks natural.

First of all, we don’t refer to them as age spots…we call them sun spots. The DHA in the solution is the same as the DHA in sunless tanner and will deepen the color of sun spots. However, we will assist you in covering these spots with a barrier cream so that they will blend nicely when you have your spray tan. Be sure to mention this to your Spray Tan Artist if you have any concerns.

The length of your tan depends on your preparation of the skin prior to the tan, and the maintenance of your skin afterward. You will want to moisturize and be very gentle with the skin throughout the week after being sprayed and follow the maintenance tips provided to extend your tan for up to 3 additional days. Most people notice their tan begin to fade after about 5-7 days, at this point you may exfoliate in preparation for your next session with A Mist of Color.

The best time to get sprayed before any event is 1-3 days prior. The tan will be the most consistent for the first 4 days, and then begins to gradually fade after that.

We understand that, as a bride, you have lots of other scheduling to consider. See the next question regarding nail appointments. Feel free to call us to talk out your situation if you are unsure how to work around other appointments.

Please be sure to schedule your spray tan appointment AFTER you get your manicure or pedicure. The tanning solution will not ruin your nails as they will be protected with a barrier cream (if needed) that your Spray Tan Artist will assist with applying.

This is a common question from our clients that are looking to even out skin tone or just get a glow before an event. We will ensure that the shade is appropriate for your skin tone as each client may have a different desire.

Any type of waxing or hair removal will remove your spray tan. Please have waxing appointments done 24 hours or more prior to your spray tan. This will ensure that the hair follicles have had the opportunity to close, and that any waxy residue is removed.

DHA is FDA approved for cosmetic use and only penetrates the outermost layer of the skin. There is no evidence that DHA is harmful. However, we do recommend that you consult with your physician first. We require our pregnant clients to wear a mask and nose filters while we spray the body and remove the mask while we spray your face. We also like to point out that at A Mist of Color we are equipped with a state-of-the-art filtration machine to make your experience the most comfortable. We emphasize the importance of speaking to your doctor about your pregnancy and their guidance is most important. Please see the question regarding DHA above.

The most important thing to remember is that the solution does not contain any UV protection/sunscreen. You will still be able to develop a tan naturally in the sun. Seawater, chlorine and hot tubs can accelerate the fading of the tan. A Mist of Color recommends wearing waterproof sunscreen to help repel the water.