Are you considering an alternative to Tanning beds? Maybe you are sick of having to hide your hands and feet after your attempts with self tanner at home, or you are just ready to turn in your winter pale for a boost of bronze. Have you heard about Air-Tan, but you’re not sure if it’s right for you? Here you will find a collection of our most common questions and their answers:
Know before you Glow
What is Air-Tan?
Air-Tan is a woman owned and operated sunless tanning salon – open since 2003 – that stands out from the crowd for a number of reasons. You won’t find any beds or booths around, only professionally trained technicians who will hand apply your sunless tan with detail and precision making it hard to believe it’s not real.
What is Sunless Tanning?
Sunless Tanning, Spray Tanning or UV Free Tanning, is a solution applied to the skin that replicates the appearance you would naturally get from the sun – without the damage. There are several ingredients in our solutions, however, the active ingredient is DHA. DHA reacts to the complex proteins inside the outer layer of our skin and produces a rich golden color.
Why is Air-Tan better than Sun Tan City or the Versa Spa?
When you walk into a machine sprayer, you will experience an automated system that runs the same program on every person who enters. Typically you are given 3 choices of light, medium or dark, and as you enter, you will find a diagram of what positions to hold and pray that you are doing it right. Have you ever seen that Episode of Friends where Ross tries his hand in a spray tan booth? Exactly, Terrifying.
What we specialize in, we are really good at. We custom apply every tan according to your body, skin tone and your glowing needs. We also use quality solution created by our founder, Angela, that you will NOT find anywhere else.
Air-Tan is superior over any machine spray tan for those reasons and many more. However, one of the biggest is our detail to HANDS AND FEET. We have perfected our sprays down to a T to make sure you are walking around looking naturally bronzed. Wrists, ankles, hands and feet are all areas you will never have to worry about when visiting one of our locations – and that is what sets us apart from the rest.
How will I know how dark to go?
Before applying your tan, we will discuss with you our range of shades, what type of tan you are wanting and what we believe will suit you best to give you exactly what you are looking for. “Dark” isn’t the same for every skin tone and you never have to look fake to be tan.
How soon will I see color?
Right away. Our solution includes a bronzer that is applied to the outside of your skin so you can see results immediately. This is also why our technicians can customize your sprays and know exactly how dark your tan will be and where it is being applied. You can think of the bronzer as make up that is being applied all over your body. Once your tan is fully developed, it will be time to rinse off that bronzer to uncover the final product of your glow.
Will I be orange?
Absolutely not. Our solution is formulated with high quality bronzers and citrus oils that balance out perfectly on all skin tones without leaving you embarrassingly orange or anything less than natural.
Do I have to be Naked?!
At all of our salons, we do require that you wear bottoms – you can use your own or we do provide you with a disposable thong. If you should choose to wear your own, any bronzer that is sprayed on them will wash out. Wearing a top is optional. Most choose not to in order to avoid tan lines, but it is completely up to you and whatever you are comfortable with.
Is it awkward? I mean it sounds like I will basically be naked in front of a complete stranger…
You may be feeling nervous your first time here – we have allll been there – which means we know exactly how to take care of you and put your mind at ease through this process. It’s quick and easy and you have nothing to worry about, we got you. Keep in mind that we do this for a living! We see bodies in and out all day long and we are here to help you achieve instant gratification and recognize how beautiful you are, no matter what.
Is this going to stain my clothes or sheets?
Our solution is free from any permanent dyes and will not rub off or stain any of your clothing after your first rinse. Before your first shower, it is possible for the bronzer to rub off onto garments, but is easily washed out through your regular laundry cycle. We recommend wearing dark, loose, cotton based clothing and staying away from silk up until your first shower.
Can I go out or back to work after getting an Air-Tan?
Yes. After the application you are free to get dressed right away. You will feel overly moisturized until your first rinse, but as long as you do not get wet, sweat or are confined inside of tight clothing, your Air-Tan will continue to develop as normal. One thing to keep in mind – as your tan is developing you will notice your skin looking darker and darker as the hours pass, depending on your day, you may want to plan accordingly.
How long does it take and when can I shower?
Our technicians are all masters in the combination of quality and efficiency meaning you will be in and out in 15 minutes or less. After you are sprayed, you will not want to get wet for 8 hours to allow your tan to fully develop.
Okay, but do I REALLY have to wait 8 hours?
Your tan will take 6 – 8 hours to develop, we always recommend waiting the full 8. If you are really in a bind, and need to shower early; 6 is the very minimum you will want to wait – otherwise you can end up streaked or washing it off completely and not obtaining the color you desired.
I’m getting a pedicure the day after, that’s fine right?
Nope! Trust me girl, I’ve been there and unless you like the perma knee high sock look, book your pedi before your tan. Soaking in hot water and a sea-salt scrub can definitely remove some of your tan.
Can I put make up on after my spray?
Yep. However, you will want to stay away from any liquids or liquid foundation. Powders, eye shadows & mascaras are all safe to use.
I have an early work out in the morning, is it okay if I wait to shower until after?
This is not recommended. While it won’t affect your final tan, if you are sweating before you rinse off the bronzer – the bronzer is still sitting on your skin, which will amount to a not- so- hot look of you basically melting and can sometimes even make you look green due to the natural oils our bodies produce mixing with the bronzer. Think of tear streaks over make up.. but all over your body. Unless you are in a pitch dark spin class, it’s probably something you’ll want to avoid.
How long will this last?
Taking several factors into account, the main one being skin hydration, the average duration of your Air-Tan can be anywhere from 7-12 days depending on the solution you choose. Moisturizing is extremely important to stretch the life of that tan – our extender works great for that!
Is it safe for Pregnant or Nursing Mothers?
Although DHA has been used as an ingredient in cosmetics for three decades, pregnant or nursing customers should consult their physicians first. We have Air-Tanned many pregnant and nursing women in our salons over the years and recommend if you are nursing; wear a bandeau or strapless bra top at the time of your application.
Do Men get sprayed? What do THEY wear?
Of course! We encourage everyone to take part in self care regardless of gender or identification. We are here for the soul purpose of making all feel welcome, gorgeous and bronzed in the skin you are in. Bottoms are required for men, but we don’t provide them. Swim trunks and briefs are the most typical items worn.
I have rosacea, vitiligo, heavy scarring or stretch marks, is this going to help?
Our service is a great solution for all of the above. We can help to blend in vitiligo and rosacea or eczema flare ups and customize your sprays so your skin looks more even. While it may not completely camouflage those areas, it will help you feel more confident if you are feeling insecure. Air-Tan can help hide scarring or stretch marks as well, but keep in mind that the newer the scar or stretch mark, the less it can absorb the tan or the older the scarring the more dry it may be which can result in darkening. Everyone’s skin is unique and results may vary when pertaining to blemishes. Any of our technicians can examine any concerned areas you have and recommend what will be best for you.
When can I come back?!
Most of our Unlimited Members tan every 7-10 days. You want to make sure to exfoliate your old tan off completely before your next session, otherwise your result might not be as glorious as the first. You can liken it to fingernail polish; you would not want to apply it again until you removed what was already on. It might look okay from farther away, but up close is another story.
That about wraps it up for our most common questions, and I hope I was able to answer yours. Be sure to check our or website or click here for more FAQ’s and information.
Give us a call at any time, we are more than happy to help and fill you in on any more information you may need or current specials
317-254-8267
Broad Ripple – Fishers – Greenwood