FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How does spray tanning work?

Spray tanning actually uses a substance that changes the colour of your own skin, which is called dihydroxyacetone (DHA). The compounds in the spray tanning liquid perform a reaction with proteins in your skin to transform the outermost layer of your own skin, into a tanned colour. It’s much like the process of a natural sun tan, only without the damage and dangers!
“Why am I brown as soon as I’ve been sprayed then?” Well, that’s simple! The compounds that change your skin brown during the chemical reaction are actually colourless, but the spray tan liquid manufacturers put a brown bronzer in the liquid, so spray tanning technicians can actually see where on your body they have sprayed! That bronzer serves no purpose at all, other than to let us see where we have sprayed you, and where we haven’t. That bronzer will actually completely wash off during your very first shower, leaving the colourless spray tan compounds to continue to react and develop on your skin for up to the next 24 hours.
Your skin naturally exfoliates over time, and every 35 – 45days, you have an entirely new epidermis. This is why your spray tan gradually fades – as the skin cells naturally exfoliate off, so does your tan. Moisturising slows the exfoliating process, so the more you moisturise, the longer your tan will last!

Is spray tanning safe?

Yes!
The active ‘tanning’ ingredient is DHA, a sugar-based derivative which reacts with amino acids in the keratin protein of the outer surface (dead) layers of the skin to produce a flawless tan which can last up to 10 days. DHA does not absorb past the dead surface skin cells.
DHA has been used safely in the cosmetic industry for over30 years, and is FDA and TGA (the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration)approved. Please note that spray tans do not provide sun protection. Always be sure to wear SPF 30+ sun protection whilst in the sun.

Will spray tanning make me orange?

Not at all!
The orange appearance is either the result of the old-school days of cosmetic tanning, tanning pills, and older style tanning agents or perhaps the kind of fake tan products you can buy from the supermarket and use at home. At a professional tanning studio like House of Shades you will get nothing less than a professional spray tan, with a completely natural golden-brown tanned tone!

How long will my spray tan last?

Spray tans will usually last between 5-10 days, however, no guarantee can be offered as everyone is different. In order to help your tan last as long as possible, we recommend that you avoid swimming in chlorinated water, saunas, spas, harsh soap, waxing, and laser hair removal.
When your body begins to naturally exfoliate causing the tan to fade away, simply exfoliate your body and book in for a new spray tan.

If I am pregnant can I have a spray tan?

Currently, there are no tests or evidence showing that spray tanning during pregnancy is harmful if the spray tanning solution is only applied to the outer layers of the skin. Also, the active ingredient in the tanning solution that gives you your tan is DHA which is made from sugar cane and has no known problems if simply applied to your skin. However, at House of Shades, anyone who is within the first trimester of their pregnancy because during these first few months there will be significant hormonal changes which can greatly affect the colour result of the spray tan. If you would like a spray tan during your second and third trimester of your pregnancy, we highly recommend that you consult with your Doctor for more advice on this issue before requesting a spray tanning treatment.

Will a spray tan stain my clothing or other items?

Most spray tans contain a lot of natural bronzers that will wash out of your clothes in a machine wash. However, it is recommended that you wear loose dark clothing after your spray tan appointment to minimise tan transferring to your clothes.

How long does the spray tan take to develop?

It depends on the solution that is applied. There is a range of tanning solutions available which have development times from as little as 1 hour and up to 8 hours. This will be discussed during your consultation.