spray tan FAQ’s

+ How should I prepare for my tan?

I highly recommend moisturizing internally and externally the week leading up to your spray tan appointment. Make sure that all sugaring/waxing appointments are done 48 hours prior as well as proper exfoliation. NW GLW offers get ready to GLW soaps and scrubs to prepare your skin for your spray tanning appointment. Shave 24 hours prior to your spray tan appointment and please use a fresh razor without the massive moisturizing strip. Nail appointments should be done 24 hours prior to your spray tan appointment. Stop any salicylic acid and retinols a week prior to your spray tan appointment. Its best to arrive to your appointment without any oils, perfumes and deodorant. Makeup wipes are available.

+ What should I wear while I’m getting an airbrush tan?

This is a personal preference for women. You can wear as little or as much as you would like. It all depends on what type of tan lines you would like to see. Disposable G-String panties are provided. We highly suggest that men wear boxers, briefs due to state regulations. We are not responsible should any spray tan get on clothing worn during your session and not come out in the wash.

+ I have very fair skin, will a spray tan still look natural?

YES !! This is my specialty being a natural freckly redhead! I pride myself on giving the most natural spray tans and blending everything in. I will choose the right level of solution and DHA for your skintone.

+ How long will my tan last?

This is all dependent on your routines and habits. I have clients that rock their spray tans for 7-14 days. However, everyone differs in this department. Moisturizing is KEY ! Keep your facial routines as simple as possible. The more your scrub, tone, exfoliate, etc. the faster that spray tan will fade. If you shave a lot, the color will also fade. Avoid heavy oils such as coconut and baby oil as they will break down the spray tan faster, as well as non-organic aerosol sunscreens, trust me, I’ve tried it. NW GLW sells amazing soaps and lotions made from the Bubblery In Leavenworth WA that we highly recommend for the maintenance of your spray tan as well as tan extenders.

+ Why does my face tan fade faster?

This is due to our daily routines of washing and toning and many lotions and products that we use on our faces. Sweating can also break down the spray tan.

+ Will a spray tan protect me from the sun?

Oh, how I wish it did, but unfortunately it does not. We highly recommend using sunscreen such as Coola or Non-Mineral Sunbum or Supergoop with your spray tan

+ Will dry skin affect my airbrush tan?

YES!!! it is so vitally important to make sure that you are moisturized internally and externally prior to your spray tan. Moisturizing afterwards is also vital. You will hear me reiterate that you need to moisturize right when you get out of the shower after you pat dry, don’t wait until you are bone dry to moisturize. We highly recommend the Body butters that we sell @ NWGLW to keep your skin nice and hydrated during your spray tan which will help prevent the giraffe like fading of dry skin/ spray tan combo. We do love giraffes though!

+ Is sunless tanning safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women?

While we spray tan many pregnant mamas, we ask that you consult with your doctor first.

+ Can I get a spray tan if I am sunburned or my skin is peeling?

This is a No GO. While we’d like to think that a spray tan will fix a sunburn and those lovely tan lines, it will not, in fact it will only make it worst. Even if you were sunburned a week or two ago and your skin no longer shows the signs of a sunburn, it will show up after the spray tan has processed, and believe us, it’s not cute. The skin is still damaged by the sunburn under the epidermis layer and will present a darker pigment when the spray tan is sprayed and developed.

+ What should I use to maintain my spray tan?

We exclusively carry custom made products from The Bubblery that have been formulated to maintain a high level of moisture for your spray tan. We also carry Glw on the GO, Tan me BB, and GLW Mousse to help maintain the longevity of your spray tan or for you to use when you just want that GLW.

+ The first shower, what do I need to do?

Remember that NW GLW is a No judgement studio! That being said, this is our Ask: Do not pee in the shower when you have the bronzer still on. It is vital that your first shower needs to be in warm water, and you will use your hands and remove all of the bronzer from your body in all the nooks and crannies and crevices until the water runs clear. DO NOT USE SOAP FIRST. Soap and Bronzer do not mix and this will create lines and that’s just not cute. Then use your hands ands and soap, no washcloths or loofahs. Get out of the shower and pat dry, no rubbing, then LOTION LOTION LOTION !

+ IM getting Married.. when Do I tan and what do I need to be aware of ??

WOO HOO first and foremost, Congratulations!! We are so happy that you chose NW GLW to be a part of your Wedding GLW. We love wedding tans and pride ourselves on giving very natural GLW’s. Please be incredibly mindful of what you are wearing prior to your wedding day. While we are pretty damn good at what we do, there are some things that are hard to fix, IE: tan lines. We do our best to blend them but we ask that you are mindful of how you tan and what you wear leading up to your Big Day! Its best to come in for a trial spray tan at least 4 weeks prior to your wedding. Our tans can last a long time and we want to ensure that you have enough time for the trial tan to completely wear off and you have a blank canvas for your perfect Wedding GLW.

+ Why does your product have bronzer in it?

What is actually tanning you, the DHA is colorless, therefore the bronzer helps the spray tan technician to see where we are applying the spray tan and making sure that you are absolutely even, and nothing is missed. The bronzing agent is misleading as it will continue to get darker during the processing time of your spray tan. However, at its darkest point, that is not the actual result. The bronzing agent will wash off and you will have a very natural GLW. That is why it is so important to rinse all of the bronzer off in your first shower.