FAQ'S
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I have to be completely nude?
Absolutely not, and this is one of the most common questions we hear. You wear whatever makes you comfortable. Some clients go fully nude, some wear a strapless bra and underwear, and some wear a swimsuit. There is no right or wrong answer.
The only thing to keep in mind is tan lines. Whatever you wear during your session will create a line, so think about what you will be wearing for the event or occasion you are tanning for. We can help you decide what works best for your situation.
Your comfort matters. Our spray sessions are professional and private, and we work at your pace.
How do I take care of my tan and make it last longer?
With the right aftercare, your tan can last 7 to 10 days. Here is how to get the most out of it:
First 8 to 24 hours:
• Avoid water, sweating, and tight clothing while your tan develops
• For standard tans, wait 8 hours before your first rinse
• For rapid tans, rinse at the time recommended based on your desired depth
• Use lukewarm water and skip soap on your first rinse
• Pat dry gently, do not rub
Ongoing maintenance:
• Moisturize daily with an oil-free, DHA-safe lotion
• Avoid hot showers and long soaks in the tub
• Skip products that contain alcohol, AHAs, or mineral oil near your skin
• Avoid exfoliating while your tan is active
• Stay hydrated, well-moisturized skin holds color longer
I carry Sjolie's Tan Extend Lotion and Body Renew Moisturizer in-studio. Both are specifically designed for spray-tanned skin and can add several extra days of wear to your color.
Is spray tanning safe? What is in the solution?
Yes, spray tanning is considered safe for most people when done correctly. At Ageless Tan, we exclusively use Sjolie professional spray tan solutions, which are formulated with clean, naturally derived ingredients.
The active tanning ingredient in all Sjolie solutions is DHA (dihydroxyacetone), sourced from sugar beets and sugar cane. DHA is the only FDA-approved active ingredient for sunless tanning and has been used safely since 1973. It works by reacting with amino acids in the top layer of your skin to create a temporary brown color that fades naturally as your skin cells shed.
Sjolie solutions are formulated without: Parabens, Mineral Oil, Erythrulose, Urea, Nut Allergens
Will I turn orange?
Not with the right formula. Orange results are usually caused by the wrong DHA percentage for a client's skin tone, or by old-school solutions that did not account for undertones. Sjolie solutions are available in two undertone lines: olive-based for cool and neutral skin tones, and violet-based for warm skin tones. Before every session, we talk through your skin tone and undertone to match you with the formula that will give you the most natural result. A fair-skinned client and a deeper-skinned client will leave with very different shades, and both will look like they just stepped off a beach, not out of a bottle.
How long will the appointment take?
Most sessions take 15 to 30 minutes from start to finish, including getting ready, talking through your shade, and the actual spray. The spray itself usually takes about 10 minutes.
Here is a rough breakdown:
• Consultation and shade selection: 5 minutes
• Prep application (pH spray, barrier cream): 3 to 5 minutes
• Spray tan application: 10 minutes
• Drying time before getting dressed: 2 to 5 minutes
If it is your first visit, budget a little extra time so we can chat through your goals and any questions. You will not feel rushed.
How long does a spray tan last?
Most Sjolie tans last 7 to 10 days with proper prep and aftercare. The aloe vera-based Original line can last up to 10 days. The alcohol-based Luxe line typically lasts 7 days and is a great option if you prefer a faster-developing formula. Factors that affect longevity include your skin type, how well you exfoliated before your appointment, water temperature during showers, and whether you moisturize daily. Dry skin tends to shed faster, so if your tan fades quickly, adding a daily moisturizer to your routine can make a noticeable difference.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
A little prep work makes a big difference in how your tan looks and how long it lasts. Here is what I recommend:
24 to 48 hours before:
• Exfoliate your entire body, focusing on dry areas like elbows, knees, ankles, and feet
• Shave or wax (waxing should be done at least 48 hours before to avoid sensitivity)
• Moisturize dry areas if needed, but allow at least 24 hours between moisturizing and your appointment
Day of your appointment:
• Arrive with clean, dry skin and no products on the skin
• Skip deodorant, perfume, lotion, and makeup
• Avoid tight clothing that may rub during development
• Bring or wear loose, dark clothing to your appointment
We will handle the rest. We apply a professional pH-balancing spray and barrier cream as part of every session to help your tan develop as evenly as possible.
Can I get a spray tan if I am fair-skinned or have sensitive skin?
Yes, and this is one of our specialties. Sjolie offers a 6% DHA formula designed specifically for fair and pale skin tones. It delivers a natural golden finish without the orange cast that often shows up on lighter skin, and it is built on an aloe vera base that is gentle on sensitive skin. If you have never had a spray tan before or have had reactions in the past, just let us know when you book. We can do a small patch test or start with a lower concentration to build your confidence.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Wear or bring loose, dark clothing. Immediately after your session, any tight clothing, waistbands, or straps can create marks in your developing tan. Dark colors are just a precaution in case any bronzer (the cosmetic color guide in the solution) transfers before it fully dries.
For the tan itself, wear whatever you are comfortable in. Loose shorts and a sports bra, a swimsuit, or nothing at all are all fine options.
How soon before an event should I get my tan?
We recommend getting your spray tan 2 to 3 days before your event. This gives the color time to fully develop, settle, and lose any initial brassiness from the bronzer guide. A tan applied the night before an event tends to look darker and less polished than one that has had a day or two to settle into your skin.
For weddings and large events, we love working with clients to plan a full tan timeline. Just let us know your event date when you book and we will map out the ideal schedule together.
