Spray Tan Tents: A Complete Guide on the Private Self-Tanning Solution

Spray Tan Tents: A Private Self-Tanning Solution

Spray tan tents have become increasingly popular at tanning salons and spas. Also known as spray tan cabanas, these private tents allow clients to receive quick, convenient spray tanning in a comfortable, concealed setting.

What Are Spray Tan Tents?

Spray tan tents, typically made with a collapsible aluminum frame and light fabric walls, provide a semi-enclosed area for airbrush or spray on tanning. They offer enough space for a tanning technician to evenly mist tanning solution while the client poses inside.

Most spray tan tents are tall enough for an average height adult to stand in. Their ventilation flaps allow for air circulation to ventilate spray tanning fumes. Many feature interior side flaps or curtains for extra privacy while getting undressed, plus handy shelving for storing your personal belongings.

Benefits of Using Spray Tan Tents

Here are some of the biggest advantages spray tan cabanas deliver:

Privacy - Changing clothing and posing while being sprayed down involves revealing a lot of skin. Spray tan tents prevent exposing yourself to other clients or salon staff.
Space - Tents give technicians adequate room to perform even, professional-looking spray tans from all angles.
Cleanliness - Any overspray or tanning drips stay inside the tent, not messing up the salons floors or furniture.
Comfort - Features like interior hooks, fans, and soft flooring make receiving your bronzed glow more pleasant.

Safety Considerations for Spray Tanning

While high quality spray tans and carefully designed spray tan tents can deliver beautiful, natural-looking results with minimal risks, there are some safety factors you should keep in mind.

Tanning Ingredient Safety

Most professional spray tan solutions use dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as the active ingredient which interacts with dead skin cells to temporarily darken skin tone. The FDA has approved DHA as a cosmetic dye suitable for external application. However, inhaling or ingesting DHA is not advised.

Spray tan tents help prevent inhaling airborne tanning mist during application. But for maximum safety:

Wear protective goggles and nose filters to avoid inhaling fumes or getting solution in eyes or nostrils.
Make sure technicians spray properly, keeping the nozzle at least 6 inches from your body to prevent mist concentration from being too high.
Hold your breath briefly during facial spraying to reduce inhalation risk.

Skin Sensitivity & Allergies

While rare, spray tans can occasionally provoke skin sensitivity, rashes, or allergic reactions in those predisposed. Do a small patch test on your arm 1-2 days before full spray tanning.

Alert your technician regarding skin sensitivities, open cuts or wounds, or reactions to other cosmetics so they can take appropriate precautions.

Post-tan skincare also matters. Avoid irritating tattooed, freshly waxed, or exfoliated skin while your tan develops.

Booth Contamination

Improperly cleaned hoses, spray nozzles, and booths carry risk of bacterial or fungal spread if contaminated tanning solution collects inside the equipment over time.

Check that your chosen spray tan business properly disinfects their tents, spray equipment, and ventilation systems according to regulations to prevent germ transmission between clients.

What to Expect During Your Spray Tan Tent Session

Professional tanning salons aim to make your spray tanning session as comfortable as possible. Here is a typical sequence for airbrush tans performed in cabanas:

Consultation - The technician will explain the process, have you fill out any consent forms, and discuss the tan results you desire.
Undressing - Remove all clothing/jewelry that could leave unwanted tan lines. Use mini-curtains or interior tent flaps to disrobe privately.
Posing - Staff will guide you in standing and extending limbs to achieve an even airbrushed coat covering your whole body.
Spray Tanning - Technicians evenly mist DHA bronzer with a specialized compressed air spray gun. Closing eyes/holding breath briefly during facial spraying is recommended.
Drying - Allow 10-15 minutes inside the tent for the DHA mist to set while small fans circulate air around your body.
Rinsing - Quickly rinse skin before dressing to prevent staining clothes from drips.
Results - Leave the bronzed tent glowing! Your customized airbrush tan fully develops in 4-8 hours.

Caring for Your Airbrushed Glow Post-Tanning

To help your spray tan last longer and fade evenly, follow these tips once you leave the tanning salon cabana:

Wait 8 hours before bathing or swimming to allow DHA pigments to fully absorb.
Moisturize daily to nourish skin and prolong your sun-kissed tone.
Exfoliate very gently 3 days after tanning to help remove any tan buildup.
Avoid oils, perfumes, deodorants for 24 hours which may stain a developing tan.
Shave/wax gently while tan is fresh to prevent uneven fading around hair follicles.

With proper prep, aftercare, and working with expert spray tanning staff, airbrush spray tans performed in private tents provide fabulous, realistic results safely with minimally exposed skin.

Considering Spray Tanning Instead of UV Tanning

Spray tanning makes for a safer alternative versus subjecting bare skin to UV rays from sunlight or tanning beds. Excess UV radiation is the #1 cause of skin cancer as it damages cell DNA over time.

While many enjoy tanning by the pool or beach in moderation, individuals concerned about skin cancer risks may want to swap more natural tans for airbrush tanning booth sessions sporadically to achieve a bronze glow with much less UV damage.

The Safest Way to Achieve a Sun-Kissed Glow

Spray tans applied by skilled technicians in well-ventilated tents allow capturing golden tone without UV exposure. When performed properly at a reputable facility, airbrushed tanning carries very little risk while showcasing sexy, head-turning color.

Plus, spray tan tents provide privacy to disrobe and receive complete, customized bronzing from head to toe in a comfortable enclosed space.

So skip the tanning beds and lathering on self-tanners at home. Instead, book your next safe, flawless sun-kissed glow at a spray tan salon with private cabanas!

FAQs

Are spray tanning tents sanitary?

Reputable salons properly disinfect their spray tan tents, equipment, and ventilation systems between clients. Well-maintained tents provide a clean environment for airbrush tanning services.

What should I wear during my spray tan tent session?

Remove all clothing and accessories that could leave lines or uneven tanning. Use the interior curtains or flaps in most tanning tents to undress privately before the technician sprays your body with mist.

How long will my airbrushed tan from a tanning tent last?

With proper prep and post-tan care, a spray tan from a professional cabana typically lasts 7-10 days. Exfoliating before your appointment and moisturizing daily afterwards prolongs your sun-kissed glow.

Is spray tanning in a booth safer than tanning outside?

Yes, exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds highly elevates skin cancer risk from DNA cell damage over time. Spray tans provide bronzed coloring without UV rays when applied correctly.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.