Guide to Safe, Flawless Spray Tanning in Fayetteville, AR

What is Spray Tanning?

Spray tanning, often referred to as airbrushing or misting, has become an extremely popular alternative to laying out in the sun or using tanning beds. The process involves spraying a mist filled with tanning ingredients onto the skin to temporarily darken its appearance.

How Does Spray Tanning Work?

The main active ingredient in most sunless tanning solutions is dihydroxyacetone, also known as DHA. This is a simple sugar derived from plants that interacts with the amino acids on the skin's surface to darken its color.

Most solutions contain additional ingredients like bronzers for immediate color as well as moisturizers, antioxidants and fragrances. Professional technicians apply the solution evenly across the body using an airbrush spray gun.

Types of Spray Tans

There are a few different options when it comes to spray tans in Fayetteville, AR:

• Tanning salons
• Mobile spray tan vendors
• Booth style misting stations
• Self-applied spray solutions

Working with experienced professionals at salons or with mobile services typically provides the most natural, even results. However do-it-yourself spray tans are more convenient and affordable.

Benefits of Spray Tans in Fayetteville

There are many great reasons to get an airbrush tan in Fayetteville, Arkansas and the surrounding areas including:

Safer than Tanning Beds

Spray tanning eliminates UV exposure that can lead to accelerated skin aging and increased cancer risk. Airbrushing is considered exponentially safer than risking the damaging rays of tanning beds.

More Convenient than Tanning Outside

You can get spray tans year-round without having to worry about rain, cold temperatures or other bad tanning conditions outdoors. Just a few minutes getting misted provides reliable, faster results!

Enhances Confidence

People look and feel their best rocking a warm, bronze glow. Airbrush tans provide a sexy confidence boost without baring it all in small bathing suits.

Minimizes Tan Lines

With spray tanning, awkward tan lines become a thing of the past. The spray nozzle reaches evenly across every nook and cranny with precision.

Subtler Than Creams

Airbrushed color appears the most natural versus streaky, orange self-applied lotions. The fine spray provides a flawless finish that absorbs evenly into skin.

What to Expect When Getting Spray Tans

Pre-Tanning Prep

The best spray tan results come from proper skin prep. Exfoliating pre-tan sloughs off dry skin cells so they don't turn orange and interfere with absorption. Shaving, though not required, prevents solution buildup.

Protecting Sensitive Areas

Technicians shield eyes, nostrils, hairlines, nails and other delicate areas with guards and tapes. Getting solution in mucus membranes stings, so protecting them is essential.

Standby While It Sets

A standard airbrush session takes 10-15 minutes. For the DHA to fully react, standing still while the spray dries for 5 or so additional minutes is key before rinsing. Once set, the color won't come off on clothes.

Lasts for Days

Spray tans fade more naturally than self-tanners over time. Maintaining the color and limiting transfer involves avoiding water or friction for 8-12 hours. Results typically last 4-10 days.

Is Spray Tanning Safe?

When applied correctly by experienced professionals, spray tans come with minimal health risks. However, improper techniques or failing to take proper safety precautions could lead to problems.

Inhalation Concerns

Inhaling DHA spray tanning solutions frequently may cause lung issues like tightness or fluid accumulation over time. Wearing protective gear over airways prevents irritation or breathing in the fine mist.

Eye Exposure Dangers

Getting spray tanning solution in the eyes not only stings severely in the moment, but can also damage the corneas and vision long-term without eye shields. Technicians must completely cover this area.

Skin Sensitivity Reactions

Certain spray tan ingredients or application methods can cause skin reactions in those with sensitivities. Patch testing minimizes the chances of itching, redness or breakouts.

Contaminated Equipment Concerns

Dirty nozzles or reused solutions allow bacteria like staph or pseudomonas to grow and infect airbrush sites. Strict sanitizing practices prevent cross-contamination of equipment and products.

Finding the Best Fayetteville Spray Tan Salons

Choosing reputable Fayetteville tanning salons with extensive training, quality equipment and spotless facilities gives peace of mind. Here is what to look for:

Specialized Certifications

Seeking out spray techs accredited through programs like UniTAN ensures proper application techniques. Their certification guarantees skill and safety compliance.

Customizable Solutions

Quality salons offer customized spray tanning cocktails based on skin type. Ingredients like bronzers, moisturizers and fragrances tailor to achieve client preferences.

Regular Sanitation & Equipment Checks

The best tanning salons thoroughly clean and replace spray nozzles between clients to prevent bacterial spread. Diligence prevents equipment malfunctions mid-session.

Private Spaces

Reputable Fayetteville sunless tanning salons provide private spray rooms for comfort during the process. Translucent doors allow monitoring application technique.

Aftercare Tips for Maximizing Your Spray Tan

Caring for your airbrushed glow post-session ensures the color stays vibrant. Here are some after-tan care essentials:

Wait Before Bathing

Hold off rinsing for at least 8 hours, or as long as possible up to 24 hours. This allows the DHA adequate time to fully react with skin proteins to set the tone.

Gently Pat Dry Post-Shower

Vigorous toweling rubs the tan right off, so patting gently with a soft cloth prevents exfoliation once you do bathe. Avoid hot showers that open pores and fade color.

Apply Daily Moisturizer

Hydrating daily maintains a dewy glow and prevents dry skin from sloughing off color prematurely. Find creams with skin-nourishing oils and anti-inflammatory extracts.

Exfoliate Before Reapplication

Using a gentle sugar or coffee scrub 2-3 days before your next spray session buffs away lingering DHA for even application. Just don't over-exfoliate between tans.

Other Sunless Tanner Options

While spray tanning steals the limelight for fast, flawless bronzing, many other effective self-tanners brighten dull complexions safely.

Tanning Lotions

Self-tanning creams and mousses allow buildable application from subtle sun-kissed to ultra-dark. Still, ensuring even coverage takes practice to master.

Tanning Wipes

Portable tinted towlettes add quick color for on-the-go touch ups. However, their staining potential makes application tricky, especially for newbies.

Tanning Drops

Ingestible DHA supplements in liquid drops or capsules provide a lasting glow from the inside out without mess, odor or hassle. They do take several days to see results though.

While not as instant or professionally applied as sprays, these over-the-counter methods still give summer-ready color safely.

The Takeaway

Airbrushing offers the most natural-looking bronze with ease compared to risky UV exposure. Still, finding reputable spray tan salons in Fayetteville, properly caring for skin pre- and post-tan session, and taking aftercare steps maximize results and safety.

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.