Airbrush Tanning Application Process
Airbrush sunless tanning is the most efficient way of applying the active ingredient DHA (a colorless derivative of sugarcane which is FDA approved) and erythrulose in a very fine mist. The airbrush tanning solution after a few hours will then produce a UV free tan look with or without tan lines. This depends in what you wish to wear during the spray tanning session. Erythrulose is a natural complex carbohydrate that adds the true golden tan look when combined with the DHA. The sunless tanning mist then reacts with the proteins on the top layer of the skin on the epidermis. A fine mist is what ensures a more even perfect application, and since there is no rubbing of product involved you then avoid streaking or patchiness. The air brush tan session takes about 10 to 15 minutes per appointment. Allow about 7 minutes for product application to fully dry. Also if needed at this time, you may dust the clients body with baby powder using a very soft powder body brush. This step helps set the solution to the body surface gently and clients can dress more quickly. For clients going to work after session lightly dust the under arms so they avoid any work time perspiration.

Suggested Steps to Follow

1. To start the sunless spray tan, wear gloves since the solution could stain your hands. Make sure that you are set up for the appointment with your ventilation fan and your supplies ready. It takes about 2 to 4 ounces for a full body application. After the first coating decide if a second one may be needed. This may also depend on what part of the states your airbrush tanning business is located.
   
   
2. New clients may wish to test how the mist feels at first. Use a jar with plain water and ask the client to gently close their eyes and spray the face lightly from a few inches away. This will help the client feel how tanning solution feels when sprayed and then learns to avoid squinting or closing their eyes too tightly.
   
   
3. Hold the airbrush with the solution approximately 8-10 inches from the clients body while spray tanning, (remember that distance is an asset), then just point and spray. Use circular (clockwise or counter-clockwise) overlapping circular motions as you are going along. This avoids over accumulation of solution on the skin surface and ensures a more complete and uniform tan outcome.
   
   
4. Have the client face you and begin spraying from the ankles up toward the knees using circular motions. Then procede from the knees toward the hips. Then have client turn around to start back of legs and repeat process for the lower leg area going up towards the knees and then hips as done in the front.
   
   
5. From the side (scissor like position ), you are now facing the side of the clients body, arms and legs. Start spraying again from the ankles and the knee sides towards inner legs going to hips. Have client reverse the scissor position facing the other wall and repeat.
   
   
6. Once again have the client face you and begin spraying from the pelvic area up to the stomach and chest. Ask client to raise arms up and to rotate as you spray tan each side. Once this is accomplished ask client to lower arms and spray top of shoulder area nicely. If female client you may ask to lean back slightly so as to get bottom of breast area. Continue then towards neck. You may lightly spray the face for the first time.
   
   
7. Now position client to spray the back and the back of the neck. Start from the hips upwards. Have the client again raise arms to check for all covered areas and to lightly spray again if needed. Ask client once more to do the scissor position right and then left and spray upper sides of the body. Lightly spray any areas that may have been missed or proceed with a second application if needed. The face is done again lightly if desired and in light circular motions. The face is done last.

   A few days later clients may apply sunless tanning lotion to maintain the golden tan look. Always wash hands after application and start at night after your shower so by morning you have a sun-kissed look. This will help you avoid daytime perspiration. During your family vacation you may apply once retired for the day and during resting time. Sunless tanners are excellent to take along to maintain your self-tanning goals as you embark on your vacation or beach destinations. Note: Once comfortable you may adjust suggested steps to what may work best for you. Notes: An oil free lotion would work great to use around fingers and bottom of feet area. Always check top of shoulder when finished for even application. Any more info. contact theresa@airtanbeachstore.com Licensed Esthetician.