Kara Has The Answers To Your FAQ's

Please find the information presented below as a guide for preparation & aftercare for your airbrush spray tanning service.

What is a spray tan?

At Kara Mac's A spray tan is a solution applied with a high volume low pressure spray tan gun. It has a base consisting of water, aloe and DHA (dihydroxyacetone). DHA is an ingredient derived from plants which interacts with the amino acids in the top layer of our skin, ultimately producing a brown color. Spray tan also known as sunless tanning gives the effect of a natural sun tanminusthe sun. Spray tanning will give immediate color payoff all while preventing harmful skin damage and premature aging.At Kara Macs we cut above the rest by offering custom air brush services tailored to each individual client. You are able to select your desired level of darkness, while still receiving a streak free,never orangespray tan. After your spray tan, you will leave 100% dry and non sticky due to our complimentary drying and powder process.

How long will my spray tan last?

Custom Spray Tan- Our custom spray tan lasts anywhere from 6-7 days with proper care & maintenance. Results vary based on clients care/preparation.

Fast Developing Spray Tan- Our fast developing solution lasts approximately 8-12 days with proper care & maintenance. Results vary based on clients care/preparation.

How soon before an event should I book a spray tan?

We recommend spray tanning 1-2 days prior to your event. If you are traveling we recommend scheduling as close to your date of departure as possible. If you are getting married- we recommend scheduling for the day before or the day of your rehearsal dinner with our fast developing solution.

I'm getting married, when should I get my spray tan?

We always recommend our brides do a tester session 3-4 weeks prior to the wedding. Typically our brides will get a spray tan for their wedding shower, bachelorette, and then their wedding. This way if they would like to make any adjustments ahead of time there is plenty of time to do so.

What do I wear during my spray tan?

At Kara Mac’s we recommend wearing whatever you feel most comfortable in. Some of our clients opt to wear a thong or bathing suit, and others opt to go completely nude. It is whatever the client is most comfortable with!

When should I take care of my other beauty appointments, shaving and exfoliating?

We recommend the client take care of all waxing, shaving, threading, manicures & pedicures 24-48hrs prior to their spray tan appointment. We also recommend exfoliating 6-24 hours prior to your appointment. This will ensure your pores have closed by the time of your appointment so the spray tan does not settle into the pores.

What is exfoliating? How do I exfoliate?

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin from your stratum corneum (dead layers that sit atop of your skin). We shed between 2 and 4 layers of skin per month. When we exfoliate off the dead skin prior to the appointment it ensures we are spraying on an even surface that isn't going to shed any dead skin for about a week. When exfoliating prior to your appointment, we recommend using the Spraii Mitt which we sell in house at Kara Mac's. If you don't have time to stop in and grab one, you can use any exfoliating mitt, dry brush (we LOVE dry brushing) or washcloth at home. The best way to exfoliate is staying in the shower for 10-15 minutes letting your skin stay wet. Then begin to exfoliate using your mitt or a washcloth/terry cloth towel in the shower. You can scrub with this head to toe. We recommend using NO soap (**especially dove**) or exfoliating scrubs prior to ensure there are no oils or barriers that will affect how the tan adheres to your skin. 

How soon after my appointment can I shave?

We recommend shaving prior to your appointment, specifically 6-24hrs prior. This will ensure your pores have time to close before your spray tan is applied. If you didn't have time to shave before and need to shave after your appointment, we recommend waiting until your tan has fully developed and you have rinsed once. After, if you need to shave, we ask that you please use a *dull* razor, not a brand new one. Shaving is a form of exfoliation and we don't want to effect your fresh tan. When you go to shave, be very gentle and do not push the razor into the skin with pressure, just let it lightly glide over your skin.

What is in the solution that is being sprayed on my skin?

At Kara Mac's our spray tan solution is made in California and is free of any parabens, sulfates, gluten and nut allergens. It is also 100% vegan and safe for all skin types. Our spray tan solution has a natural aloe and sugarcane base that is very nourishing for the skin.

Is it safe to spray tan when pregnant?

Yes, at Kara Mac's it is safe to spray tan while expecting. Spray tan does not penetrate the skin or absorb into your pores. Therefore it will not absorb into your bloodstream. It sits on the top layer of skin until that skin begins to slough off/shed. Nose filters are always offered to our expecting clients during their session. We always recommend consulting with your doctor prior to scheduling your appointment.

Is a spray tan safe when you’re breastfeeding?

Yes, our spray tan's are safe for breastfeeding mothers. We recommend if you are breastfeeding actively to wear a bra top during your sunless tanning session or wiping off your nipple area afterwards. Or, we recommend choosing our fast developing solution so you can shower within a few hours after your appointment before you breast feed.

I have a skin condition, is spray tanning still an option for me?

Yes! The best part about receiving a customized spray tan is that it can be customized to your skin and it's needs. When clients have skin conditions like vitiligo, psoriasis, eczema, etc. our techs are knowledgeable on how to properly treat and spray the area. When the skin is extremely dry (psoriasis, eczema), we may apply a bit of lotion to those dry areas. This will prevent the tan from over-absorbing in those areas and from looking unnatural. When a client has a case of hyperpigmentation (melasma, vitiligo) we always make them aware that because those areas do not produce or pick up pigment naturally, it may not completely pick up the pigment from the spray tan. There are some cases where the spray tan will completely even it out or only mildly even it out. It varies client to client.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Feel free to contact us at any time!