FAQ's

How is a Sundrops spray tan applied?
One of the many benefits of Sundrops spray on tanning is the efficient, personalized application.  Sundrops solution is professionally applied in minutes by an experienced technician using an HVLP (High Volume, Low Pressure) System with a spray gun. The gun applies a soft mist with compressed air. Because each Client will have slightly different results with sunless tanners, the application can be tailored to a Client's specific needs (a darker application for a more tropical glow, tanning of legs only, a light application during the winter, etc). Special care is taken around hands, feet, elbows, and knees to make sure they are not too dark. The result is a natural look, not orange or streaky, creating a uniform golden tan.

How do spray on tanning solutions work?
Sundrops solution contains the active ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a sugar beet derivative which reacts with the amino acids in the top layer of your skin.  DHA combines with the amino acids to form a brown color. The "tan" starts to show up around 4 hours after application, and can continue to develop for up to 12 hours.

How long will it take to get my Sundrops tan?

The actual spray tanning process only takes about 3 minutes. You can expect to be at our salon for approximately 15 minutes, including undressing, having the spray tan applied, drying, and re-dressing.

What are the advantages of spray tanning?
Tanning via the sun or tanning beds (even the so called safe "UVA-only" beds) causes damage to the skin, leading to premature aging, fine lines, wrinkles, pigmented spots and potentially skin cancer. You have made the safe choice by deciding to sunless tan. You can have a beautiful bronze glow and take care of your skin!  For more information on skin cancer, please go to www.skincancer.org.  Sunless tans provide an insignificant amount of protection from UV rays.  Please wear a broad-spectrumsunscreen (protects against UVA and UVB) every day.

How dark will I get after one session?

Sunless spray tanning is not a perfect science. Results will vary based on each individual’s skin type. There are different strengths of solutions that can be used according to each Client’s skin type.  It helps to have realistic expectations, and we will review that with you during your first session.

What is the solution made of? 

Sundrops solution is a proprietary blend of Distilled water, Aloe vera gel, octinoxate (SPF 15), botanical extracts, Vitamin E, vegetable glycerin, organic herbs, green tea extract, essential oils, DHA and a natural bronzer.

Are there any harmful chemicals in the solution?

Absolutely not!  Sundrops does not use alcohol or any harmful chemicals in our solution.  We use a high quality DHA and the other ingredients listed above.  We proudly make our full list of ingredients available to anyone who asks. 

What is a cosmetic bronzer?
This is the component of sunless products that gives you immediate color for a “just off the beach” look. The ingredients used in cosmetic bronzers are similar to those used in cosmetic foundations or powder bronzers.  Sundrops uses natural colouring, not synthetic ingredients, to avoid allergens or skin irritations.

Will I get that fake “orange” color?
No. We use the highest quality tanning solution that will give you that “kissed by the sun” look and will transition smoothly into your DHA color that will develop later.

Will it stain my hair?

No. Most people will not see any affect on the color of their hair.

Will the color wash off in the shower?

The cosmetic bronzer that is visible immediately when you are sprayed will wash off with your first shower, revealing the DHA tan beneath.

What should I wear?

What you wear during your session is your choice.  The preference of most Clients is to wear bottoms only, however, we understand that each Client’s comfort level is different.  Tan lines are optional for female Clients.  For the comfort of our Technicians, we ask that male Clients wear bottoms of their choice.  Please read the section on “Salon Etiquette for our policy on Clients under 18 years old.  Avoid light coloured garments during spray sessions.

How long will it take the DHA to develop?
You will see an immediate tan. This is due to the natural cosmetic bronzer that is used as a color guide to see where your Technician has applied the solution.  It also gives you the immediate gratification of having a beautiful tan. Your actual tan will take at least 3 hours to begin developing and can continue to develop up to 12 hours. The developed tan will be visible once you have showered off the bronzer.

How long will my tan last?
Depending on the Solutions that your client picked they should last anywhere between 5-10 days. Also depending on your skin type and how you take care of your skin.  Some Clients experience up to 2 weeks with a Sundrops tan. The use of Moondrops and Summer Glow tan extenders can assist in prolonging your tan.

How can I prevent my tan from fading unevenly and looking patchy?
Applying a good moisturizer at least twice a day will prolong your tan and reduce the appearance of uneven fading and patchiness. Using a tan extender will help and exfoliating at the end of the tan and just before your next session just before your next appointment is very important.

Can I tan if I am pregnant? 

Pregnant women have been using sunless tanners for over 40 years with no problems or reports of side effects on mother or child.  The FDA but DHA on its list of safe cosmetic ingredients in 1973, yet some sunless tanning companies take precautions.  Sundrops is one of those companies! Please advise the Studio if you are pregnant and we have Nose Filters upon request as well as a list of Ingredients for you or your doctor.

What about spraying over a tattoo?

If a tattoo or piercing is fully healed, your spray tan will not affect the area.  Sunless tanning does not fade a tattoo the same way exposing the area to UV tanning does.  You will not need to remove piercing jewelry prior to your session, however, you may need to clean the jewelry and you may experience a tan line depending on the nature of the piercing.

Are there any medical conditions that would prevent me from getting a spray tan?

When you book your appointment, please let us know if you are pregnant or nursing or have any allergies, medical conditions and/or physical limitations.  This will prepare your Technician in advance so we may provide the best service to meet your individual needs.  We ask that you be courteous by canceling or not booking your appointment if you have open wounds or any communicable diseases such as a cold or flu.  This is for your own comfort as well as the protection of our Technicians and other Clients.