frequently asked questions

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how to get the most long lasting glow

Read our tips and tricks to getting the most natural and long-lasting glow. No patches or streaks, pinky promise! Be sure to follow this guide BEFORE and AFTER you come in for your appointment.

How to prepare for my spray tan

  • Shower shave and exfoliate the day before your appointment.
  • For best results we recommend using an exfoliating mitt and water.
  • Avoid oily scrubs and creamy body washes.
  • Waxing should be done at least 24+ before a spray tan.

Come to the appointment with fresh, clean and dry skin. Refrain from using body moisturizers the day of.

You will need to stay dry for 10-12 hours after your tan (3 hrs minimum for the express tan).

Wear or bring loose fitting dark colored clothes to wear post tan. Do not wear tight clothes ie, leggings, bras, socks, etc.

Wait at least 10-12 hours (3+ hours with our express glow) before showering, bathing or sweating. It is not recommended to participate in any activities that may cause you to perspire excessively before your first shower. 

Bring an umbrella if rain or snow is forecasted.

Rinse with warm water, using hands to remove bronzer completely.

Treat your skin gently. Pat dry after the shower. Cleanse and moisturize daily with spray tan safe products and avoid products that aren't spray tan safe.

We offer a variety of organic products in our studios along with our signature Gingerly line, that help maintain your results. You can have the most gorgeous glow applied, but using damaging products that are not made for spray tans you will not be happy with the results.

The attire for women is whatever you are comfortable with.

Disposable undergarments are provided.

The attire for men is boxers, briefs, swim trunks or shorts. Your Glow Lounge airbrush technician will always use the utmost discretion. 

Bring loose fitting dark colored clothes to wear post tan. Do not wear tight clothes ie, leggings, bras, socks, etc. after.

Wear dark, loose clothes and skip tight or strappy items, leggings, and tight socks right after your session.

Avoid touching your skin to avoid “cheeto fingers.”

If you’re sleeping before your first rinse, wear loose long sleeves and pants to prevent transfer and keep bronzer off your sheets.

Hot sleeper? Try the express tan so you can shower before bed.

How to maintain my spray tan

Our biggest recommendation for long-lasting results is using spray tan safe products on your face, body and hair. That means avoiding anything with Mineral Oil, Petroleum, Petrolatum and Sulfates as these ingredients will strip and dry out the tan leaving you with patchy and short-lived results.

Treat your skin gently. Pat dry after the shower. Cleanse and moisturize daily with spray tan safe products and avoid products that aren't spray tan safe.

We offer a variety of organic products in our studios along with our signature Gingerly line, that help maintain your results. You can have the most gorgeous glow applied, but using damaging products that are not made for spray tans you will not be happy with the results.

Wait at least 10-12 hours (3+ hours with our express glow) before showering, bathing or sweating. It is not recommended to participate in any activities that may cause you to perspire excessively before your first shower. 

Certain ingredients will strip the skin and dry out the tan leaving you with patchy and short-lived results.

Spray tan friendly products don't contain the following ingredients:

  • Sulfates
  • Mineral Oil
  • Petroleum
  • Petrolatum
  • Paraffin
  • Fragrance
  • Coconut Oil
  • Some Essential Oils

It is also recommended to avoid Physical exfoliants (scrubs, microbeads, loofahs, tree hut scrubs) and Chemical exfoliants (alpha/beta hydroxy acids like glycolic or salicylic acid) Retinols and Retinoids before and after your spray tan.

Brands like Dove, Palmer's, Cetaphil, Olay, Aveeno, Lush, and many more contain ingredients that are not spray tan friendly.

Gingerly Lotion keeps skin soft, smooth, and even—helping your tan last longer and fade more naturally.

  • Jojoba, shea, and avocado oils deeply hydrate without heavy buildup, helping your tan fade evenly.
  • No petrolatum, synthetic fragrance, or dyes
  • Lightweight, clean, and tan-safe. Everything your skin needs to stay soft and glowing longer.

Common ingredients in mass-market lotions cause patchiness, cracking, or early fading. They aren’t made for spray tans. Gingerly is.

Gingerly Body Wash is recommended because it’s specially formulated to be gentle on spray tans—helping your tan last longer and fade evenly. Its key benefits include:

  • Gentle, moisturizing ingredients that won’t strip your tan
  • Sulfate-free and fragrance-light formula to protect your skin and color
  • Shower gel that maintains smooth, hydrated skin, which keeps your tan looking fresh
  • Made in MN with skin-friendly, natural ingredients

We recommended to avoid Physical exfoliants (scrubs, microbeads, loofahs, tree hut scrubs) and Chemical exfoliants (alpha/beta hydroxy acids like glycolic or salicylic acid) Retinols and Retinoids before and after your spray tan.

  • Sulfates
  • Mineral Oil
  • Petroleum
  • Petrolatum
  • Paraffin
  • Fragrance
  • Coconut Oil
  • Some Essential Oils
  • Retinols
  • AHA/BHA

Frequently Asked Questions

If you cut an apple and let it sit out, it turns brown. The same concept applies to airbrush tanning. The active ingredient in our tanning solution is derived from eco-certified organic sugar-beets that react with the amino acids in your skin's outermost layer to create the gorgeous tan that you desire. 

If you've ever had a conventional spray tan you know how cold and uncomfortable it can be. That is not how we do things at The Glow Lounge!

The aloe enriched skin-soothing solution is applied with a gentle flow of warm air.  By infusing heat directly into the tanning spray,  there's no dripping or streaking, and definitely no goosebumps. The tan is also dried as it's applied, making for a quick and comfortable appointment.

We strongly believe that spray tanning is not meant to be a "one-size-fits-all" service. That's why we always custom blend the tanning solution for each client based on their skin tone and desired result. We also keep track of tanning formulas, so you don't have to remember if you're a "light"  or a "medium" Wait really!? Yes, really.  We got you.

We recommend coming in 2-3 days before your event or wedding and 1-2 days before vacations. When booking, plan to stay dry for 10-12 hours after your appointment (3+ hours with the accelerated option). This means no workouts, chores, showers, hair or nail appointments should follow your tanning appointment.

If maintained properly, your glow can last 7-10 days.

Use spray tan safe products. That means avoiding anything with Mineral Oil, Petroleum, Petrolatum and Sulfates as these ingredients will strip and dry out the tan leaving you with patchy and short-lived results.

Treat your skin gently. Pat dry after each shower. Cleanse and moisturize daily with spray tan safe products.

No waxing. This will peel the tan right off your skin. When shaving, use a fresh razor and use a light touch.

Don’t exfoliate until the tan has mostly faded away.

Definitely. We aim to provide a healthy tan for any occasion. Consider this essential to looking and feeling the best in your own skin. Our tan holds up well to sun and sea. Because of the drying effect it has on the skin, overexposure to highly chlorinated water such as pools or hot tubs, for extended periods, is not recommended. After the pool, rinse off, reapply your Sunscreen (we love Supergoop!) and enjoy your glow!

Please note. Spray tans offer no protection from the sun, so always wear your SPF!

Congrats! You’re in good hands.  We’ve tanned hundreds of brides and bridesmaids over the years. 

For a bridal tan, timing is everything. 

First, scheduling a trial tan helps you achieve the perfect shade and desired look for your wedding day, allowing you to confidently walk down the aisle with a flawless, natural glow. It also gives you peace of mind, knowing exactly how your tan will develop and complement your overall bridal style.  Pro tip, schedule your trial tan 2 days before your makeup trial.  

Second, prepping your skin for your tan is so important.  Don’t skip this step!  Check out the rest of the Prep and FAQ for all the details. 

Lastly, your spray tan should be the last beauty service you do before your big day.  We put together a Bridal Beauty Timeline to help you, check it out on the Bridal page.

The cosmetic bronzers are water-soluble and should wash out, but the DHA in the tanning formula may permanently stain fabrics.

Unlike UV tanning, there is no age restriction on sunless tanning.

We do not recommend sunless tanning on sun-burned skin. While our solution does contain aloe, it's best to apply pure aloe vera gel to your skin and let it heal completely before receiving an airbrush tan.

We have sprayed men and women of all ages, skin tones, and skin types. If you're curious if a spray tan is right for you, please contact us!

Yes, a spray tan is generally considered safe during pregnancy because the active ingredient, DHA, only reacts with the outermost layer of your skin and doesn’t penetrate deeper.

However, as a precaution, we recommend consulting with your healthcare provider before getting a spray tan. 

If you have or have recently had a sunburn you should not get a spray tan until your skin has healed.

If your skin peels while you have a spray tan you will have patchy, uneven results. These results are not caused by the application or color formula used.

Glow memberships are offered in various session amounts and renews monthly. Learn more about our memberships here.

Yes, like most service providers we often see gratuity around 20% and our airbrush technicians truly appreciate when you tip! Of course tipping is always based on your discretion and gratuity is not included in the service price.

Certain ingredients will strip the skin and dry out the tan leaving you with patchy and short-lived results.

Spray tan friendly products don't contain the following ingredients:

  • Sulfates
  • Mineral Oil
  • Petroleum
  • Petrolatum
  • Paraffin
  • Fragrance
  • Coconut Oil
  • Some Essential Oils

It is also recommended to avoid Physical exfoliants (scrubs, microbeads, loofahs, tree hut scrubs) and Chemical exfoliants (alpha/beta hydroxy acids like glycolic or salicylic acid) Retinols and Retinoids before and after your spray tan.

Brands like Dove, Palmer's, Cetaphil, Olay, Aveeno, Lush, and many more contain ingredients that are not spray tan friendly.

At The Glow Lounge, our mission is to deliver more than a flawless tan—we provide an elevated experience that helps you feel confident, comfortable, and truly yourself.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Custom spray tans for every skin tone tailored to you, no booths, no guessing.
  • Heated spray tan application keeps you comfortable and ensures smooth, even results.
  • Natural-looking, streak-free tans applied by expert technicians for a flawless glow.
  • Spray tan-safe, clean skincare including our own Gingerly line to help your tan last longer.
  • Inclusive, body-positive environment welcoming all skin tones and body types.
  • Trusted choice for bridal and event spray tans by brides, makeup artists, and photographers across the Twin Cities.

    Looking for the best custom spray tan in Minneapolis, Edina, Eagan, Excelsior, or Woodbury? Say hello to your glow!