Everything You Need to Know for a Flawless, Natural Looking Glow

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At Sunny Shores Spray Sun & Spa, spray tanning is more than just stepping into a booth and hoping for the best. We designed our spray tan system to focus on natural looking color, skin preparation, hydration, customization, and education so you leave glowing, not orange.

Our goal is simple: beautiful skin with beautiful color.

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We proudly use premium professional Norvell solutions combined with prep and hydration technology to help create smoother, more even, longer-lasting results.

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Whether you are preparing for a vacation, wedding, bodybuilding competition, photoshoot, prom, special event, or simply love having a year-round glow, this guide covers EVERYTHING you need to know before your spray tan.

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Why Clients Love Our Spray Tans

Our clients love spray tanning at Sunny Shores because our system focuses on skin quality just as much as color.

Benefits include:

• Natural looking customizable color
• Even, streak-free application
• Skin hydration and conditioning
• Quick and convenient appointments
• A sunless alternative for cosmetic bronzing
• Multiple customizable color levels
• Prep and hydration included
• Professional-grade spray technology
• Solutions designed to minimize overly warm or orange tones
• Optional upgrades for deeper or longer-lasting color

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Our solutions are:

✔ Gluten Free
✔ Paraben Free
✔ Cruelty Free
✔ Vegan
✔ Non-Comedogenic
✔ Sulfate Free
✔ Nut Allergy Free

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 Understanding Spray Tan Color

One of the biggest misconceptions about spray tanning is that darker always means better.

In reality, the BEST spray tan is the one that complements YOUR natural complexion.

Sometimes what people call “orange” is actually a tan that is simply too dark for their skin tone. When a spray becomes overly dramatic, flat, or unnatural looking, the undertones become more noticeable.

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General recommendations:

☀️ Fair skin: typically Level 1
☀️ Fair skin with an active tan: often Level 2
☀️ Naturally darker skin or active tanners: often Level 2 or 3
☀️ Level 4: generally reserved for very experienced tanners, body competitors, or naturally deeper complexions

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Not everyone can wear the darkest level naturally, and that is okay.

Our staff can help guide you toward the most flattering option for your goals.

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Our Spray Tan Solutions

 Norvell Venetian Rapid

 Our Best-Selling Rapid Formula

This is our most popular solution for clients wanting FAST results with natural-looking color.

The Venetian Rapid uses cool violet-brown undertones and VIO-7 anti-orange bronzers to help create a more balanced, natural bronze while reducing the overly warm appearance many people associate with spray tans.

The formula also contains Ordenone®, designed to help minimize the typical spray tan odor.

Scent:
✨ Coconut Vanilla

Rapid rinse schedule:
• 1 hour for light color
• 2 hours for medium color
• 3 hours for darkest development

You WILL continue developing color for up to 24 hours after rinsing.

During the rinse, you will see cosmetic bronzer washing down the drain. This is completely normal. Your true tan is still developing underneath.

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Norvell Clear Gradual

Our Clear Solution is perfect for clients who prefer no immediate bronzer or want a more subtle “I didn’t just get sprayed” appearance.

The color gradually develops over time while still creating beautiful bronzed results.

You may begin seeing color develop within 4 to 6 hours.

Suggested rinse timing:
• Around 8 hours for lighter color
• Up to 24 hours for deepest development

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The Clear Solution contains antioxidant-rich botanicals including:

✨ Watermelon to help calm redness
✨ Cranberry to help moisturize skin
✨ Tomato extract to help revive glow and support healthier-looking skin

Like all professional spray tans, your final color depends heavily on your skin prep, hydration, pH balance, rinse timing, and aftercare.

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Included With Every Full-Price Spray Tan

Every full-price spray tan includes:

✔ Your choice of Rapid or Clear solution
✔ 2 full-body sprays of Perfector Prep Spray
✔ 2 full-body sprays of WellFit Hydrate
✔ Prep buffing mitt
✔ Sticky feet
✔ Hair net
✔ Lip balm
✔ Jojoba oil application guidance
✔ Barrier cream application guidance

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Please note:
Some accessories or upgrades may vary with memberships or promotional pricing.

 

 

 Why Prep Matters So Much

The secret to a flawless spray tan starts BEFORE you spray.

Spray tans develop through a reaction between DHA and the outer layers of your skin. Because everybody’s skin chemistry is different, preparation matters tremendously.

Things that can affect development include:

• Dry skin
• Hormones
• Medications
• Skincare products
• Body washes
• pH balance
• Shaving habits
• Deodorant residue
• Sweat
• Improper rinse timing
• Overdevelopment from leaving solution on too long

This is why no salon can promise an identical result on every single person, but proper prep dramatically improves outcomes.

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 24 Hours Before Your Spray Tan

✔ Shower
✔ Wash your hair FIRST
✔ Exfoliate
✔ Shave
✔ Avoid applying heavy skincare afterward

Washing your hair first is important because leftover conditioner and hair products can leave residue on the skin and interfere with color development.

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We recommend:

✨ Selfie Primer or pre-spray exfoliant
✨ Head to Glow in-shower lotion for shaving

Avoid razors with built-in lotion bars because they often leave residue that repels spray tan solution or creates uneven color.

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After prepping, avoid:

❌ Lotions
❌ Oils
❌ Perfumes
❌ Heavy skincare
❌ Makeup
❌ Deodorants before appointment

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The Prep Mitt

Before spraying, we have clients use our prep buffing mitt.

This helps:

✔ Remove dead skin
✔ Remove leftover soap residue
✔ Smooth rough texture
✔ Help reduce shave lines
✔ Improve evenness
✔ Help balance the skin surface for more predictable color development

We STRONGLY encourage use of the mitt.

Clients who decline prep products or mitt preparation understand we cannot guarantee spray tan results.

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 Hand Prep: Why We Go Overboard

Hands are one of the driest areas on the body and absorb spray tan solution aggressively.

This is where most spray tan complaints happen.

To help prevent dark hands or harsh lines:

✔ Apply jojoba oil to hands first
✔ Rub leftover lightly onto elbows, knees, ankles, and feet
✔ Apply barrier cream to hands, nails, tops/sides of feet, and lightly down wrists

This creates a softer transition and more natural finish.

We also often suggest lightly rinsing hands shortly after arriving home if they appear overly dark initially.

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During Your Spray Tan

Once ready:

✔ Remove clothing and jewelry
✔ Pull hair back securely
✔ Follow booth prompts carefully
✔ Stay still during spraying

The booth is designed for even coverage, but moving incorrectly or not following prompts can affect results.

After spraying:
Move closer to the door area because the booth begins its wash-down cycle shortly afterward.

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Hydrate Technology

Every spray tan includes our WellFit Hydrate Skin Infusion.

This is NOT just a moisturizer.

Hydrate uses a Tri-Hydro Boost Complex designed to support multiple layers of skin hydration.

Benefits may include:

✔ Improved moisture retention
✔ Smoother-looking skin
✔ Longer-lasting spray tan appearance
✔ Reduced dry fading
✔ Enhanced skincare absorption
✔ Better skin barrier support

Hydrated skin generally develops and fades spray tans more evenly.

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 Rinse Instructions

 Rapid Solution

Rinse with COOL water only:
• 1 hour for light color
• 2 hours for medium
• 3 hours maximum for darkest development

DO NOT:
❌ Use soap
❌ Shampoo
❌ Scrub
❌ Shave
❌ Sweat heavily

You will continue darkening over the next 24 hours.

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 Clear Solution

You may begin seeing color in 4 to 6 hours.

Suggested rinse:
• Around 8 hours for lighter color
• Up to 24 hours for darkest color

Again:
✔ Cool water only
✔ No scrubbing
✔ No soap during first rinse

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During Development

While your spray tan develops:

❌ Avoid sweating
❌ Avoid getting wet
❌ Avoid tight clothing
❌ Avoid bras/leggings if possible
❌ Avoid applying products
❌ Avoid scratching skin
❌ Avoid jewelry/glasses rubbing skin

Wear loose, baggy clothing whenever possible.

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Important Aftercare Tips

✔ PAT dry after showers, do not rub dry
✔ Moisturize daily
✔ Use spray-tan-safe body wash
✔ Avoid harsh scrubs or exfoliants
✔ Stay hydrated

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We also recommend:
✨ Tan-extending moisturizers
✨ Spray tan remover and primer before your next session
✨ Head to Glow in-shower lotion for shaving maintenance

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How Long Should You Wait Between Sprays?

We recommend:

✔ Minimum: every 5 days
✔ Ideal: every 7 to 10 days

This allows natural skin shedding to occur before reapplying color.

If layering too quickly, the tan may become uneven or overly dark.

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 Timing Your Spray Tan Before Events

We STRONGLY recommend spraying 2 to 3 days before major events.

Why?

The first 24 hours after a spray tan can appear flat or overly uniform in color. After settling for a couple days, the tan softens and your natural contours return for a more realistic appearance.

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# Important Safety Information

Spray tans contain NO SPF and do not prevent sunburn.

If outdoors:
✔ Use mineral-based sunscreen

FDA recommendations for DHA sprays include optional:
✔ Eye protection
✔ Nose filters
✔ Ear protection
✔ Lip balm
✔ Undergarments

Some of these are available upon request.

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 Possible Risks and Expectations

While professional spray tanning is generally well tolerated, possible issues can include:

• Uneven fading
• Temporary transfer to fabrics
• Rare allergic reactions
• Overdevelopment from improper rinse timing
• Staining of fabrics, leather, nails, or hair
• Dry patches appearing darker
• User error from improper prep or aftercare

Development issues must be reported within 24 hours with timestamped photos or in person.

A fixer spray within 24 hours may be offered for verified booth malfunction or booth-related application issues.

No refunds.

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Final Thoughts

Spray tanning is both a science and an art.

The solution matters. The equipment matters. But prep, hydration, pH balance, timing, and aftercare matter just as much.

At Sunny Shores, we try to educate clients every step of the way because the more you understand the process, the better your results will be.

We truly want you glowing, confident, hydrated, and bronzed naturally, not looking like a pumpkin or a traffic cone.

If you ever have questions about color levels, prep products, timing, skin concerns, or maintenance, just ask. We are always happy to help guide you toward your best glow.