Bake Free Tan
Madison's Exclusive Airbrush Tanning Service
5555 Odana Rd, Suite 200, Madison, WI   53719     608-332-7845
 
Frequently Asked Questions


Why is an airbrush application better than those misting booths or
applying by hand?

The airbrush is a precision instrument that allows for a smooth,
flawless application. Special care can be taken to avoid over application
on problem areas such as knees, elbows, hair, blemishes and other
skin afflictions that tend to absorb more color.  You can airbrush tan
on specific areas - face, legs, etc.

Mist-on booths require a series of body contortions within the booth
to cover each area. The machine or the consumer has no control over
the product and where it ends up. A shower cap must be worn to
protect the hair from discoloration. A natural look will take the tan up
to the hairline. This can’t be achieved in a booth without exposing it to
the mist. Covering the hairline completely results in unsightly tan lines
on the forehead and neck.

Hand application often results in streaky coloration and stained hands
due to the inability to properly apply the product by yourself. In
addition you are rubbing the product in as opposed to having it gently
settle on the skin. Imagine the difference between wearing oven mitts
on your hands to smear paint over your car and using the mist from an
airbrush to paint it. Even with the greatest of care, and help from a
friend to get all the places you cannot reach, you cannot duplicate the
evenness and natural look of an airbrushed tan applied by a trained
technician.

The issues with the booths stem from their features. The 50 plus
nozzles spray indiscriminately, not knowing the difference between
your face and your legs, or about areas that should be naturally
lighter, or your personal preferences. There is no awareness of
differences of body sizes and shapes or skin tones; whether you
resemble the Terminator, Snow White or Shirley Temple, it's all the
same to the nozzles. As such, there is always excess spray that must
be wiped off in order to avoid drip lines and blotchiness. Accumulation
on the hands and feet is difficult to avoid, and may cause orange
splotches. The presence of alcohol and other agents added for quick
drying, makes the solution especially formulated for the spray booths
somewhat harsh on the skin.

The airbrush with its inherent precision and flexibility is by far the
application method of choice.


What should I do to prepare for my tan?

Exfoliating with baking soda is a great way to prepare your skin for an
airbrush tan.  After cleansing the skin, take a wet washcloth and put a
few teaspoons of baking soda on it, make a paste like substance and
gently exfoliate.  Rinse completely.  We also recommend waiting at
least two to four hours after showering or bathing before your
tanning experience.  This allows the skin to be completely dry and
optimally ready for the airbrush application.  Do not wear makeup to
your session.  We suggest waiting to shower at least 8 hours after
your session.

Do not apply ANYTHING to the skin prior to your appointment....by
doing so this may cause an occlusive barrier over the skin, creating the
potential for an uneven tan or color streaking.  This includes lotions,
perfumes, makeup, etc.

CLOTHING:
Jeans/denim are a big no-no! Please wear or bring loose-fitting, dark-
colored cotton clothing.
 Pajama pants, sweats, loose t-shirts etc. are
ideal.  You may choose to wear your own underwear or a dark
swimsuit while being sprayed but we have disposable underwear and
disposable, backless bra's available for you.  Please arrange to have
manicures, pedicures and any waxing prior to your tanning
experience, as we will ask you not to get wet for a period of time after
applying the solution.


Can I bring my kids in for an airbrush tan?
Yes! Our airbrush technique on kids is different from other techniques
as we only spray a light mist to give them a boost of color.  Many
parents bring their children in for an airbrush tan for a special
occasion, such as a school portrait (you can't believe the difference in
the picture), graduations, modeling, prom's, weddings, etc.  Our
product has all NATURAL ingredients so you and your child can rest
assured it is 100% SAFE and natural.

How long will my tan last?
Let's face it, everyone's skin is different as well as physical activity,
therefore everyone's results will be different.  You can expect your tan
to last as long as a tan from the sun would last.  Typically your tan will
last anywhere from 4 to 6 days, we do have regular clients that extend
their tan for up to 2 weeks using our tanning extenders.  It really boils
down to your skin type and how you care for the tan.  Ultimately, your
tan will fade quicker if you do not follow the care and directions
given.  Always be sure to moisturize after showering and to pat dry
the skin dry instead of rubbing.

How dark will I get?
Once again, it depends on your skin type.  If you are fair skinned, you
can expect to have a glorious tan like you've never experienced
before.  If you are middle of the road skin, your darkest tan dreams
can become a reality.  If you have a dark tan going already, the
airbrush tan can perfect what you already have while adding a deep
and tropical looking tan.  We use different percentage levels on each
individual, making your tan a customized tan every time!

What should I wear during my session?
We offer disposable garments at no additional charge.  If you prefer,
you can wear your own bra, bikini, underwear, bathing suit, whatever
you are most comfortable in!  Many clients prefer to tan in the buff,
this is acceptable and prevents unwanted tan lines.  If you choose to
wear your own garments try and wear something old.  We also
recommend avoiding the bra after your session for at least an hour.

How do I schedule an appointment?
Just give us a call at (608) 332-7845 or email us at sales@bakefreetan.
com!  

Will the airbrush tan stain my clothing?
Typically no, but there are fabrics that will, so be sure to wear dark
(and loose) clothing.

How safe is airbrush tanning?
Airbrush tanning is completely safe. Derived from sugar cane, the
active ingredient called DHA (dihydroxyacetone) has been approved by
the FDA for over 30 years (it was approved in 1973). However, if you
have hyper-sensitive skin conditions or if you are allergic to sunless
tanning products, please proceed with caution and consult your
physician prior to using this or any other sunless tanning product.

I have fair skin and have never been able to tan, will airbrush tanning
work for me?
YES! This is why sunless tanning is so great for those who cannot
tolerate the UV rays at the beach or in the beds. You will be
SURPRISED that you will have an even, lustrous glow! Because there
are no toxic chemicals and no harmful UV rays, this system is especially
conducive for those of us with fair skin that easily burns otherwise.  
No more frying in the sun or tanning beds, this safe experience is the
ultimate in tanning!

After airbrush tanning, can I go in the sun or use a tanning bed?
Yes!! There is nothing in our tanning solution that prevents you from
using a tanning bed or going in the sun. Please remember that our
solution does not, in any way, protect you from UV Rays. You MUST
use proper skin protection in the sun. Also, if you plan on using a
tanning bed and our solutions on the same day, we recommend using
the tanning bed first.

Can I bring the kids along to my tanning session?
We very much prefer that you don't.  We love kids! However, for the
15 to 20 minutes it takes to airbrush you, we prefer to focus on YOU
and ultimately make sure your tan is as perfect as you want it.  

Can I swim or work out after my tan?
To make your tan last as long as possible, working out or swimming
directly following a tanning session is not recommended.  After the
initial curing of your tan, you may do the regular, everyday things you
normally would do.  We recommend a curing period of 8 to 10 hours
following your session.

Water activities are not recommended with the use of any self tanning
product, prolonged exposure of water to the skin allows for loss of
your tan.  However, if you do have water activities planned, simply
apply a sunscreen (blue lizard) prior to jumping in and this will help
to  protect your sunless tan.  You can find the sunscreen blue lizard at
www.drugstore.com and they offer free shipping!

What if I just need my legs airbrushed or a certain part of the body?
Of course we offer a full range of requests and should you only need a
certain area of the body done, we will be happy to accommodate you,
call us now to find out more!

Should I show up early for my appointment?
Yes! Just 5 minutes prior to your scheduled time is appreciated.  
Generally you have questions and we would like to answer all your
questions.  Showing up 5 or 10 minutes past your appointment really
backs us up, so please be courteous and arrive in a timely manner.