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Frequently Asked Questions

How does spray tanning work?

The active ingredient in spray tan solutions is called DHA, which is a clear ingredient that responds to your skins amino acids to produce a temporary tan on the top layer of your skin. The amount of DHA in a tanning solution is what will determine the depth of your tan. The actual color of your tan is based on your natural skin tone and undertones. 

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Your spray tan artist will apply your tan using a spray tan airbrush gun. There is a cosmetic bronzer added to the spray tan solution that gives you an instant bronze color. This helps guide the spray tan artist to ensure an even application. The bronzer is only temporary and will wash off during your first rinse. Your actual tan will be what develops underneath.

What do I need to do prior to my spray tan appointment?

We cannot stress the importance of proper spray tan preparation. 

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• Complete all other beauty services at least 24 hours prior to your tan, including nails, waxing, facials, and massages. 

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• Exfoliate 24 hours before your appointment using a basic loofah, wash rag, or oil-free scrub. Doing this 24 hours in advance gives your pores time to close to avoid discoloration. DO NOT apply any lotions, body oils, or perfumes. These will act as a barrier and prevent your tan from developing properly.

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• If you shave, make sure it is at least 12 hours before your scheduled appointment.

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How does mobile spray tanning work?

We bring the studio to you! We are able to do so by using a pop-up tanning tent. All we will need a 4ft X 4ft empty space to set it up and access to an electrical outlet to plug in the portable tanning machine gun. As long as there is space, we can set it up anywhere to your liking such as a bathroom, bedroom, home office, living room, kitchen, garage, etc.


The spray tan will only spray inside the tent so you do not need to worry about any surrounding items being damage. Our solution has a subtle fragrance that may linger for a few hours, depending on the ventilation in the room.

What do I need to wear during my spray tan?

It is completely up to you and based on your comfortability. Many women will tan nude to avoid the tan lines. If you prefer to be more covered, we recommend wearing a string thong or bikini bottoms you don't care about. We also offer disposable underwear during your appointment. Most people spray tan without a bra, but if you must wear one, we recommend a strapless bra or bandeau.

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Men and anyone under the ages of 18 are required to wear undergarments during their appointment.

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*Have loose-fitting clothes to change into immediately after your spray tan. No denim, no yoga pants, no tight bras or underwear. 

How long until I can take a shower after my spray tan?

Length of time will depend on the type of solution and depth of tan you are trying to achieve. Your spray tan artist will confirm at the time of your appointment. In general, we recommend avoiding all moisture for 6-8 hours. This means no showers, no work outs/sweating, no cleaning, no lotions, no deodorant, and no liquid foundations on the skin.

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In some cases, the solution can be used as a rapid, allowing you to rinse off in as little as 2 hours - this depends on your skin type and how dark of a tan you are trying to achieve.


Do not go more than 24 hours after your tan to rinse off. The tanning solution will eventually begin to dry out your skin, which will negatively impact the final result of your tan.

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Time to shower, now what??

  • Your first shower should just be just a rinse (no soap). Use warm water and thoroughly remove the all of the surface bronzer from your skin with your hands. 

  • Do not apply any lotion until 12 hours after your first rinse. Even after your first rinse, the tan will continue to develop and lotion will disrupt it from doing so properly

  • Avoid harsh scrubbing, hot water, and bar soap while maintaining your tan.

  • Pat dry

If I'm getting a spray tan for an event, how far in advance should I schedule my appointment?

The best time to schedule your spray tan is 2-3 days before an event as a spray tan is in it's prime after 2 or 3 showers.

Will I be orange?

Nope! We can assure you this won't happen on our watch. QC Glow is committed to providing high-quality application using a high-quality tanning solution. 


Any orange discoloration is normally due to a low-quality solution, using too dark of a shade for your skin tone, or improper skin care either before or after your spray tan  Be sure to follow our prep and aftercare instructions and you will be the perfect shade of bronze.

How long will my appointment take?

Your spray tan will take about 15 minutes, but we allocate 30 minutes to include time to set up.

How far will you travel?

QC Glow is based right outside of uptown Charlotte so our travel range is limited to the locations that do not exceed a  25 minute travel time, accounting for unexpected traffic and delays. This is typically within range of the I-485 loop, however, we will confirm if your location is within our travel radius before your appointment is booked.


There is an additional $10 fee for mobile services at locations outside our travel range including; Concord, Cornelius, Davidson, Fort Mill, Huntersville, and Waxhaw. 

How long will my spray tan last?

A spray tan can last anywhere from 5 to 10 days. The life of your tan will depend on your skins natural exfoliation process and your aftercare. For best results, following the these maintenance tips:

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  • Shower using a natural body wash and apply only where you need it.

  • Wait at least 3 days after your tan  before shaving.

  • Apply lotion twice a day - hydration is key! 

  • Avoid harsh scrubbing and hot water.

  • Pat dry after a shower/getting wet.

  • Exposure to chlorine and salt water will effect your tans longevity. If you do plan on swimming, apply a thick layer of sunscreen, as this will act as a barrier between your spray tan and the water.

How do I pay for my spray tan?

Payment will take place at the conclusion of your appointment. As of now, payment for accepted include Venmo, Zelle, or Cash App. We only accept cash as payment if it is exact change.

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Gratuity is not required, but always greatly appreciated.

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