Discover Our FAQ's

The active ingredient is DHA (dihydroxyacetone) and is approved by the FDA for external use. It is the active ingredient in all of Golden Glo's tanning solutions. The "skin-browning effect" is the result of a non-toxic chemical reaction between DHA and the amino acids which are part of the keratinous layer of the skin’s surface, much like the browning effect in food caramelization!

For a Classic Solution, you will want to wait a full 8-12 hours before your first rinse - overnight develops are chef's kiss for depth and longevity. If you're booked with a Rapid Rinse Solution, you can rinse in as little as 2-4 hours depending on the shade you're going for. Your technician will walk you through the exact timing for your specific session. Whatever you do, don't rush it - that developing time is where your glow does its thing. Showering too soon leads to patchy, uneven color, and we are not about that life.

Loose, dark clothing is your best friend on tan day. Think old joggers and a baggy tee - dark colors. Even though the bronzer in the solution will almost always come out in the wash, pick something you wouldn't cry over if it got a little color on it and steer clear of anything white! Skip the jeans, leggings, fitted bras, and anything with elastic waistbands that sit tight on the skin. Leave your hats at home. This includes jewelry, watches, bracelets, etc. Flip flops allow your feet to breathe and are highly recommended to wear or even just bring with you - no socks or sneakers if you can help it. Closed footwear creates problems for your feet and ankles. Socks leave lines where they end and shoes can cause uneven color distribution.

Hard pass - at least for the first 24 hours! Sweat, water, and chlorine are your tan's worst enemies while it's still developing. Even light activity that causes you to perspire can cause streaking or uneven fade before the DHA has fully bonded to your skin. Save the gym session, pool day, or hot yoga class for after your first rinse and you'll thank yourself when your color develops beautifully and evenly.

We totally get the temptation - but we always recommend starting with a medium shade for your first session. Every skin type reacts a little differently to spray tan solution, and starting in the middle gives us a great baseline to work from. You can absolutely go deeper on your next visit once we see how your skin develops and holds color. Trust the process - a natural, buildable glow is always more stunning (and more believable) than going too dark too fast.

Moisture is everything when it comes to making your tan last. Use a lightweight, oil-free, fragrance-free lotion at least once or twice daily - paying extra attention to drier areas like knees, elbows, ankles, and hands. Avoid anything with heavy oils, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), retinol, or exfoliating ingredients, as these will break down your tan faster. Golden Glo carries tan-extending moisturizers that are specially formulated to hydrate and maintain your color - ask your technician for a recommendation at your appointment!

Yes! Golden Glo offers solution options that include hydrating and skin-loving ingredients like our Hydro-Boost and Anti-Aging add-ons, which are great for sensitive or mature skin types. DHA (the active ingredient in spray tan solution) is FDA-approved for external use and is generally well-tolerated. That said, if you have any known skin sensitivities, active eczema, or recent sunburn, give us a heads-up when booking so we can tailor your session accordingly. Your comfort and skin health always comes first.

With proper prep and aftercare, your Golden Glo tan can typically last anywhere from 7 to 10 days. Factors like skin type, how often you exfoliate in the shower, physical activity level, and whether you are moisturizing daily (and with the right products!) all play a role. Drier skin types may fade faster without consistent moisturizing. Want to stretch your Glo even longer? Ask about our tan extender lotion or book a maintenance session before your color fully fades for a seamless refresh. For those of you who would rather come back in with a clean canvas, ask your technician about our Tan Eraser - a specially formulated product designed to gently and effectively break down and remove any remaining tan from your skin, giving you a fresh, clean, even base before your next session. No more uneven buildup or patchiness from layering tan on top of tan. Just smooth, prepped skin ready for a flawless new application, every single time!

Prepping your skin is honestly half the battle for a flawless result. If you have any other salon services planned - waxing, nails, lash appointments, facials, or anything else - make sure those are done before your spray tan, not after. We specifically recommend waxing at least 48 hours prior to your spray tan appointment, as freshly waxed skin is more sensitive and porous, which can cause the solution to absorb unevenly or appear darker in those areas. For shaving, aim to do that at least 24 hours before your appointment as well - never the day-of. Round out your prep by exfoliating with a non-oil-based scrub, and skip any heavy lotions, oils, deodorant, or perfume on appointment day. No makeup and no self-tanner residue. These products create invisible barriers on your skin that prevent the tanning solution from absorbing properly. Even residue from the night before can interfere with your results. The cleaner your canvas, the better your results will be - it's that simple!

Clothing optional. Comfort first! You have choices about what to wear during your session. Do whatever makes you feel most comfortable. You can go completely nude for the most even coverage. This eliminates any tan lines or areas where clothing might block the solution. Many people prefer this option once they get used to the process and the spray tan area in the studio is very private. If nudity is not your thing, we provide disposable paper garments so that you feel comfortable during your spray tan session. Ask your technician about our complimentary disposable thong panties and bandeau bras that are available at no extra cost to you. Regardless of your clothing choice, just remember - only you and the technician are in the spray tan booth during the application.

Consistency is everything with red light therapy. For best results, we recommend starting with 3 - 4 sessions per week during your first month to really build momentum, then dropping to maintenance sessions a couple times a week after that. Think of it like working out - one session is great, but a regular routine is where you'll really start to see and feel the difference. Our membership options are a great way to make consistent sessions easy and affordable.