Our Frequently Asked Questions

A spray tan technician uses a spray gun to apply a tanning solution (DHA) to the client's body. The spray gun is used to ensure consistent, accurate solution application. The spray gun is attached to an air compressor. The application is easy and keeps areas such as ankles and wrists evenly tanned without having a hard line.

Yes, sunless tanning is a safe and proven method of obtaining a tan. As with any personal product, sensitivity can occur but is very rare. If an individual has ever had any adverse effects from utilizing self-tanning products or moisturizers, they may experience a similar effect with spray tanning. Our recommendation for any sensitive client is to spray a test patch first to gauge how their skin will react.

DHA, or Dihydroxyacetone is derived from vegetable origin or sugar beets and has been FDA-approved for topical application and used for tanning creams since the 1960s. DHA has also been used in cosmetics for decades. When DHA comes in contact with the amino acids in the skin, it creates a natural reaction that causes the skin to appear tanned. At JMT Sunless, we source only the highest quality Eco-Certified DHA, which is eco-compliant,to use in our solution-making process.

Be cautious of tanning solutions being marketed as "organic." There is no organic designation for DHA, the main tanning agent in sunless tanning solutions. The following is a statement from Eco-Cert regarding DHA & the labeling of organic:
IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION: Ecocert does NOT certify “organic” DHA (Dihydroxyacetone).

Ecocert has noticed numerous tanning products claiming they contain “organic DHA certified by Ecocert,” which is false and misleading to the consumer.

Indeed, Ecocert has not certified DHA as organic (according to the “Ecocert Natural and Organic Cosmetic Standard”) from any manufacturer and has seen no evidence that organic DHA exists. As such, any representation by a seller of tanning products that they use “Eco-Certified (Eco-Cert) organic DHA,” “Organic Ecocert-certified DHA,” or other similar wording is false and misleading to the consumer.

Ecocert is currently in the process of informing the concerned tanning industry participants of these incorrect statements in their marketing materials and is asking all sellers and distributors using such wording to discontinue immediately.

Actually, Ecocert has only validated DHA from certain suppliers for its use in organic products certified in accordance with the Ecocert Natural and Organic Cosmetic Standard. This validation is in no way equivalent to a certification as organic, and the DHA will not even count as organic in the calculations applicable to the certified products under the Ecocert standard.

Two factors will tint the skin orange. (1) An inexpensive DHA is used in the sunless solution. Here is where quality matters. At JMT Sunless, we use only high-quality, eco-compliant DHA in our products. DHA also needs to have a perfect balance with all the other ingredients in the sunless solution you are spraying. We have great chemists at JMT Sunless who have perfected balancing the ingredients in our product line. (2) A technician who has not been trained in the art of color matching. Fair-skinned clients cannot use a high level of DHA. Too much DHA on the wrong skin type will give the illusion of a fake tan or an orange tint. The darker the skin, the higher the level of DHA that can be sprayed. 

NO! NO! and NO! Spray tanning DOES NOT protect the skin from the sun. We recommend everyone use sunscreen on a daily basis, especially when you will be out in the sun.

Depending on your skin type, JMT SunlessSolutions will produce a tan that lasts between 8 and 12 days. Like a suntan, the sunless tan will fade gradually as your skin exfoliates. However, you can extend the life of your tan by using moisturizers daily. Prior to getting a sunless tan, your skin should be clean and exfoliated. Taking care of your skin both before and after the sunless tanning process will alleviate any uneven fading.

Tanning can be performed about every seven days if desired. We recommend the client's skin be exfoliated from any prior spray tan just before getting a new sunless tan. Spray tanning back-to-back on the same day is not advised, as it does not give the DHA time to set between tans. DHA can be very drying to the skin and cause uneven fading or freckling as the tan fades when too much DHA is sprayed on the skin over a short time frame.

Everyone's skin type and color are unique. A person will be tan after just one sunless session, but they may want to up the level of DHA being used if they would like to achieve a darker complexion on their next sunless session.

Full-body sessions take about three minutes. Your clients can dress again within two minutes of receiving their JMT Sunless tan.

No, in fact, in most cases, freckles & blemishes will become less pronounced because the lighter skin areas are darkened by the sunless solution, so the skin appears more even.

YES! We have very satisfied customers who were formerly lily-white and are completely satisfied with their color after a sunless session using JMT Sunless Solutions. They feel and look kissed by the sun! Our Light 8 solution is perfect for a beautiful glow. We also recommend a custom mix of our Light 8 DHA and Medium 10 solution to achieve a more sun-kissed appearance.

This is an individual choice. Clients can wear a bikini, swimsuit, g-string, bra and pants, disposable undergarments, or tan in the buff. It is entirely up to the technician and the client. The FDA does recommend wearing disposable undergarments for a sunless session, and these should be available at your salon for your clients' comfort.

Shower or bathe and exfoliate prior to your session. Since the tanning process affects only the top layer of skin, as your skin exfoliates, the tan can go with it. This is why it is very important for your client's skin to be smooth, clean, and dry to get the best possible result with their sunless tan. No lotion on the skin prior to tanning! Loofah sponges can cause streaking; we recommend pre-tan exfoliating with a rough washcloth or exfoliating glove and body wash. We recommend the client wear loose-fitting, dark clothing and flip-flop shoes after their sunless session. Tight or rough clothes can rub the skin and reduce the effect of the tan. 

Limit physical activity for 8–12 hours following a sunless session. No showering or getting wet for at least 6 hours after tanning unless they have been sprayed with a Rapid Tan solution, then follow the showering guidelines on the product. DHA continues to react with the amino acids in the skin for up to 12 hours. A tan-extending lotion will help the tan last longer. The time of year can affect the skin, which can affect the tan. Moisturizing the skin is very important! Long, hot baths or long showers are great for pre-tan exfoliation, but can cause the tan to fade prematurely. A soft cloth for washing is best with a spray tan. Pat dry after showering or bathing.

A sharp, clean razor with a lubricating product is best. Avoid hair-removal products and harsh soaps. Anti-acne, anti-aging, and makeup removal products can cause the tan to fade. Avoid exfoliating scrubs, facial masks, and toners containing alcohol. Swimming in a chlorinated pool or hot tub can cause the tan to fade prematurely. A thick, rich application of sunblock prior to swimming may reduce fading.

At JMT Sunless, we are licensed to sell most equipment in the industry. We chose to sell the LVCLP tanning system due to its engineering process. This system comes with a 4-year warranty and has top-notch engineering, which is specific for a spray tan technician. A trained technician can spray a sunless tan in less than 2 minutes with this machine. You can adjust your dial for a pencil-type spray pattern used for contouring, all the way up to a 6" spray pattern for complete body coverage. You will never need to replace this gun. You may want to after years of using it, but this machine will not wear out. It is built with stainless steel and is the most durable unit on the market. For your business, we believe it is a must-have. Plastic units break down quickly and have problems with clogging and eroding. Our LVCLP unit comes apart in 7 pieces for easy, thorough cleaning when it's time for gun maintenance. Daily gun cleaning takes less than a minute. The LVCLP is the best airbrush tanning equipment on the market today. 

YES! Anything that is not stainless steel will cause the needle to erod. Eroding will cause spotting and blotching during sunless application. A stainless steel needle will last a lifetime and avoid these issues.

For instructions on how to contour with your LVCLP tanning gun, please click the following link: Contouring Abs.

For instructions on how to clean your LVCLP gun, please click the following link, LVCLP Gun Cleaning

JMT Sunless airbrush tanning solution is gluten-free & vegan. If you want the best airbrush tanning solution, JMT Sunless is the spray tan solution for you!

• A​loe- Used as a skin softener to help the tan last
• Citric Acid - Natural preservative used to PH balance product
• Dypropylene Glycol - Moisturizing agent used in soaps and hair products
• Eco-Certified DHA - Derived from sugar cane & sugar beets. Used as the main coloring agent for the skin
• Eco-certified Erythrulose - Natural-based keto sugar. Produces a temporary browning effect on the skin. Helps with color extension (similar to DHA). Derived from red berries
• Ethoxydiglycol - Aids in product absorption
• Fragrance - Soap or food-grade fragrance is used to add a tropical scent to the product
• Melanin - Bronzer used to aid in coloring the skin
• Ordenone - Water-based odor inhibitor
• Polysorbate 20 - Helps skin accept color
• Purified Water - Purified water is used to give solutions liquid form
• Vitamin E - Fat soluble, used to protect cell membranes from oxidative damage
• Xanthan Gum - Used as a thickening agent

The FDA recommends you take the following protective measures while getting a sunless tan:

• Use of Protective Undergarments
• Use of Protective Eyewear
• Use of Protective Nose Filters
• Use of Protective Lip Balm

The FDA recommends you take the following protective measures while getting a sunless tan:

• Use of Protective Undergarments
• Use of Protective Eyewear
• Use of Protective Nose Filters
• Use of Protective Lip Balm