by John P. Ribner

Finding success with sunless tanning
is a matter of making the right choices …

As tanning professionals know, we’re living in the age of the full-service salon. What this means is that in order to compete, tanning salons must be able to service the entire tanning public, which consists of those who can utilize UV tanning and those who can’t. The only way to do this is by offering at least one sunless tanning option at your store, thus reaching the largest potential number of people in your area wishing to get a tan – whether UV or sunless.

So you’re planning to invest in sunless tanning, but which option do you choose? There are basically four ways your clients can get a sunless tan – spray booths, handheld airbrush systems, turbine-powered spray systems, and self-tanner products delivered via aerosol cans and other formats. If that weren’t enough to choose from, salon pros also must decide which DHA solution to use in their sunless spray system, as well as whether they wish to offer sunless tan maintenance products. Seems like a lot to think about! Only by analyzing each option’s strengths and weaknesses can you truly determine what’s right for your salon’s demographics. With the info in this feature, you should be able to make choices that will help you be competitive and find success with sunless.

Sunless Spray Booths
When Dr. Tom Laughlin created the prototype of his Mist-On sunless tanning booth in 1999, he planned to build the perfect compliment to UV tanning. He did that, and in the process helped launch what would become a profitable “industry within an industry,” and a must-have for tanning salons wishing to succeed in a competitive market. Utilized by those who can’t enjoy a UV tan, UV tanners wishing to enhance their results and people who need immediate results for a special occasion, sunless spray booths provide salon pros with the means to increase their clientele and revenue.

California Tan Sunless
California Tan Sunless’ entry in the booth category isn’t actually a booth. The AutoBronzer Spray Tanning Towers is the first and only open-air spray tanning unit, and if comprised of two towers – one designated “Tan” and the other, “Dry” – connected by a platform and a built-in backdrop. The AutoBronzer’s key feature is its Atomized Polarization Spray (APS) technology. “The positive polarization of the solution in the reservoir ensures a consistent charge of spray tanning particles, providing a uniform distribution as the spray reaches the body,” said Sarah Galusha. “This allows for about 90 percent of the sprayed solution to efficiently transfer directly to the skin without leaving it sticky or over-saturated. Because the particles are smaller, they distribute more evenly and penetrate better to create longer-lasting results.”

The AutoBronzer system requires no plumbing or air compressor connection, very little maintenance and uses about two ounces of solution per session, which averages to about 400 sessions from five-gallons of California Tan sunless solution.

Intelligent Tanning Systems
The KMT-1000 booth from Intelligent Tanning Systems is designed to offer an attractive sunless spray system at an affordable price. “The KMT-1000 is powered by an optional quiet air compressor system, and features a four-nozzle, banana-shaped tanning arm that moves up and down the length of the booth, applying a fine mist to the tanner’s front, back and sides,” said Matt Desimone, Intelligent Tanning Systems Vice President. “During the session, the patent-pending “Breathe Easy” feature gently pulses fresh air toward the tanner’s face, allowing them to breathe fresh air instead of tanning mist. After the session is complete, the automated wash-down cycle leaves the interior of the KMT-1000 clean and ready for your next customer.”

The Acapulco Mist spray unit from Intelligent Tanning Systems offers all of the same technological advancements as the KMT-1000, with some unique additions. “The tanner enters the Acapulco Mist booth through the wide-opening, integrated sliding door and selects one of two sunless tanning solutions,” said Matt Desimone. “The unit is powered by a quiet air compressor and the tanning arm has six nozzles instead of four. For tanner comfort, the unit also features the ding ‘Breathe Easy’ fresh air pulse. As always, the automated wash-down cycle engages after the customer exits the booth, which leaves the interior of the Acapulco Mist clean and ready for your next customer.”

MagicTan LLC
When it comes to manufacturing sunless spray booths, engineering is the name of the game for MagicTan LLC’s MT2000 and MT3500 models. “These units represent a quantum leap forward in UV-free tanning technology,” commented Tim Bohlke, MagicTan Vice President of Sales. “With 27 spray heads, they provide a great sunless tan while keeping maintenance and operating costs low, because our systems run more efficiently, drain more easily and have less down time than ever. Also, our Remote Diagnostic package allows us to handle the rare occasion that fluid or air pressure levels need to be adjusted on site or from thousands of miles away.”

Mist-On Tan
Mist-On Tan, a company that prides itself in being driven by technology and proven by quality, manufactures two sunless spray booth models - the premier Savvy, and the economical Sassy. “Several media outlets have lauded the Savvy as the number one booth on the market!” exclaimed Dr. Tom Laughlin, President of Mist-On Tan. “It’s patented technology provides a dry tan that will not streak or appear orange. It also features a high-efficiency filter and easy wash-down system that minimizes the time between each customer. The Sassy booth provides a uniform tan without air-atomization, and its simplified design allows the booth to be sold for $19,900.” Laughlin pioneered the sunless spray booth technology in 1997 and holds the dominant spray booth patent.

Mystic Tan
Mystic Tan, one of the biggest names in sunless tanning, has two offerings in the spray booth category for 2006. The first is its Innovation model, also known as the 5000. “Cosmetically, this spray booth has a very upscale, high-end appearance with the bells and whistles to match,” commented Rick Stone, Mystic Tan Chief Operations Officer. “The unit features a three-nozzle dispensing system that moves up and down, providing a complete body spray in about 28 seconds. The Innovation, like all Mystic Tan booths, features our patented MagneTan technology, which polarizes the Tanning Myst and uses the body’s own magnetic properties to evenly attract micro-myst particles to every exposed surface of the skin.”

Mystic Tan’s second sunless booth is called MyMyst. This economical unit was designed to offer an airbrush tanning experience in a booth format, according to Rick Stone. “The unit allows tanners to select from four different types of sunless solution as well as three different fragrances, and these are delivered via one-time use individual cartridges. The session takes approximately 20 seconds longer than the Innovation, but still delivers a sunless tan to the client in a very short time while offering customized results.” Stone added that the MyMyst’s affordability and easy-to-use cartridge system makes the unit perfect for salons wishing to offer a sunless booth at a competitive price and still customizes the process for their clients.

Handheld Airbrush Systems
As more UV tanning companies began to offer sunless spray booths, it became apparent to many in the indoor tanning industry that sunless was no fad. Still, the relatively high price of sunless booths – comparable to purchasing a new UV tanning unit, in most cases – kept some salons from getting the units right away. Someone came up with the idea to utilize an airbrush system to deliver a spray tan, and the airbrush sunless category was born. The benefits here were obvious – airbrush systems typically cost much less than spray booths, allowing more salon pros the opportunity to offer this tanning option. Also, handheld airbrush systems afford a much more detailed application, allowing salon operators to get every nook and cranny of a tanner’s body for complete results.

Bahama Body
Bahama Body designs its airbrush sunless tanning system to be what it considers the most complete airbrush tanning system available. “We’ve thought of everything to make sure this system is ready to operate and salon professionals are properly trained in its use right from the start,” said Kirk Knapp, Bahama Body owner. “The system is designed to minimize overspray and transfer to create a fantastic tan, and can be made to stand alone with the purchase of a compressor.”

Norvell
Norvell is a company known for its attention to detail in everything it does, and its airbrush sunless tanning system is no exception. “We looked at all manufacturers of com pressor/airbrush technology, and chose the Iwatta system for its professional appeal, reliability, durability and most importantly its spray results,” commented Cale Carver, Norvell National Sales and Education Manager. “Iwatta ma chines are the highest quality, whisper-quiet and have a strong history of use in the commercial salon industry.” Norvell also offers its Airbrush Cleaner, which is designed to break down the residue left in the airbrush or turbine gun to make cleaning easier. Norvell is an Iwatta authorized factory repair center, as well.

To catch the overspray from its airbrush and turbine-powered spray systems, Norvell has developed its Overspray Booth. “This professional-looking, affordable unit is equipped with three high-volume fans to quickly control and remove overspray,” Cale Carver said. “The fan compartments contain washable filters that are easily removed and rinsed for repeated use, and the unit fits easily into a corner of the salon, extending only 39 inches down each wall and 55 inches across the front. It comes with two halogen spotlights and a five-by-five rubber mat, that also cleans easily.”

Handheld Turbine Systems
Shortly after the development of airbrush tanning, several sunless product manufacturers introduced a turbine system. Typically, these hand-held units are characterized by a turbine-driven motor/compressor system and employ a gun that is similar to an air-driven paint gun. Because these systems spray more solution than the average airbrush system, they are able to cover a larger area of the body, thus cutting down on the amount of time it takes to complete a tan. Another benefit of these units is their relatively low price, especially when compared to sunless tanning booths. The low startup costs associated with turbine units allows almost every salon an opportunity to offer a sunless tanning option.

Australian Gold/Swedish Beauty
Australian Gold/Swedish Beauty offers a product in the turbine category – the Australian Gold Laser SprayTans System – that is designed to be simple, consistent and professional. “Our patented G2 quiet turbine uses low (1-2psi) pressure and computer-designed warm air to consistently apply solution accurately and comfortably while virtually eliminating overspray,” said Jennifer Homola, AG Product Brand Supervisor. “The laser guided gun precisely targets the area you are spraying while simultaneously ensuring that the optimal distance from the body is accurately maintained. “Salon pros enjoy the ease and safety of the Australian Gold Laser SprayTans System. There is no complicated maintenance, motor-setting or calibrating – one switch turns on the system with no other adjustments required,” Jennifer continued.

California Tan Sunless
California Tan Sunless offers two affordable and profitable ways for salons to have their share of success with sunless with its two handheld turbine spray tanning systems – CustomBronzer and MobileBronzer. “These two unique handheld spray systems operate using the High-Volume/Low-Pressure (HVLP) turbine technology,” said Sarah Galusha. “The HVLP systems feature a turbine motor that creates a high-volume, soft airflow that sprays at low pressure for a more efficient and pleasant tanning experience, superior to traditional airbrush systems. Tanners will enjoy more solution transfer, more even coverage, less overspray, faster drying time and flawless results.” Galusha added that the CustomBronzer can deliver a spray tan that is custom-tailored to each client’s body and skin tone, with complete body detailing, in under four minutes.

The MobileBronzer is a turbine system designed to allow for easy transport and on-location spraying. “Some tanning pros want to get out of the salon and into the community to reach additional clients, and the MobileBronzer will help those salon operators capture that additional spray tanning revenue,” Galusha said. “Both systems include spray solution, spray tanning accessories, training materials and marketing support materials to set you up with an all-inclusive sunless spray business quickly and effortlessly.”

Norvell
Norvell’s NT-2000 turbine sunless spray system, manufactured by ACCUSPRAY, was designed to include several different features that allow the salon pro more control. “Customer satisfaction is what we strive for, and we believe our turbine system produces the best-looking, most natural results,” said Cale Carver, Norvell National Sales and Education Manager. “It has a pattern width control knob for full-body spraying or fine detailing, a solution control knob to vary the amount of spray coming out of the gun and a trigger control for air-only and spraying fine solution, all the way to full solution. The front nozzle control offers 360 degree spraying and the pressurized gun allows it to be turned on its side with no leaking.”

Aerosol Sunless Systems
It was only a matter of time before someone figured out how to put sunless solution in an aerosol can delivery system. The benefits of salons offering this sunless tanning option are that aerosol products are relatively low cost, which means that it wontake a large up front investment to offer it. Secondly, it presents yet another retail sales opportunity, particularly if sold for use as a touch-up for tans acquired by another sunless means. They also can be marketed as the perfect thing for vacationers to take along on trips, again as a touch-up or supplemental product to the tan they develop at the salon or the beach.

Biddiscombe International
Biddiscombe International offers two new aerosol sunless tanners designed to produce results your clients will enjoy. “Aerosol products tend to produce colors that tanners don’t want – particularly if the product has been sitting on the shelf for extended periods – and our Passport and Toned products were designed specifically to eliminate that effect,” said John Melville, Biddiscombe International owner. “Passport is our “adult” sunless tanning aerosol and contains DHA, erythrulose and enhancers for top bronzing performance. The Toned sunless tanner is designed specifically for youthful skin, particularly for teenage girls. It is more forgiving to over-spraying mistakes and great for light-skinned people, and can be used for touch-ups.”

MagicTan LLC
MagicTan LLC’s Aerosol Self-Tanning System is designed to produce the company’s popular sunless tan in a convenient aerosol format. “Our aerosol has proved to be one of our best selling products as well as the easiest repeat seller!” exclaimed Rolf Svenleen MagicTan LLC CEO. “MagicTan users who already know and love our formula pick it up to maintain their glow between spray sessions. The aerosol is so refined that it completely duplicates one of our 27 spray booth nozzles. It is just like having a mini booth that can go anywhere!” The solution, Rolf says, is enriched with special skin conditioners and humectants, to deliver an even, natural-looking golden bronze tan.

Norvell
Salon pros and clients who love Norvell’s original sunless formula now have another way to enjoy it – in an aerosol spray can. Norvell’s Aerosol Spray Tan can be used for a full body application, but the company recommends it for touch-up after a sunless spray session. “Much like our popular sunless solution for handheld and booth systems, our aerosol product will produce a natural looking, golden brown tan with a smooth transition from cosmetic color to DHA bronzer color,” Cale Carver, Norvell National Sales and Education Manager, said. “The formula is fast-drying, non-sticky and streak free, and features a proprietary odor inhibitor that virtually eliminates the DHA smell, with a raspberry-almond fragrance. It also includes skin-firming copper technology and a natural aloe base for extra moisturizing.”

Self-Tanners
The first ever sunless tanning products, dating back to the 1950s or even earlier, were self- tanners. That said, the technology being utilized in these popular products today is much more advanced. The benefits of offerings these products are that they offer salon pros more to sell to their clients, thus increasing a salon’s retail sales opportunities, typically as a product used to touch-up, or to enhance the sunless tan that clients receive at the salon. And, the low cost of these items allows most salons to offer these popular products with minimal investment.

Australian Gold/Swedish Beauty
Australian Gold/Swedish Beauty knows the importance of extra revenue opportunities for its salon clients, which is why the lotion giant also manufactures its own line of self-tanners. “Our Smooth Bronzer Towelettes are designed to exfoliate, moisturize and tan in one step,” said Jennifer Homola, AG Product Brand Supervisor. “The product is quick and easy, and can be used on both face and body. AG’s Bronze On bronzer powder provides the perfect combination of tones to deliver a radiant tanned complexion – allows tanners to pamper themselves with a sun-kissed glow year round while helping to increase a salon’s revenue.” This product is available in one-color and multi-color powder compacts. Rounding out AG’s complete line of self-tanners are Fast Brown lotion and Beach in a Bottle spray.

California Tan Sunless
For customers looking to touch up their sunless tans, enhance their natural tan, or create a sunkissed look at home, California Tan Sunless offers a full range of self-tanners. “We offer a variety of self tanners from lotion and spray to foam and towelettes, but the entire collection features our proprietary BRONZEXTEND Complex, naturally-derived cosmetic tints, and skincare ingredients such as Aloe, Vitamin E and Lutein,” Sarah Galusha described. “The line also features a light, unisex fragrance and unique sunless odor neutralizing technology to make the overall experience more pleasant for the consumer.”

Mystic Tan
Mystic Tan’s line of self-tanners was designed to allow anyone to get the sunless tan the company is known for, anytime and anywhere. “Mystic Sunless Sunless Tanning Lotion, Sunless Tanning Foam and Sunless Tanning Spray come in travel-friendly 4 oz., 5 oz., and 6 oz. bottles, respectively,” said Rick Stone. “Each of these self-tanning products was scientifically developed with the best cosmetic and pharmaceutical labs to give tanners an even, streak-free sunless tan every time.”

Norvell
Norvell knows that salon pros are looking for ways to boost their retail sales, and the company’s self-tanning products provide just such an opportunity. Norvell currently offers three self-tanning products – Sunless Foaming Mousse, Ambersun Sunless Lotion and 4-Faces sunless spray, which is specifically designed for tanning the face. “We’ve focused on creating many exciting sunless products for this season, and our self-tanners are no exception,” said Cale Carver, Norvell National Sales and Education Manager. “We have virtually eliminated the negative results so commonly associated with sunless products to provide natural results that don’t appear fake or unnatural.”

Sunless Maintenance Products
Similar to developing a UV tan, there are several types of products that can help your clients maintain their sunless results. These products, known as maintenance products, contain ingredients that will help prepare the skin for sunless tanning as well as aid in maintaining the sunless tan, once it develops. Not only will these products helps tanners maximize their sunless tanning experience, they’ll also help salon pros earn more revenue, as they become the perfect add-on sale for an already built-in clientele – the sunless tanner. And, the relatively low cost of these products should allow most salon pros to offer them.

Biddiscombe International
Biddiscombe International understands that sunless retail products will enhance a salon’s bottom line. To make sure their salon clients don’t miss out on these sales opportunities, as well as giving them an opportunity to offer products that enhance their clients’ sunless tans, Biddiscombe offers scrubs, pH balanced body washes and tan extenders in its Revelation and teen-oriented Toned lines. The Stylz line includes the Kokomo self-tanner, Ultra Scrub and Revive Ultra tan extender.

BreeZe Products
When it comes to sunless tan maintainers, BreeZe Products offers more than its share. All of the company’s products were designed with two goals in mind – to help extend tanners’ results while increasing retail sales. “Our Platinum Series Tan in a Can, Platinum Series Tan Extender and Platinum Series Green Apple and Pink Grapefruit Exfoliators are very popular maintenance products,” said Mike Lemle, BreeZe President. “And for a new line of skin care products, try our New Spa Technology line. Also the new Posh Collection has hit the market, and this line includes two great moisturizers to market to your tanners – one is designed to add some color to your tan, while the other will help address skin firmness and wrinkle repair.”

California Tan Sunless
California Tan Sunless wants to help salon pros increase their profits while enhancing their client’s experiences, so the manufacturer offers a full range of at-home care products designed to prepare, extend, and enhance a sunless tan. “These multi-tasking products have been designed with the specific needs of sunless tanners in mind,” said Sarah Galusha. “Whether it’s to help prime the skin before sunless applications, boost performance of DHA, help neutralize the after-sunless tanning odor, or accentuate the glow of sun kissed resul., Our R&D department worked with salons and customers to troubleshoot the top complaints people have about maintenance products and create a line that transforms the sunless experience into an enjoyable and beautiful end result.”

California Tan Sunless’ maintenance products include a Primer, Primer Towelette, and Maximizer to prepare, as well as a Moisture Wash, Extender, Face Perfector, and Leg Perfector to extend. Neutralizer, After Glow, Bronzing Powder, Lip Shine, and Corrector Kit are also offered for tan enhancement.

Designer Skin
Designer Skin is dedicated to making salon clients’ sunless tanning experience successful with a host of maintenance products, including its Supernatural Barrier Cream. “DHA barrier creams are essential to creating a natural, streak-free sunless tan, and Supernatural Barrier Cream is a moisturizing, protective lotion that eliminates unnatural coloration of your hands, feet, knees and elbows,” said VP Beth Romero. “As we all know, those areas are prone to staining and streaking in the sunless application process.” Supernatural Barrier Cream features the same Kiwi-Melon fragrance as the company’s Supernatural Sunless Spray Solution.

To extend sunless tan life, Designer Skin offers its Pure Intentions Tan-Extending Body Wash. “This product was formulated to allow your tanners to wash away skin impurities with a luxurious blend of nourishing emollients that moisturizes and hydrates as it cleans,” said Beth Romero. “This lather-rich body wash rejuvenates while helping to preserve the life of your tan. Your clients will love to start the day with the ultimate pampering ritual that will leave them radiant.”

As with UV tanning, sunless tanning also requires tanners to moisturize their skin between sessions. To that end, Designer Skin offers its best selling product – Angel Daily Moisturizer. “Unlike other moisturizers, this amazing product also protects, firms, and nourishes your most precious asset – your skin,” said Beth. “It offers potent anti-aging and firming ingredients that will visibly improve the firmness and texture of your clients’ skin. It also includes Hemp Seed Oil to provide the ultimate moisturization.”

Mystic Tan
When it comes to sunless maintenance products, Mystic Tan has the salon pro covered with products designed for use before and after a sunless spray session. The company’s pre-sunless line includes MysticReady Exfoliating Body Wash, HyperTan Tanning Accelerator and HyperTan Instant Moisturizing Lotion. “MysticReady contains foaming micro beads that combine with Aloe Vera to exfoliate and refine the user’s skin before and in between Mystic Tan sessions,” said Rick Stone, Mystic Tan Chief Operating Officer. “With the latest amino acid and NutraMist technology, HyperTan enhances and balances the keratin protein of each tanner’s skin in order to achieve the best and most natural-looking color. HyperMoist instantly penetrates and hydrates the skin, balancing the water content to the optimal level for sunless tanning.”

In the post-sunless session department, Mystic Tan offers MysticFresh Body Freshening Spray, MysticLife Tan Extending Lotion, MysticGlö Body Bronzing Shimmer Lotion and MysticGlö Body Bronzing Shimmer Cream. “MysticFresh not only neutralizes but also encapsulates the reaction odor that a developing tan causes without interfering with the tanning process,” Rick Stone explained. “MysticLife contains just a touch of DHA to enhance, lengthen and refresh the Mystic Tan daily. MysticGlö lotion and cream were created from a uniquely-blended formula, and is designed to enhance and illuminate the tan, while providing a vitamin-enriched base that moisturizes the skin.”

Norvell
Norvell was founded on Rick Norvell’s philosophy that “healthy skin tans best.” Perhaps that’s why the company offers so many preparation and maintenance products to make your clients sunless experience a good one. For example, Norvell makes two products designed to balance the skin’s pH levels to ensure the best tanning results. “Using these gentle cleansers will help the skin maintain its proper pH balance, ensuring the longevity of a sunless tan,” said Cale Carver, Norvell National Sales and Education Manager. “We also have our Pro-Primer pH Balance Formula, which is a spray solution that’s applied to the skin prior to a spray tan to lower the skin’s pH level for a more realistic looking tan.” To round out its maintenance and preparation offerings, Norvell has a Sea Coral Salt Scrub, Celebrity, and Pro-long Tan Extending lotions, Pro-Blend DHA Barrier Cream, STOP DHA Hand Cleaner and Tune-Up Exfoliation Shower Scrub.

Pro Tan
When it comes to sunless tan maintainers and accessory products, Pro Tan has you covered. The veteran lotion maker offers a 32-ounce bottle of DHA Barrier Cream, and Tan Extending Moisturizer products. For tanner convenience, Pro Tan also offers sunless accessory products in a three-piece bag, which contains four-ounce bottles of exfoliant, touch-up spray and moisturizer.

DHA Sunless Solution
The final category of sunless products is DHA sunless solution, commonly called “the juice.” Deciding which juice to purchase for your sunless booths or handheld spray systems is important, considering that each of the top sunless companies offers different formulations, and each has the possibility of operating differently in any given booth, airbrush or turbine system.

AustralianGold/Swedish Beauty
Australian Gold/Swedish Beauty pulled out all the stops when creating its Australian Gold Laser SprayTans DHA Solution, for use in its turbine sunless system of the same name. “This is the only moisturizing vitamin-infused solution that contains over 70 percent organic ingredients, which results in fast drying and hydrated skin,” said Jennifer Homola, AG Product Brand Supervisor. “Our patented, organic aloe-based solution is designed to increase the skin’s natural moisture level, leaving no sticky feeling, which allows the DHA to be rapidly absorbed into the skin within 90 seconds to two minutes for a deep, even penetration without streaks. This creates a longer lasting, natural tan that lasts for five to seven days.”

Bahama Body
The folks at Bahama Body have made sure their sunless solution is engineered to provide results that are quick and flawless. “Our solution is unique among sunless tanning solutions in that it contains no alcohol,” said Kirk Knapp, owner of Bahama Body. also contains no drying agent; it’s a moisturizer designed to foster healthy, supple skin. The solution creates a fantastic tan that lasts up to 11 days depending on skin type, is non-sticky and dries in minutes.”

Biddiscombe International
Biddiscombe International offers a complete line of DHA solutions to cover the range of application methods, skin types and customer preferences encountered by salon owners. “Our idea is to put the control in the hands of the salon owner,” said John Melville, Biddiscombe International owner. “We do this by offering a wide variety of solutions to fit every salon’s needs.” The company offers its booth formula Classic, 305 Clear and Dark, Evo, Everlast and Fuzion, as well as its recently released Revelation, which contains natural melanin as a key ingredient.

BreeZe Products
BreeZe Products is known in the indoor tanning industry for its expertise in creating custom lotion formulations, and the company puts the same quality and attention to detail in its DHA sunless solutions. The wide variety of options from BreeZe practically makes it a one-stop shop for its tanning salon clients. “Whether you have an airbrush or turbine system or a spray booth, we have you covered,” commented Mike Lemle, BreeZe Products President. “We have more than 250 fragrances in stock, so when it comes to custom formulas, we can change the instant bronzer color guide and add the fragrance of your choice. We also have the ability to do fragrance duplication, if needed.”

California Tan Sunless
California Tan Sunless professional spray solutions are formulated with an exclusive combination of proprietary self-tanning and skincare technology. The company’s solutions are available in two distinct color levels – Premium Gold and Premium Dark, and offers Clear and Tinted options. “Utilizing our exclusive DHA BRONZEXTEND Complex that combines DHA and Erythulose, tanners will be able to develop superior results in two to four hours,” Sarah Galusha said. “Each formula is SD-alcohol free, non-sticky and non-comedogenic, and also features premium skincare ingredients and has a light, fresh, unisex fragrance. Tinted solutions feature InstaBronze™ Color System that delivers naturally derived bronzers for immediate color. All have been salon tested for compatibility with automated stand-up units/spray booths and handheld/airbrush units.” The company’s solutions are available in 5-gallon drums for use with automated spray units, as well as a 1-gallon size for handheld systems.

Designer Skin
Designer Skin, well known for developing award winning tanning lotions, uses the same attention to detail with its Supernatural Sunless Spray Solution. “We’ve utilized the highest quality Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) in this formula to eliminate that telltale fake orange color that is so common with some sunless solutions,” said Beth Romero, Designer Skin Vice President. “The superior quality DHA works with the amino acids in the skin, which develop into a natural looking, golden bronze tan within two to four hours. This nutrient based solution quickly absorbs into the skin, imparting bronze, luminous color that is non-sticky and streak-free, and has a fresh, clean Kiwi-Melon fragrance to enhance the entire sunless experience.” Supernatural is designed for use in sunless spray booths and airbrush equipment.

Magic Tan
When it comes to making sunless solution, Magic Tan LLC is all about the science. “One of the major innovations that we incorporated into our solution, and actually were one of the first to introduce to the indoor tanning industry, was an ingredient called Erythrulose,” said Rolf Svenleen. “It has some unique formulation nuances that allow for better and longer-lasting color, and acts to stabilize DHA absorption and sub-dermal activation. We call this the Combination Active System, which tends to develop a much more natural bronze color with less streaking.” He added that the true secret to Magic Tan’s sunless solution – its ability to deliver longer-lasting results – resides in the dimethyl isosorbide the company uses, which is a polymer that helps the DHA and Erythrulose penetrate the skin more efficiently.

Mist-On Tan
Mist-On Tan manufactures a sunless solution to be used in its popular sunless booths and in hand-held systems. “One application of our sunless tanning solution will turn your clients’ skin three shades darker,” Dr. Tom Laughlin commented. “Since the formula contains a bronzer and DHA, your clients get both an instant and long-lasting tan. The deep-penetrating formula works to extend the tan and the aloe vera and vitamin E will make their skin feel great.”

Mystic Tan
Research and development is the key to what makes Mystic Tan’s sunless spray solution worth considering. “We have an FDA-approved facility for the production of our DHA sunless solution, which allows us to control the quality of every gallon that goes out our door,” said Rick Stone, Mystic Tan Chief Operating Officer. “Our solution is made specifically to work with our sunless spray booths and our patented MagneTan technology. All our sunless solutions are alcohol-free and contain all-natural ingredients.”

Mystic Tan Tanning Myst is available in 5-gallon, 2.5-gallon and one-quart sizes as well as the individual cartridges for the MyMyst system. Beginning in March, the company will offer MysticSpray, designed specifically for handheld airbrush and turbine systems. All Mystic Tan Tanning Mysts come in four formulas: Original BronzMyst, Original ClearMyst, Pre mium BronzMyst with NutraMist, and Premium ClearMyst with NutraMist.

Norvell
Quality and variety are the key words for Norvell’s DHA sunless solution offerings. “Our Professional Sunless Spray Solution is the key to your clients developing a natural, just-off-the-beach golden bronze color,” said Cale Carver, Norvell National Sales and Education Manager. “We have perfectly blended the cosmetic color you see immediately and the DHA color that develops in a few hours so there is little difference in color transition. Our premium solution has been vastly improved over the years with every changing technology that we’ve added to maximize positive results.” Currently, Norvell offers four sunless solutions that vary in cosmetic bronzer – Original Premium, Cocoa, Dark, and Clear – plus the option to add its Plus product to any solution for a higher DHA percentage. “Regardless of the manufacturer or equipment type – spray booth, airbrush or HVLP turbines – our solution is 100 percent satisfaction guaranteed for both color and spray performance,” Carver added.

Pro Tan
Pro Tan’s sunless solution has both history and the latest technology behind it. “Since 1985, Competition Color has been bronzing bodybuilders across the globe,” said Brandon Cardinal, Pro Tan Vice President of Sales. “In 2003, we introduced our EXP Express Tanning System, which is a professional product for the avid tanner. Our long-lasting formula includes such ingredients as DHA, erythrulose, L-Tyrosine, copper, and skin moisturizers to make your tanners’ skin look and feel its best.” Pro Tan’s sunless solution, which it markets as the “world’s fastest drying solution” is available in one- or five-gallon sizes, and fragrances include the original Herbal Fresh and new Mango/Lime.

Success Can Be Yours!
In today’s competitive marketplace, salons simply cannot afford not to offer at least one sunless tanning option. With so many manufacturers offering so many products in this sector, it’s pretty obvious that this tanning format is no fad. And because so many top companies now offer sunless, tanning pros thinking about adding sunless to their service menu have a lot to consider.

To make the right choices, you have to look at your budget and your salon demographics to find the sunless tanning products that will be best for your business, because that’s what this is all about – business. Sunless tanning can be a profitable addition to your salon because it compliments traditional UV tanning, and can greatly increase the number of new clients you can bring through your doors. If you make an informed decision, success with sunless can be yours.