• The solution used in sunless tanning is called Dihydroxyacetone or DHA. DHA is a colorless sugar that interacts with the skin cells located in the stratum corneum of the epidermis (the upper and outermost layer of your skin). As the sugar interacts with the dead skin cells, a color change occurs. This change usually lasts about five to seven days from the initial application. DHA has been in use since the 60s, when it was first approved for cosmetic application by the Food and Drug Administration.

• There are two main factors that can cause the orange undertones that you see with bad self-tanners:
• Too much DHA applied to your skin - too high a concentration of DHA in a single application.
• The balance of your skin’s pH level.
• Our solutions are formulated with high quality DHA at the right concentration for a flawless finish, regardless of your skin’s pH level. Trust us, we’ve tried our solution before, during, and after all kinds of activities to ensure you get the best tan possible!

Absolutely! The DHA solution used at Stupid Happy is 100% organic, alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and vegan.

• Most will last 5 to 7 days but can be extended up to 10 days if using an extender and following the proper aftercare instructions.
• Every day, millions of dead skin cells are sloughed off or worn away from the surface of your skin. This is the same area where the solution interacts with your skin to create the tanning effect. Every 35 to 45 days, you have an entirely new surface. This is why tans from sunless or self-tanning lotions will gradually fade – as the dead cells are worn away, so is your tan. The more you moisturize, the longer your tan will last!

• Yes and no! The solutions we use have a bronzing agent so you can see where you’ve tanned. This will ensure even color all over your body and results in a bronzed glow after application.
• The bronzing agent will wash off with your first shower, BUT DON'T PANIC! The DHA in the solution develops underneath the bronzer over the next 8 to 10 hours, even after the bronzers are washed off.

You don't have to remove hair to use self-tanner. BUT if hair removal is part of your routine, it is advised to shave or wax at least 8 hours BEFORE, 24 hours is recommended. Both to remove the top layer of the skin and allow your pores to close. Self-tanning right after removing hair can clog your pores and give the appearance of freckle spots where you have shaved or waxed.

If you shave or wax after your spray tan you will accelerate the exfoliating process and reduce the life of your tan. You can also exfoliate the tan unevenly giving a patchy or streaky look. If you must shave, use a very sharp razor applied lightly so you remove only the hairs – not the tan.

• For best results, exfoliate and shave 24 hours before your tanning session. Starting with a perfectly polished base means streak-free coverage and long-lasting color.
• If you are in a time crunch and forgot to exfoliate 24 hours before and just need a quick color, we recommend dry exfoliating.
• BUT with Bulletproof (our sweat-resistant, odor-free, and fool proof formula), you can break all the rules if you JUST NEED COLOR! It might not last as long, but the glow will still be stunning.

• Because color transfer can happen when your tan is fresh and developing, be sure to wear dark, loose-fitting fabrics while you wait for your rinse time. The bronzers rinse out of most fabrics, especially cotton, with normal detergent and cool water!

With Bulletproof (our sweat-resistant, odor-free, and fool proof formula), you can exercise and sweat immediately after rinse-off! Follow the instructions on your bottle for your first time, then break the rules and test the boundaries of this incredible formula once you feel comfortable with the process.

The more the better! (We shoot for at least once daily.) A good moisturizer will deliver water to the skin very effectively and keep it in the skin for as long as possible. If you don’t moisturize your skin after tanning, your skin will dry out and exfoliate quickly, removing your tan. Your tan will also come to appear more patchy as time wears on.

ABSOLUTELY! There is no SPF protection in any of the solutions on the market today. Just because your skin looks tanned does not mean that your skin is protected from harmful UV rays. You can still get sun-burned if you do not apply protection!