The hardest part of getting an airbrushed tan probably isn’t the tan itself.

It’s the preparation for it. At least, that was the experience of two Post-Gazette staffers, fashion editor LaMont Jones and reporter Kathy SaeNgian.

For LaMont, that meant shaving most of his body hair for more trouble-free application. Between electric shaving to remove most hair and then wet shaving to eliminate stubble, it took about an hour. This should be done, the experts at Shadyside Tan said, to allow the tanning product to go on smoother and last longer.

Aside from shaving, Kathy invested a couple of bucks in a sea salt exfoliator.

Once at Shadyside Tan, the process was simple. Strip down to shorts or a swimsuit, which should be something you don’t mind getting stained because it could happen. Disposable underwear was offered, but, ugh! They passed.

They applied a white cream to nails and darker parts of the body — elbows, knees, toes — to keep tanning lotion from darkening them. LaMont wishes he had worn the fabric booties suggested by the technician because, well, guess whose feet and toenails turned an unnatural orange-gold?

The spray-on application took less than 15 minutes, with Kathy and LaMont having to stand, turn, and lift and lower limbs as the technician sprayed from head to toe.

While LaMont also got his face sprayed with the bronzer, Kathy opted out, fearing she would resemble an Oompa-Loompa.

Both were sticky afterward — the coloring agent includes sugar, which tastes sweet when it accidently gets in your mouth. But both were dry enough to get dressed after a few minutes and, within a few hours, were totally dry (but alas, still sticky). They were advised not to shower until the next morning, and even then, to take it easy with the soap. (Actually, they weren’t supposed to use any, but hey!)

LaMont was pleased with the good, natural look he immediately had and even more pleased the next day, when it settled into a slightly darker golden brown. It wasn’t as dark as the tans he gets on Caribbean vacations, but it was only one application and it was a gold-toned replacement for the salon’s normal olive hue, which was on back-order.

Kathy was nervous after she got her spray because it looked more orange than golden, but she was relieved the next day when it darkened and colleagues complimented her tan.

They were told the tan would last five to seven days, and indeed, a week later, it was still noticeable, less so on LaMont’s face. As for Kathy, she’s wearing pants because of spotty legs. They were told that regular moisturizing and the use of a tan-enhancing lotion or cream would help extend the life of the tan, something both did.

At $30 per treatment, they considered it a bargain — and quicker and safer than a tanning bed or sunbathing.