Do and don'ts of spray tan?

Author: Amelie Lubowitz  |  Last update: Sunday, July 6, 2025

Continue to avoid makeup, perfume, deodorant, soaps, and lotions during the development period. Do not wear tight clothing or bras after a session. Follow your technician's advice on when to shower based on the solution used. Avoid sweating excessively for the first 24 hours.

What should you not do after a spray tan?

Avoid Sweating and Water Activities

For the first 24 hours post-spray tan, stay away from activities that could make you sweat excessively or involve water exposure. This includes vigorous workouts, swimming, and even washing dishes without gloves.

What will ruin a spray tan?

Loofahs, washcloths, brushes, and body washes with microbeads are all going to hasten the tan's departure. Your first shower after your spray tan will likely result in a puddle of colored water around your drain, but this is normal. As you leave the shower, make sure to pat yourself dry with the towel, don't rub.

How long after a spray tan can I shower?

We recommend waiting at least 4-8 hours after your spray tan before you shower for the first time, but don't wait more than 24 hours. When you shower for the first time after getting a spray tan, you'll probably see some golden glow wash down the drain, but don't worry!

How do you get the best results after a spray tan?

To help your tan develop, you'll want to avoid all moisture for at least 4-5 hours after you get a spray tan. This includes showering, workouts, hot yoga, lotions, liquid foundation, etc. Staying dry will help the spray tan solution adhere to your skin.

The Best Spray Tan Routine | Spray Tan Tips

Can I shave 2 hours before spray tan?

Avoid shaving immediately before your spray tan session. Ideally, shave 24 hours prior to allow your skin to recover and avoid any potential irritation. Exfoliate gently: If you're shaving before tanning, gently exfoliate your skin using a mild scrub or exfoliating glove.

Do you spray tan naked?

No, you don't have to be naked when you spray tan. While some people prefer to be nude to avoid tan lines, you have the option to wear whatever is most comfortable for you—like a swimsuit or underwear. During your tan, bronzer could transfer to your clothing but don't worry!

When can I wear normal clothes after a spray tan?

Once you've had your first post-tan shower, you can go back to wearing your regular clothes, including tighter-fitting or lighter-colored options.

How to make a spray tan last longer?

The easiest way to make your spray tan last longer is to keep topping it up. A gradual tanning lotion will keep your skin hydrated, while also enhancing your tan a little more each day.

What lotions to avoid after spray tan?

You must avoid the following ingredients when using a moisturizer: Mineral Oil, Petroleum, Paraffins, Paraffinum Liquidum, Ceresine. Curel lotions will fade a tan faster, on some people. Avoid lotions with a high alcohol content such as CeraVe.

What are the negatives of spray tan?

For example, some people may be allergic to DHA, which can cause itching, redness, and swelling. In addition, other ingredients in the spray tan solution, such as fragrances or preservatives, may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.

Do they spray your face in a spray tan?

When you're in the tanning 'tent' (a one-person pod with an open front) the therapist will usually start by applying the formula, dispersed through a spray gun, to your face. As advised, take a deep breath and close your eyes.

What messes up a spray tan?

Often, patchy results are due to one of three things: improper skin prep, the application technique, or how you care for your skin post-bronzing. Typically, you'll want to cleanse and exfoliate your skin before applying self-tanner or getting a spray tan. You'll also want to moisturize prior to application.

Do you wear a bra for spray tan?

Say No to Tight Clothing

Sports bras with thin straps, tight waistbands, and fitted tops can disrupt the tanning process and leave you with uneven color distribution. Opt for a strapless bra and an off-the-shoulder top for a seamless tan. That way, you'll achieve a natural, glowing look.

Should I moisturize right after spray tan?

Only rinse until you see the water is clear, then stop (this should only take a few minutes) - and pat dry. DO NOT MOISTURIZE UNTIL THE TAN HAS TOTALLY DEVELOPED. We recommend you wait at least 12 hours after receiving your tan, before moisturizing to ensure it has fully developed.

How to not smell like spray tan?

Use baby powder. After applying your sunless tanning product, dust a little baby powder on your skin to help absorb and limit odour.

How to get the best results from a spray tan?

Remember, a great spray tan starts with great preparation. So exfoliate, moisturize, dress wisely, and keep your skin product-free on the day of your session. Once you've got your gorgeous glow, take good care of it. Avoid sweating, stay hydrated, moisturize generously, and resist the urge to take hot showers.

How many showers does a spray tan last?

A spray tan on lighter skin tones might last for about 5 days, medium shades can last between 7-8 days, and darker shades can last up to 10 days. To be safe, we say that your spray tan will last anywhere between 5-7 days, depending on your spray tan care routine.

How much do spray tans cost?

Like most beauty services, these tend to be more expensive in big cities and metropolitan areas compared to suburban areas. For example, Bennett says that at her salon (which has locations in Scottsdale, Arizona and Los Angeles, California), spray tans start at $55 in Arizona and $110 in Los Angeles.

What is the aftercare of a spray tan?

Afterwards
  • Don't shower for 4-6 hours following your spray tan.
  • Don't exercise until after your first shower—at least four hours after you tan.
  • Shower using only shower gel and your hands.
  • After showering, apply our tan extenders to make your spray tan last longer!

Will leggings rub off spray tan?

Tight-fitting clothing and shoes such as boots, socks or tights might rub off some of the spray tan and cause uneven results—it's best to be safe and avoid these!

How long does a spray tan last in a swimming pool?

How long does fake tan last while swimming? Depending the type of tanning product you use and how dark it is, your fake tan usually lasts more than a week but less than 10 days.

What is the best self-tanner?

After extensive testing, we determined the highest rated self-tanner to be the St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse. It's an airy mousse that's easy to apply and blend and leaves you with a natural-looking glow. You can also customize the depth of color based on how long you leave it on your skin.

How do you sleep with a fresh spray tan?

Avoid sleeping on your stomach or sides: If possible, try to sleep on your back to minimize the amount of contact your tan has with the sheets. This can help prevent smudging and ensure your tan stays intact.

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