Does a spray tan develop more after you wash it off?

Author: Federico Runte  |  Last update: Friday, January 9, 2026

A: Yes! Showering helps remove excess bronzer and allows the DHA to continue developing. Skin appears cleaner and more radiant after a proper rinse.

Does spray tan continue to develop after washing it off?

Please note: the tan will continue to develop even after the shower, so do not be alarmed if you're not as tanned as you expect to be. The tan will continue to develop over the next 12-24 hours.

Do spray tans get darker after rinsing?

Yes that's normal. You look ridiculous right after the spray tan and it gets even darker like an hour later. You're supposed to let it set for a few hours before showering. Once you shower, you come out looking a normal color that's more even.

What happens if I rinse my spray tan off early?

Additionally, rinsing too early can sometimes make the tan come out very patchy. Your tan also will not last as long (one or two days versus 5-7), so you won't get your money's worth.

Should I moisturize after rinsing off 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.

DOES SELF TANNER STILL DEVELOP AFTER YOU WASH IT OFF? | TIPS AND TRICKS BY A PRO SPRAY TAN ARTIST

Why did my spray tan not develop?

To achieve best results, it is paramount that the DHA in the spray tan and the amino acids in the skin react to each other. Skincare products like moisturisers, deodorants and oily products often obstruct this process and the spray tan will not set properly.

How long does a spray tan last if you shower every day?

A good quality spray tan will last up to a week, though it does vary according to your skin regime and the depth of the spray tan you opt for. A light bronze can fade in around 5 days, while a darker shade will stay put for a good week.

Do spray tans look bad at first?

A spray tan on the first day typically looks fantastic! Many individuals may have concerns regarding the immediate outcome of their initial spray tan application, fearing that they may appear excessively dark or unnatural.

Why does it look like my spray tan washed off?

What you have washed off in the shower are the bronzers which your spray tan technician used as a guide to ensure that they sprayed every part of your body the same gorgeous shade of brown. It's a common misconception with rapid tans that your tan develops by the time you have rinsed.

How to wash off spray tan the next day?

Your tan will continue to develop to up to till 8 hours, which you can then wash off with water only (no soaps or sponges etc.) 24 hours after your appointment, you can start using body products, but you need to make sure that you are selecting the correct products for your skin.

How to make fake tan develop faster?

Use a hairdryer. Once you have the perfect coverage, grab your hairdryer to help it set. Be sure it's blowing cool air and move it along your body. Not only will this help the solution dry faster, but it'll also help to kick the tanning development process into overdrive.

Does showering fade fake tan?

Hot water can open up the pores and promote skin cell turnover, which in turn, can cause your tan to fade quicker. Opt for lukewarm water instead, and try to keep your showers short to ensure your tan lasts longer.

Does fake tan still develop after washed off?

It is the DHA (a chemical found in fake tan) that is responsible for adding pigment to the skin, and it stays on the skin even after washing. Therefore, depending on the product and the strength of the DHA in it, your tan could continue to develop for up to 24 hours.

Does showering after tanning in the sun affect your tan?

After tanning, you will produce a little bit of sweat, but that's it. There is no reason to shower right away because water does not affect the tan. This is another myth that has been around for ages. The truth is, showering right after getting a tan will not cause staining of your skin.

What is the best thing to wear after a spray tan?

WEAR LOOSE-FITTING CLOTHING

After your tan, you should wear loose-fitting clothing so your tan doesn't rub off or look uneven. The perfect outfit is a long, black t-shirt dress and sandals. You'll want to avoid wearing anything tight, like jeans, leggings, yoga pants, socks, or sneakers.

Does spray tan look better the next day?

Spray tans always look best at least a day after the initial appointment. Maintain your tan with self-tanners to not only make it last longer but help it fade more evenly.

How long does spray tan take to develop after washing off?

Rapid Spray Tans, with a quick wash off of 1-4 hours continue to develop for up to 24 hours after the first wash off. Do not be alarmed at the colour of your skin if it is lighter than expected after your first wash as it will continue to develop / darken.

Do spray tans ever look natural?

Fact: This is a common misconception that stems from early formulations of spray tans. Modern spray tanning solutions have come a long way, and many (including ours) use natural ingredients such as DHA (dihydroxyacetone) to create a beautiful, natural-looking tan.

Should you moisturize after rinsing off self tanner?

Regardless of when you wash the colour guide off, we highly recommend you don't moisturise until the 8 hour mark. Why you might ask? Even rinsing your initial colour guide off, the product still continues to develop on your skim, resulting in the most perfect fake tan.

How do I make my spray tan last longer?

14 tips for making a spray tan last longer
  1. Choose your shade wisely. ...
  2. Think about timing. ...
  3. Buff, buff, buff away. ...
  4. Avoid a wax 24 hours before the spray tan. ...
  5. Think about your tanning location. ...
  6. Know what to do after a spray tan. ...
  7. Ditch deodorant, grab talc. ...
  8. Don't have a shower immediately.

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.

Why won't my legs tan but my arms do?

Compared to the rest of the body, skin on the legs does not produce the same amount of melanin, which results in legs getting less tan. Skin on the legs is thicker and harder and the UV light from the sun or sunbeds cannot easily penetrate it.

Does layering self-tanner make it darker?

**Risk of Over-Tanning**: Applying a second layer can lead to a much darker and potentially unnatural appearance. This may result in an uneven or patchy finish, especially in areas where the product tends to gather.

Why is my spray tan not developing on my legs?

Use a Lemon. Put all those extra lemons in your kitchen to good use before your next self-tanning day. “Before applying fake tan, glide a lemon across your lower legs. The low pH of the fruit helps the DHA (the active ingredient in fake tan) to develop the color quicker and more effectively,” Carter claims.

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