Does spray tan get darker next day?

Author: Miss Nellie Bahringer  |  Last update: Sunday, July 27, 2025

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 overnight?

As the day or night goes on, your spray tan gets darker and darker. The reason it gets darker, is because the DHA is reacting to the skins amino acids. Once the DHA hits those, it starts turning brown and starts to develop. DHA starts to develop on the skin within 4 hours.

Does spray tan look better the next day?

Yes. Getting a spray tan 1-2 days before a photoshoot will enhance your skin color, smooth your complexion and make your eyes and teeth sparkle.

Is it normal to look really dark after a spray tan?

As the day or night goes on, your spray tan gets darker and darker. The reason it gets darker, is because the DHA is reacting to the skins amino acids. Once the DHA hits those, it starts turning brown and starts to develop. DHA starts to develop on the skin within 4 hours.

Will my fake tan get darker overnight?

Yes, a fake tan can appear to get darker overnight. Most self-tanning products contain DHA (dihydroxyacetone), which reacts with the amino acids in the top layer of your skin. This reaction typically develops over several hours, often peaking around 6 to 8 hours after application.

BEST AT HOME SELF TAN ROUTINE BY A PRO SPRAY TAN ARTIST

Can I wait 12 hours to shower after spray tan?

Patience is key when it comes to a spray tan. Give the tanning solution time to work its magic by waiting at least 8-12 hours before showering. Some tans may require longer development periods, so it's essential to follow your technician's specific recommendations.

Is it better to fake tan at night or morning?

Applying at night gives your self-tanner time to develop a natural tan look. Things like showering, rain, or tight clothes can mess up your tan when it's trying to settle. And some tanning products will also stain! As the self-tanner process can take up to eight hours, applying right before bed is super convenient.

How long does it take for a spray tan to look normal?

To give the DHA enough time to fully set, it is recommended you wait a minimum of six hours after your spray tan. If you wait 24 hours you will see the optimal results. Showering sooner may diminish the intensity of the tan.

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

Once you have showered, you will notice the bronzer washing away, leaving you looking tanned and glowing underneath. From this point on hydration is the key! 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.

What to do if my spray tan isn't dark enough?

If it is not coming out dark while spray tanning, first, check that you're spraying at the correct distance from the body. With our spray tan equipment's refined turbine technology, we recommend spray tanning from a 7-12 cm distance for a streak-free non-sticky tan.

Does spray tan continue to darken after shower?

First Post Tan Shower: Your tan will take 24 hours approximately to completely darken, no matter which product blend you have used. Color will continue to darken after showering. Your first post tan shower will be a RINSE ONLY…DO NOT use SOAP or LOTION for 24 hours.

What day does a spray tan look best?

If you get a spray tan four or more days before your event, your tan will start to fade, the colour won't be as dark and won't pop against your outfit like a fresh tan would. Try to aim to book your spray tan two to three days before your event and your tan will be the perfect colour.

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.

Does fake tan get darker after rinsing?

Don't worry if some color is washing off in the shower; this is just excess solution and color guide tint. You will notice a bronze tan after showering. With the express option, the color will gradually get darker after rinsing. Remember to only pat dry your skin, not rub.

Does a spray tan look good the next day?

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.

Does rapid spray tan get darker?

Some rapid tan solutions can be washed off faster. It does not matter what solution you are using, it still requires the same amount of time to produce the tan. What you washed off was the bronzer, the temporary color, in the solution. Your tan will continue to develop and darken over the next several hours.

Does spray tan get darker the longer you leave it on?

As colour will continue to develop for approximately 8 hours, the longer the tan is left on the skin prior to bathing, the darker the result will be.

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.

Should I moisturize after fake tan?

Once you have washed off your fake tan moisturise your skin daily to increase the longevity of your tan. Dry, dehydrated skin will cause your dead skin cells to shed quicker, taking the fake tan you worked so hard for with it. Use an oil-free moisturiser as oil can break down the product [2].

How soon can I pee after a spray tan?

Never pee in the shower after your initial rinse.

After giving your spray tan several hours (or overnight) to develop, the initial water rinse is crucial. During this time, you'll see the brown color being rinsed off and what will remain on the skin is the faux tan.

Why do I look so dark after my spray tan?

Most often, looking like you have too dark of a tan on your face is a result of literally using too much solution (remember: two ounces for the entire body, not just the neck up!) or being sprayed with a percentage that is too high for your skin type.

Can I sit on my couch after a spray tan?

Can You Sit After Spray Tanning? Yes! You just want to be sure there's a piece of clothing between you and any sticky surfaces - including your skin. That's why we recommend wearing long pants and a long shirt until your first shower.

Does fake tan get darker the next day?

Don't fret! Your colour will continue to develop and darken for a few hours (and a spray tan takes up to 24 hours to develop fully).

Do you spray tan your face?

Spray tanning your face ensures a consistent, natural-looking glow from head to toe. If you skip your face, you might end up with a noticeable difference between your tanned body and your natural skin tone, especially if you wear minimal makeup.

How to make fake tan look natural?

  1. Step 1 - Exfoliate your Skin. Having gorgeous, clean skin is great but not if there are lots of dead skin cells determined to cling onto it! ...
  2. Step 2 - Cleanse your Skin. Before applying fake tan it's vitally important to have clean skin. ...
  3. Step 3 - Moisturising. ...
  4. Step 4 - Take care of your Hair Line and Eyebrows.

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