How long does it take for a spray tan to fully dry?

Author: Prof. Stone Schowalter DDS  |  Last update: Thursday, August 21, 2025

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.

How long to let spray tan dry before getting dressed?

You can get dressed right away, but you do feel sticky for a few hours, and you want to wear loose clothing afterwards because anywhere there is friction can prevent the tan from developing nicely.

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.

How long after a spray tan can I sit down?

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.

How soon after a spray tan can I shower?

Wait 4-8 hours before showering to let your tan fully develop, but avoid leaving it on for more than 24 hours. During this time, steer clear of moisture—no sweating, workouts, or liquid foundation.

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

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.

Can I leave fake tan on for 24 hours?

You can leave your self tan on for as long as you like, with each product having a different recommended timeframe. Some people prefer to sleep with it overnight to get a deeper glow.

What not to do after fake tanning?

AFTER THE TAN

Shower lightly in cold – lukewarm water for 45 seconds ONLY after your desired development time. Use plain water, don't use shower gels, scrubs, shampoos or loofah during the first 24 hours after your treatment. Pat your skin dry. Do not rub or scrub your skin.

When to wash hair after spray tan?

Don't wash your hair in your first shower after your tan. The chemicals in the shampoo and conditioner can affect your tan, so wait at least 24 hours before washing your hair.

Can I sit in the car after a spray tan?

Cover your car seat with a dark or black towel to prevent sweating and streaking. Avoid wearing a bra, socks or other restrictive clothing immediately after your spray tan session. The looser fitting the better to avoid any streaking as the tan is developing.

Does shaving ruin self tanner?

You can shave after tanning without removing all your newfound colour. Just make sure you wait at least 8 hours, so your tan has had time to develop. Then shave with gentle pressure, using a brand-new razor and an oil-free wash or shaving foam that won't break down your faux glow.

Will pee ruin a spray tan?

You will see color coming off during your first rinse... this is normal, you want all of the cosmetic bronzer to come off in that first rinse. Please do not pee in the shower when you have an Airbrush Spray Tan, the ammonia in the urine will cause your tan to streak. Do not use any soap during your first rinse.

What not to do the day of a spray tan?

That's why we turned to the spray tan pros to find out what you should resist doing in the days and hours leading up to your appointment.
  1. Don't use self-tanner. ...
  2. Don't take a hot shower. ...
  3. Don't wax or shave. ...
  4. Don't get a facial. ...
  5. Don't wear tight clothing. ...
  6. Don't get a laser treatment.

How can I dry my spray tan 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.

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.

Will clothes ruin my spray tan?

Tight clothes are a spray tan's biggest enemy. They can rub off the tan before it even has a chance to properly set into your skin, leading to patchy, uneven results that are far from the sun-kissed glow you were aiming for.

Can I sit on the couch after a spray tan?

Okay, I know you just want the answer, and that answer is YES! You can sit down after a spray tan or even a self tan.

How long till you can take a shower after a 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.

Should I get my hair done before or after a spray tan?

Shaving, facials, manicures/pedicures, hair coloring, waxing, or any other hair removal procedures should be done at least one day prior to your tanning session.

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.

How to prolong a spray tan?

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.

How do you ruin fake tan?

BUT be sure to follow our 101 guide to getting it right so you take off without looking like a streaky mess.
  1. Not Pre-Tanning. ...
  2. Using Oil-Based Soaps. ...
  3. Failing to Powder Post-Application. ...
  4. Doing Anything Except Rinsing in Your First Shower. ...
  5. Going About Normal Activities Too Soon. ...
  6. Skipping SPF in the Sun.

How long after a spray tan can I wear a bra?

Wearing tight clothing, including bras with straps that can rub against your skin, can cause the tan to wear off unevenly or even come off in patches. To ensure that your spray tan looks its best and lasts as long as possible, it's generally recommended to wait at least 8-12 hours before wearing a bra.

Should you fake tan your face?

With a touch of fake tan on your face, you can achieve a healthy, natural-looking tan all year round. Whether you want a subtle boost or a bold bronzed look, fake tanning your face is the ultimate beauty hack for a flawless and golden-brown appearance.

What body wash is best for spray tan?

Clear body wash or soaps like DIAL, IVORY, LEVER 2000, IRISH SPRING or ZEST are recommended. LOTIONS Avoid any oils or lotions that use mineral oil (petroleum), baby oil, coconut oil, and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (which is found in most body washes).

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