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

Author: Ms. Sasha Nader  |  Last update: Monday, January 19, 2026

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 many days after a spray tan does it look best?

A spray tan typically begins to develop within a few hours after application, but it can take up to 24 hours for the full color to appear. For best results, it's often recommended to wait at least 8 to 12 hours before showering or engaging in activities that may affect the tan.

Does a spray tan look good right away?

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.

How long does it take to see a clear spray tan?

Extended Tan (clear) – Goes on clear while a long-lasting, natural extended tan develops over the next 4-8 hours.

How long does a spray tan last? - spray tan tips and tricks

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.

Do clear spray tans develop?

Clear spray tan solutions are designed to provide a natural-looking tan without the orange hue often associated with traditional tanning products. Their advanced formulations ensure that your skin develops a realistic, golden tan that is virtually indistinguishable from a natural suntan.

Will my spray tan look better after I shower?

Q1: Will My Fake Tan Look Better After I Shower? A: Yes! Showering helps remove excess bronzer and allows the DHA to continue developing. Skin appears cleaner and more radiant after a proper rinse.

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.

What to do if you don't like your spray tan?

Hop in the shower and use an exfoliating mitt to help lighten those too-dark patches. While regular exfoliating (like with a scrub) can also help fade your tan, Evans recommends using a mitt in small, circular motions for added precision.

Do spray tans look weird 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.

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

Nail appointments ideally should be done 24 hours before your spray tan. Nails and pedicures CAN be done the day of your spray tan, but please exfoliate any lotion or residue off. Nail appointments CANNOT be done immediately after your spray tan. Nail appointments CAN be done the day AFTER your spray 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.

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.

Will my spray tan fade in 2 days?

How Long Does It Last? Because your skin is constantly creating new skin cells on the epidermis level, any skin treatment will fade over time. Spray tans generally last for 7-10 days, depending on the coverage you requested; if you wanted a lighter color, your tan could fade more quickly.

Which body part tans the fastest?

Previous research by Rees has confirmed what sun worshippers already knew: that the upper back is much more likely to tan than the legs, and that the outsides of the arms go brown far quicker than the insides.

How to avoid dark knees when fake tanning?

Knees (and elbows)

Knobbly and generally neglected, the often-dry skin on the knees is notorious for soaking up more than its fair share of self-tan. Make sure you pay attention to the knees and elbows especially when you exfoliate, and do a quick sweep over these areas with your tanning mitt.

Do and don'ts of spray tan?

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.

How to get rid of a spray tan asap?

To get rid of fake tan quickly, try soaking in a warm bath with baby oil, followed by exfoliating with an exfoliating mitt.

Do spray tans get darker overnight?

If a dark tan is what you're looking for, we do recommend waiting a few hours before rinsing it off so that the product has longer to develop with your skin. Note: after rinsing, your skin will continue to deepen over the next 24 hours, so if your skin does not seem that dark, give it time!

How long until a spray tan looks good?

For the best look, spray tan two or three days before your event!

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.

Can you wear a bra after self tanning?

If possible, do not wear a bra until you have rinsed the cosmetic bronzer off. Please know that if you exercise and sweat heavily your tan can fade faster, especially if your clothing is tight. The same applies to sweating feet inside shoes.

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