How long does self tan take to dry?

Author: Joanne Haag  |  Last update: Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Most self-tanners take about 20-30 minutes to dry, but it's a good idea to check the label on your specific product to be sure. Avoid getting the self-tanner wet or sweating while it's drying to ensure that it fully absorbs into your skin.

How long should you wait to put clothes on after self-tanning?

Try your best to wear loose clothes to avoid water and sweating for 6-8hrs whilst the tan is developing on the skin before showering off the residue. The tan will continue developing for a further 12hrs your final developed colour of the tan is achieved after the full 24hrs.

How long should I let my self-tanner dry?

Give the self-tan enough time to dry. Typically, this can be about 12-24 hours. So, before that window, it's best to keep your skin dry. Try not to wash your hands or get your body wet to avoid streaking.

How long after applying self-tanner can I sit down?

Sitting or snuggling into your clothes right away is a major no-no. If you do, you might risk turning your fab tan into a patchy puzzle. Give your tan the royal treatment it deserves. After application, it's time to channel your inner diva and lounge in as little clothing as possible for at least an hour or two.

How long does fake tan take to dry after applying?

How long does fake tan take to dry? False tan formulas can feel tacky on the skin for hours afterwards, however, they should be largely absorbed after as little as twenty minutes. Just make sure to avoid restrictive clothes, underwire bras or anything that rubs onto the skin and don't get the skin wet.

How Long Will My Self-Tan Take To Dry? Fake Bake How Tos

How soon can I shower after fake tan?

Optimal Time to Shower After a Fake Tan

Timing your first rinse is key to achieving a flawless, streak-free glow. 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.

How to make fake tan dry faster?

After You've Tanned

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. 7. Carefully wipe away any excess.

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.

Does leaving self-tanner on longer make it darker?

Regarding development time - you can leave your Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam on your skin for 1 - 8 hours, depending on how dark you like your tan. The longer you leave it on the darker you get.

Can you sit in the sun with fake tan on?

Fake tan doesn't provide a barrier because it does not produce melanin and, vitally, it doesn't contain any SPF. In other words, it does nothing to block or protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. So you will always want to wear (and reapply) SPF 30 or 50 if you plan on spending a day lounging in the sun.

Can I sleep in self-tanner?

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.

Why does fake tan not stick to my legs?

Is there any residue left on your calves from products like moisturiser, shaving foam or body oil? All these cosmetic products act as a barrier to fake tan and can prevent the skin from 'grabbing' colour.

What do you do while waiting for self-tanner to dry?

After applying your self-tanner, you'll need to give the product time to dry and settle on your skin. Do not get dressed right away, wrap yourself in a towel, or lie down. Wait about 10 to 15 minutes before putting clothes on—and even then, wear loose-fitting attire.

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.

How to get best self tan results?

Follow these steps:
  1. Exfoliate. Use a washcloth to exfoliate the skin prior to applying a self-tanner. ...
  2. Dry your skin. ...
  3. Apply in sections. ...
  4. Wash your hands after each section. ...
  5. Blend at your wrists and ankles. ...
  6. Dilute over your joints. ...
  7. Give your skin time to dry. ...
  8. Apply sunscreen every day.

Does fake tan still develop after a shower?

Our Self Tan ranges can be washed off after just 1 hour, but for a deeper tan, we advise avoiding showering, swimming, and perspiring for 6 - 8 hours to allow your tan to develop fully on the skin.

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 body wash is best for fake tan?

Dhesthetics has 2 recommended body washes to use in the shower to help preserve your tan. Aveevo Daily Moisturizing body wash or Cetaphil Daily Nourishing body wash. All of these body washes have great ingredients in them that will help to preserve not only your tan, but keep your skin healthy.

Are you meant to moisturise after fake tanning?

The answer is YES, but only after the self tan has fully developed. All Bali Body fake tan's take around 8 hours to fully develop and reach their maximum level of glow. Regardless of when you wash the colour guide off, we highly recommend you don't moisturise until the 8 hour mark.

Should I shave my legs before or after self-tanning?

This seems easy enough, but a lot of people forget to shave before applying self tanner. However, you prefer to remove hair (waxing, shaving, laser, etc.) please do yourself a favor and do it before you apply product. Hair removal after-the-fact can remove your tan, leaving splotchy marks on your legs.

Do I self tan my 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.

How long to let self-tanner dry before bed?

Best tanning schedule:

Let dry for 5 mins. Throw on a pair of loose pajama bottoms and a t-shirt. Set a towel over your pillow. Hop in to bed.

Is 3 hours long enough for self-tanner?

1 hour - For a light and fresh, ever so natural fake tan glow. 2-3 hours - For a medium to warm organic spray tan. 4-5 hours - For a deep, dark holiday worthy gradual tan.

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