How many days after a spray tan does it look best?

Author: Allie Sipes  |  Last update: Monday, April 21, 2025

We recommend getting your spray tan 2 - 3 days before the big day. It's definitely best to avoid the wedding-eve as the tan will continue to develop for 24-48 hours, so will need some time for the full result to appear.

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.

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

It takes about 12 hours to set for a traditional spray tan, but it can take much less for an accelerated tan (anywhere from one to five hours), and 24 hours for both tans to fully develop.

What day does your fake tan look best?

We'd recommend tanning a couple of days before your special occasion. This will give your golden colour time to settle and offers an opportunity to rectify any potential mistakes. A well-applied tan will last for approximately 7 days with regular moisturising to lock-in your glow.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 many days before a wedding should I spray tan?

We recommend getting your spray tan 2 - 3 days before the big day. It's definitely best to avoid the wedding-eve as the tan will continue to develop for 24-48 hours, so will need some time for the full result to appear.

Should you moisturize after fake tanning?

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].

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.

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.

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 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.

Is it better to get a spray tan in the morning or at night?

Discuss with your spray tan artist what will work best for your schedule. Your Daily Routine: If your days are packed with activities, an evening appointment might be better. If you're less active during the day, a morning tan can fit seamlessly.

How do you get the best results from a spray tan?

Remember, a great spray tan starts with great preparation. So exfoliate, moisturize, dress wisely, and keep your skin product-free on the day of your session. Once you've got your gorgeous glow, take good care of it. Avoid sweating, stay hydrated, moisturize generously, and resist the urge to take hot showers.

What day is the best after a spray tan?

“Tans always look the best one to two days after they've developed because it takes a full 24 hours for the product to set, followed by the richest glow and color payoff, with ample time to rinse off the excess product so it's not overly saturated or pilling,” says DiMarchi.

Do spray tans look natural?

Your Tan Will Look Natural

In fact, many people have used at-home tanning products that have given them streaky, orange tans that don't look natural or attractive. Fortunately, you don't need to worry about any of these issues when you receive an airbrush tan.

What is the best self-tanner?

After extensive testing, we determined the highest rated self-tanner to be the St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse. It's an airy mousse that's easy to apply and blend and leaves you with a natural-looking glow. You can also customize the depth of color based on how long you leave it on your skin.

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.

What day does fake tan look best?

The Two-Day Rule: When it comes to tanning before an event, it is generally recommended to have a spray tan or apply your own tan two days prior to the occasion. The reason behind this is that all tans take approximately 24 hours to fully develop, even after rinsing off the initial bronzer.

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.

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.

Can I tan with hairy legs?

Can you self tan or spray tan with hairy legs? The answer is yes! I know it seems like the hair may get in the way, but it doesn't. This is also why I only tell people to remove unwanted hair before any fake tan application.

How to get rid of black pores after spray tan?

You can help your pores close quickly by switching your shower to cold for a quick blast of cold magic. Alternatively, if this sounds like your worst nightmare, you could rub something cold from the freezer over your problem areas so less self-tan gets into them.

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