Is it okay to leave spray tan on overnight?

Author: Dr. Christian Kub  |  Last update: Monday, December 1, 2025

If you have chosen the Regular developing solution, it is recommended that you wait 8-12 hours to rinse off depending on desired result. This will allow your tan to fully develop. It is fine to leave the Airbrush Spray Tanning solution on overnight and rinse in the morning.

What happens if I leave my spray tan on overnight?

Some people like to sleep in their rapid solution to get an extra dark color, however it is not recommended. Leaving on your solution over the recommended time can cause dry skin or the color becoming too dark or brassy.

Can I sleep with my spray tan on?

Yes, you can sleep in a spray tan. However, it's important to be cautious of the DHA percentage and how long your spray tan artist tells you to wait until you shower.

Is it bad to leave fake tan on for 12 hours?

Optimal Time to Shower After a Fake Tan

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 long is too long to leave on a spray tan?

Optimal Tan Development: Understanding the Timeframes

For a Light Tan: Leave the tan on for 2-4 hours, then shower. For a Medium Tan: Leave the tan on for 4-6 hours, then shower. For a Dark Tan: Leave the tan on for 6-8 hours, then shower.

HOW TO REMOVE SELF TANNER | LAURA BEVERLIN

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.

Will sitting after a spray tan ruin it?

To ensure you get the best results from your spray tan and protect it effectively: Allow Time to Dry: After your spray tan, give yourself ample time to let it dry completely before sitting down. This will help minimize any risk of smudging or unevenness.

Will sleeping in self-tanner mess it up?

We all perspire while we sleep, and if you go to bed with a fresh sunless tan, where there is skin-on-skin contact it can cause a transfer of tan.

What's the longest you can leave fake tan on?

Once applied, you can wash the tan off after just 1 hour, but for a deeper long-lasting tan leave on your skin for up 8 hours. It really is personal choice. You might have to test it out a few times to work out what suits you the best! For a deeper glow, we recommend letting your tan develop for 6-8 hours.

When to wash off spray tan?

Rinse Instructions

If you have chosen the Regular developing solution, it is recommended that you wait 8-12 hours to rinse off depending on desired result. This will allow your tan to fully develop. It is fine to leave the Airbrush Spray Tanning solution on overnight and rinse in the morning.

What happens if you don't wash off fake tan?

what happens if i forget to shower off the tan? the longer you keep the tan on, the darker it will get. however, some skin types may experience discoloration (looking a bit orange or yellow) if left on too long past around 8 hours. you may also get a streaky tan as you're more likely to rub or wash off some sections.

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.

Will wearing glasses mess up a spray tan?

You will need to remove eyeglasses during a tan and need a protective case to hold the items during the process. If you want to remove contact lens, then have a case available. Some people like to wear contact lenses during a spray tan, but you should discuss this with an optometrist.

Is it OK to sleep in a spray tan?

Sleeping in your spray tan

Wear loose, dark clothing: Opt for loose-fitting, dark-colored clothing to sleep in after getting a spray tan. Tight clothing can rub against your skin and cause the tan to rub off unevenly. Dark clothing will also help to mask any potential smudges or stains that might occur while you sleep.

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 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.

Is it OK to leave fake tan on overnight?

For those who want a more subtle, slight colour lift that looks so natural you can hardly tell you're faking it… then leaving fake tan on overnight is risky.

What happens if I leave my spray tan on longer than 12 hours?

The longer you leave your tan on, the more time the solution has to develop on your skin. Showering too early will make your tan streaky or splotchy. However, make sure not to leave your tan on for more than 24 hours. It is recommended to wait 6-24 hours before your first shower.

How to make a spray tan look natural?

How To Prepare for a Spray Tan the Right Way
  1. Exfoliate and shave 24 hours before tanning. ...
  2. Moisturize ahead of time. ...
  3. Paint your nails in advance. ...
  4. Watch what you wear. ...
  5. Skip makeup. ...
  6. Skip the scented skincare. ...
  7. Listen to the pros. ...
  8. Keep your skin tone and shade in mind.

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.

What happens if I leave the tanologist on overnight?

You can apply it in the morning and be sure to have the best glow for the afternoon or even leave it overnight for a deeper tan! It leaves a really soft skin and does not transfer anywhere. That's so cool, no more worries about white clothes or breakdown. I absolutely recommend it for a natural and cool glow!

Do self-tanners damage skin?

Are sunless tanning products safe? Bronzers, self-tanners and spray tanners have not been shown to pose a health risk and are considered safe to use – if they're applied correctly and carefully. They should only be applied externally to the skin and should not be used near your lips, mouth and nose or around your eyes.

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.

What should you not do after a spray tan?

One of the crucial don'ts of spray tanning is bathing or swimming right after tanning. When you've had newly-tanned skin, you need to avoid making any contact with water, moisture, or even sweat. So, make sure you stay away from showers for the recommended amount of time or until your tan has fully developed and dried.

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!

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