Should you wear socks after spray tan?

Author: Ezra Altenwerth I  |  Last update: Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Wearing shoes or socks after your spray tan can cause the solution to rub off and ruin your tan OR it can oxidize and deepen the color to an unnatural tone. Instead, wear flip-flops to your appointment, and avoid wearing socks or shoes until after your first shower.

How long after spray tan can I wear socks?

All of these can rub lines into your feet and around your ankles. Definitely not cute in the summer or before your beach vacation. The basic theme here is that we DO NOT want you to put on any article of clothing that is going to rub your tan for the first 10 hours after your spray tan was applied.

What do you wear on your feet after a spray tan?

Swap Socks and Shoes for Flip Flops

On the other hand, flip-flops can minimize friction and reduce your chances of getting weird tan lines on your feet that can easily give away a fake tan! As a plus, they're also easy to carry with you to the spa and won't take a lot of space in your purse or bag.

What should I wear to bed after a spray tan?

What is the best position to sleep in after a spray tan? Wear long, loose clothes to bed. Use long, loose pajama pants and a long, loose T-shirt. Cover your whole body to prevent overdeveloping in one area and underdeveloping in another. Touch your clothes rather than your skin to avoid staining.

What are the do's and don'ts after a spray tan?

After your tan, you should wear loose-fitting clothing so your tan doesn't rub off or look uneven. The perfect outfit is a long, black t-shirt dress and sandals. You'll want to avoid wearing anything tight, like jeans, leggings, yoga pants, socks, or sneakers.

How to change your skin color without the sun. Real color: no sprays, tanning beds, or creams.

What will mess up a spray tan?

Loofahs, washcloths, brushes, and body washes with microbeads are all going to hasten the tan's departure. Your first shower after your spray tan will likely result in a puddle of colored water around your drain, but this is normal. As you leave the shower, make sure to pat yourself dry with the towel, don't rub.

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.

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.

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.

When can you shower normally after spray tan?

To ensure the DHA (the tanning agent) has enough time to react with your skin for a rich, even color, we recommend waiting at least 12 hours before your first shower.

Can you go on a walk after a spray tan?

For the first 24 hours post-spray tan, stay away from activities that could make you sweat excessively or involve water exposure. This includes vigorous workouts, swimming, and even washing dishes without gloves. Sweat and water can dilute your tan, causing it to fade unevenly.

How to make a spray tan last longer?

The easiest way to make your spray tan last longer is to keep topping it up. A gradual tanning lotion will keep your skin hydrated, while also enhancing your tan a little more each day.

Should I get my toes 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.

How do you fix your feet after a spray tan?

Lemon juice contains citric acid and Vitamin C, which aids in lightening the skin and removing excess spray tan color. You can use it directly on your hands or feet or combine with baking soda to create a mild exfoliant aimed at cutting through patchy color.

Does wearing socks prevent tanning?

Socks prevent your feet from tanning/sunburn and also enhances blood circulation. Complications associated with skipping wearing socks: Wearing socks keeps your foot moisturized and prevents it from drying which causes conditions like athlete's foot.

When can I put a bra on after a spray tan?

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. During this time, it's best to wear loose, dark-colored clothing to minimize the risk of the tan transferring or rubbing off on your clothes.

Can I wear socks after spray tan?

Wearing shoes or socks after your spray tan can cause the solution to rub off and ruin your tan OR it can oxidize and deepen the color to an unnatural tone. Instead, wear flip-flops to your appointment, and avoid wearing socks or shoes until after your first shower.

What to wear on feet after spray tan?

The pressure and rubbing on your feet can cause streaks and remove freshly applied solution. To avoid the smudge, choose loose, open-toed sandals like flip flops or slip-ons without a heel. Also, don't wear socks or tights on a freshly tanned foot!

How can you mess up a spray tan?

Often, patchy results are due to one of three things: improper skin prep, the application technique, or how you care for your skin post-bronzing. Typically, you'll want to cleanse and exfoliate your skin before applying self-tanner or getting a spray tan. You'll also want to moisturize prior to application.

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.

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.

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!

How many showers does a spray tan last?

A spray tan on lighter skin tones might last for about 5 days, medium shades can last between 7-8 days, and darker shades can last up to 10 days. To be safe, we say that your spray tan will last anywhere between 5-7 days, depending on your spray tan care routine.

How much do spray tans cost?

Like most beauty services, these tend to be more expensive in big cities and metropolitan areas compared to suburban areas. For example, Bennett says that at her salon (which has locations in Scottsdale, Arizona and Los Angeles, California), spray tans start at $55 in Arizona and $110 in Los Angeles.

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.

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