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

Author: Claudia Ferry  |  Last update: Saturday, December 6, 2025

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.

Is 12 hours too long to leave a spray tan on?

Traditional Spray Tan: Leave on for 6-8 hours before rinsing, but the tan will continue to develop over 12-24 hours. Rapid Spray Tan (aussie glows' classic spray tan): Leave on for 1-4 hours based on how dark you want the tan, and then rinse. The tan will still take 12-24 hours to fully develop.

What happens if you leave fake tan on for 24 hours?

While you might wake up looking super bronzed, the reality is that your skin is likely stained by the cosmetic bronzer that comes off during the first rinse. This may look pretty for a day or two, but it will lead to some nasty, uneven fading.

Can I shower 20 hours after spray 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.

Can you work out 12 hours after a spray tan?

How long should I wait to exercise after a spray tan? You should wait 8 to 12 hours after spray tan before working out.

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

Can I shave 12 hours after a spray tan?

Spray tan may fade slightly when shaving, especially if done immediately after the session. Waiting 8-12 hours before shaving and using gentle strokes can minimise the impact on the tan.

Will sweating ruin a spray tan?

Take A Break From The Gym

It's recommended to stay off the treadmill for at least 12 hours after you leave the salon. The newer the tan, the more vulnerable it is, and sweating can lead to unwanted streaking.

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.

Can I get a pedicure 24 hours after a spray tan?

You can get a pedicure after your spray tan has set in (so wait a day) just be sure they do NOT use exfoliating scrub or hot towels on your legs.

Can I sleep in my spray tan overnight?

If you've recently gotten a spray tan and you're wondering how to sleep without ruining it, here are some tips to help you maintain that beautiful bronzed glow overnight: Wear loose, dark clothing: Opt for loose-fitting, dark-colored clothing to sleep in after getting a spray tan.

When to wash hair after spray tan?

Don't wash your hair in your first shower after your tan. The chemicals in the shampoo and conditioner can affect your tan, so wait at least 24 hours before washing your hair.

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 makes fake tan develop faster?

Use a hairdryer. Once you have the perfect coverage, grab your hairdryer to help it set. 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.

Can I wear a bra 12 hours after 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.

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.

Can I leave my fake tan on for 12 hours?

Self Tan should ideally be left to develop between 4 to 8hrs (excluding Express) before showering off the tinted guide color to reveal your natural-looking tan. The developed color will then last between 3 and 10 days, depending on which product was used and how the tan is maintained.

What's the longest you can leave a spray tan on?

Ideally, you want to have a shower between 6-12 hours after your spray tan. If you do it sooner then you risk washing some of the solution off whilst it is still developing. If you leave it too long then you risk developing noticeable streaks.

What happens if you wait 24 hours to shower after a spray tan?

If you wait 24 hours you will see the optimal results. Showering sooner may diminish the intensity of the tan. If you tan using an instant cosmetic bronzer like a bronzing lotion, the instant cosmetic color will wash off in the shower, but the color produced by the DHA will remain.

Did you get your nails done before or after a spray tan?

- Make sure to complete any manicures and pedicures the day before your airbrush tan treatment if you choose to do so. Do not get them on the same day as your tan - soaking your hands and feet in the water before your spray tan will result in an uneven color.

Why does it look like my spray tan washed off?

What you have washed off in the shower are the bronzers which your spray tan technician used as a guide to ensure that they sprayed every part of your body the same gorgeous shade of brown. It's a common misconception with rapid tans that your tan develops by the time you have rinsed.

Should you moisturize after the first shower after spray tan?

DO NOT MOISTURIZE UNTIL THE TAN HAS TOTALLY DEVELOPED. We recommend you wait at least 12 hours after receiving your tan, before moisturizing to ensure it has fully developed. Continue to avoid bar soaps.

What body wash is best for spray tan?

Clear body wash or soaps like DIAL, IVORY, LEVER 2000, IRISH SPRING or ZEST are recommended. LOTIONS Avoid any oils or lotions that use mineral oil (petroleum), baby oil, coconut oil, and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (which is found in most body washes).

What will ruin a spray tan?

Maintaining proper skin hydration is crucial for prolonging the life of your spray tan. Apply a mild, hydrating moisturizer daily to prevent dryness and flakiness. Steer clear of products containing harsh chemicals or exfoliants, as they can prematurely strip away your tan.

Why do my armpits smell after fake tanning?

That funky sunless-tanner smell (which has been described as somewhere between the odor of burning flesh and cat pee) is due to the chemical reaction taking place between your skin and the key ingredient in sunless tanners — dihydroxyacetone (DHA).

Does baby powder ruin fake tan?

Johnson & Johnson Calming Baby Powder.

It won't streak, smear, or change the color of your self-tanner—but it will absorb oil and odor so you don't feel sticky or get self-tanner marks all over your clothes (or sheets).

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