Why am I not dark after my spray tan?

Author: Carlo Hagenes  |  Last update: Thursday, December 11, 2025

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!

Why does my spray tan not look dark?

If it is not coming out dark while spray tanning, first, check that you're spraying at the correct distance from the body. With our spray tan equipment's refined turbine technology, we recommend spray tanning from a 7-12 cm distance for a streak-free non-sticky tan.

How to make your spray tan darker?

How to achieve the darkest tan possible with spray tan? Use favorite solution with mixed base. Add tan drops for color boost. Use a few extra drops for a deep tan. Ask for dark tinted Malibu double legs hydration. Tan at least once a week. Stand on a towel to prevent feet from being orange. Apply lotion on dry spots.

Why am I not tan after a spray tan?

If your client rinsed off before the 8-12 hour requirement then chances are they will not have received any lasting tan whatsoever. It's hard news, but they'll have to come back in for another spray tan.

Why isn't my tan getting darker?

There are several reasons your tan might not be fading as expected: Skin Type: Different skin types retain tans differently. If you have more melanin in your skin, your tan may last longer. Sun Exposure: Continued sun exposure can prolong the appearance of a tan.

FIRST SPRAY TAN & WHAT TO EXPECT

Why does fake tan not work on me?

Make Sure Skin Is Completely Dry

Most experts recommend showering before applying self-tanner as this is the best way to ensure skin is clean and free of any oils or products that could interfere. But it's important not to rush into tanning straight away.

How to make fake tan develop darker?

Give the spray tan a full 24 hours to develop first. As I mentioned in the intro, 24 hours after applying self-tanner, you can also apply a buildable, gradual self-tanning lotion to deepen your tan; this also helps prolong it.

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.

Does spray tan get darker next day?

It's just the surface solution washing away. Your skin may appear lighter than expected at first, but the tan will continue to develop over the next 12-24 hours.

Does spray tan look better after a shower?

Q1: Will My Fake Tan Look Better After I Shower? A: Yes! Showering helps remove excess bronzer and allows the DHA to continue developing. Skin appears cleaner and more radiant after a proper rinse.

What to do if spray tan is too light?

To further even out your spray tan, reach for a self-tanner— specifically one that goes on bronze instead of clear. “If your spray tan is in a mess with light patches, you will need a self-tanner, preferably with a guide color (built-in bronzer), that way we can precisely see where we need to apply,” says Evans.

Does layering fake tan make it darker?

**Risk of Over-Tanning**: Applying a second layer can lead to a much darker and potentially unnatural appearance. This may result in an uneven or patchy finish, especially in areas where the product tends to gather.

How do you maximize a spray tan?

These important after-tan tips can help your tan last longer and look better:
  1. Wait to shower for at least 4-8 hours after your spray tan, but no more than 24 hours after.
  2. This includes staying away from all moisture, including working out, cleaning, lotions, and liquid foundation.

How do you get the darkest spray tan?

If you leave the spray tan on for longer than 2 hours before showering it will simply develop further and achieve a deeper, darker 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.

Why is my spray tan gone after a shower?

Peta Jane Beauty self-tanning products need a minimum of 6 to 8 hours to fully absorb and react with the skin. If you shower or sweat immediately after application, or before the tanner has fully dried, you risk washing away the product, resulting in a less-than-perfect tan.

Does fake tan get darker the longer you leave it on?

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.

Is it better to leave spray tan on overnight?

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.

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.

Why is my fake tan not going dark?

Not applying self-tanner to super-clean skin

For the actives in your self-tanner to do their job properly, they need to be applied to clean skin. This means skin free from deodorants, fragrances, and body lotion – unless you're actually a fan of a patchy tan…

What ruins a spray tan?

Look, it's important to keep your skin moisturized to extend the longevity of your spray tan, but some ingredients will actually strip your tan away instead of boosting it. Oils, for example, are a huge culprit. So, as much as you love your coconut oil for head-to-toe moisture, save it as a hair treatment instead.

Does shaving mess up a spray tan?

Spray tan may fade slightly when shaving, especially if done immediately after the session.

What if my spray tan isn't dark enough?

1. Your tanning solution had a low DHA content. Dihydroxyacetone, better known as DHA, is the most commonly used color chemical in tanning solutions. The darkness of a spray tan is determined by the amount of DHA the tanning mist contains, as well as other factors including the color base.

How to get a super dark tan?

6 Top Tanning Tips for a Darker and Long-lasting Tan
  1. Exfoliate your Skin prior to Tanning. ...
  2. Keep your Skin Hydrated and Moisturised. ...
  3. Apply a sunbed cream or tanning accelerator prior tanning.
  4. Remove any kind of makeup and other cosmetic products. ...
  5. Choose foods that accelerate tanning.

Do you look skinnier with a tan?

Similarly to how dark clothes can help you look slim, a tan can bring definition to the body, helping you look and feel thinner. Areas of the body that you tend to worry over and feel self-conscious of can become more defined with a spray tan and help you to look your very best.

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