Does spray tan develop after shower? Does it get darker? Does it lighten up after you take a shower, or does the water wash off the colour and make it go away?
If you want to maintain your perfect, sexy-looking skin tone, then make sure to read this blog post!
We’ll go over everything you need to know about how long is too long before taking a shower following your spray tan application, as well as other do’s and don’ts of maintaining your new look.
How long does it take for a spray tan to develop?
Do you know when a spray tan develops? The answer is: it takes about 12-24 hours for the colour to develop, so your skin will continue to darken over time.
If you shower or swim before the tan has developed, the water will wash away some of the colour and make it look lighter than intended.
Does spray tan develop after shower?
“Do you find yourself wondering if your spray tan will develop after showering? I know that question has crossed my mind more than once! Well, the answer is yes.
The colour of your skin can change when it comes in contact with water and soap, which may cause a loss of instant tanning effects. But don’t worry- this isn’t permanent!”
“The best way to maintain the colour from your last spray tan application is by applying moisturizer or oil before taking a shower, as well as avoiding hot water and harsh soaps.”
“So go ahead: take those long showers without worrying about ruining your beautiful new hue.”

Does spray tan lighten after I shower?
Yes, it will lighten a bit if you shower right when the spray tan has been applied and has not yet developed into your skin’s natural colour.
How to Shower After A Spray Tan
A spray tan is a great way to look bronzed and beautiful for your summer holiday, but what do you do when the need arises to take a shower?
If you were sprayed in the morning, then it might be best to wait until after your first few hours of sleep. However, if it’s been more than 12 hours since your application, we recommend following these steps:
- Remove all clothes from the area that was sprayed.
- Scrub any areas that have not already been rinsed off with soap.
- Take a long shower and rinse off any residue left on skin or hair.
- Apply moisturizer as needed!
The best way to shower after a spray tan is with lukewarm water because hot or cold water will cause your skin’s colour to change. The key is not to use soap and only use a gentle moisturizing body wash like the Dove® sensitive skincare product line.
Does showering affect spray tan?
If you’re worried about the spray tan coming off in the shower, don’t be. It’s actually not a problem! The colour will stay on your skin and won’t rub off while scrubbing away first thing in the morning. You might want to avoid soap, but that’ll depend on what kind of soap you use.
Soap with oils or moisturizers can remove some of the colour from your skin. For this reason, it’s best to stick with soaps without those additives if you really want to keep your paint job intact and vibrant all week long.
Do and don’ts of a spray tan?
Use a gentle moisturizing body wash such as Dove® sensitive skincare product line in lukewarm water for your daily shower or bath with no soap; this will keep your skin looking fresh and will not change the colour of your spray tan.
- Take a shower before bedtime to remove any sweat or oil so that you don’t transfer it onto your sheets and ruin your sleep; this is especially important if you are prone to acne.
- Wear loose clothing, preferably made with breathable materials like cotton fabrics, while you are getting your spray tan and the day after.
- Don’t go in the sun within 48 hours of getting sprayed for extra protection against fading! If you get too much sun on top of being tanned, chances are it’ll fade quicker than you want it to.
- Don’t drink alcohol for 24 hours before or after a spray tan to avoid staining the skin’s natural colour.
What should I do the day before my spray tan?
The night before, exfoliate the skin with a loofah or body scrub to remove dead cells from the top layer of skin; it is also best not to use any lotion because it will create an uneven surface.
What are Some Other After Care Tips I Should Know?
You’re finally looking your best after a long day of tanning, but you don’t want to be the one with that weird hot pink hue on your skin for days. What are some other aftercare tips I should know about spray tan?

Make sure you use sunscreen and avoid getting wet while you wait for the spray tan to set in. You also need to wear loose clothing over top of it and make sure not to scrub or exfoliate too much so as not to rub off any colour.
The key to maximum longevity and enjoyment of your spray tan is to avoid any lotion, soap or alcohol on the skin after the application so that it will keep its colour longer.
How do I stop my spray tan from going patchy?
Spray tans can naturally go patchy and start to fade because of the body’s natural oils. Use lukewarm water and moisturizer such as Dove® sensitive skincare product line before bedtime after your spray tan has fully developed.
How long should I wait for different tan shades?
Spray tans are designed to last up to three days, but if you want your hair colour to stay true for longer, it is important not to wash your hair or get any water on the spray tan.
Face:
In order for a face mask to remain effective long-term, make sure you avoid washing off masks with hot water and instead use cold.
Gums or Teeth:
If you have gum disease or sensitive teeth, take care when brushing around these areas after getting a spray tan because they will be more prone to sensitivity in this area and bleed from the overuse of toothpaste containing peroxide, which can cause discolouration of skin tone. This includes whitening toothpaste.
Nails:
The oils from your skin will mix with the dye in nail polish and may cause stains on your nails, so we recommend wearing gloves to avoid this if you have a spray tan!
How do you stop a spray tan from transferring onto your clothes?
There are a few ways to prevent your spray tan from transferring onto your clothes. For example, you can rub your hands with baby powder before touching any surface as it will absorb the excess oil and then wipe them off on a towel.
Another way is to wear gloves when applying lotion or moisturizer so that you don’t transfer any of the oils on your hands onto clothing.
The easiest way to keep colour off of clothes is by wearing garments made of materials that won’t stain easily, such as cotton, silk or polyester.
What To Wash With Before Your Spray Tan
You’ve just gotten a spray tan and are wondering what to wash with before your next shower. What should you use? What about during or after? There’s no need to feel stressed out; here are our tips for washing before, during, and after your first shower following a spray tan application:
Before Your First Shower – Wash with soap on the areas of skin that will be covered by clothes post-tanning to avoid transfer onto clothing while in contact with the skin.
During Your First Shower – Rinse off any residue from the solution used for your tan, as well as dirt and dead skin cells that may have accumulated on your skin over time.
After Your First Shower – Immediately after your shower, apply a moisturizer to encourage skin hydration.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that a spray tan will develop after showering if it was applied correctly. If you have any questions about how your body reacts when it comes to contact with sunless tanners or what kind of preparation you need to do beforehand, feel free to ask us for help! We’re here to provide all the information on getting ready for an event where skin colour might make a difference.
FAQ
How Long After A Spray Tan Can You Shower?
You can shower after 12 hours, but it is best to wait until the next morning.
Should I Leave My Spray Tan On Overnight?
You should not leave your spray tan on overnight.
Will My Spray Tan Get Darker Overnight?
It shouldn’t get darker, but it may lighten a bit.
Does Spray Tan Rub Off If You Sweat?
If you are wearing clothes that will rub off your tan, then it is possible for the colour to come off.
How Do You Sleep After A Spray Tan?
Spray tans will last up to two weeks on average, but it is best not to lay in bed as this can transfer colour onto your pillow and sheets.
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