Spray tanning is a popular way to achieve a healthy-looking, sun-kissed glow without exposing oneself to harmful UV rays. However, many people are unsure about how long they should wait before showering after getting a spray tan. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide some tips for maximizing the lifespan of your spray tan.
How long to wait to shower after spray tanning?
The amount of time you should wait before showering after spray tanning depends on the product used and the application method. In general, it’s recommended that you wait at least 8 hours before showering or getting wet. This allows the DHA enough time to fully develop and bond with the skin.
If you get a rapid-developing spray tan, you may be able to shower sooner, typically within 1-4 hours after application. However, it’s essential to follow the instructions provided by your technician or read the label carefully to avoid washing off the solution too soon and compromising the results.
It’s also important to note that hot water, soap, and excessive scrubbing can fade your spray tan faster than normal. Therefore, when showering after spray tanning, use lukewarm water and a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser. Avoid using exfoliating scrubs, loofahs, or rough towels, which can strip away the color.
What happens if you shower after a spray tan?
Your tan can be good for nothing if you take your shower right after the session. Most of the golden glow will wash away and the tan will lose its effectiveness.
Also, your skin will have brown stains all over. You don’t want that to happen after spending so much time and money on it, right?
So, you have to wait a few hours before taking a shower. The best way of getting a tan is to get it applied in the evening and take a shower the next day morning. In that way, your tanning is safe and you get a shower in your regular time!
Washing hair after a spray tan
Most people get confused when they are told not to shower for a few hours about if they should wash their hair after a spray tan.
You are strongly recommended to wait a few hours for showering as well as washing your hair.
However, if you really need to wash them, there are some rules you should follow. First of all, make sure that your shampoo and conditioner are completely sulfate or hard salt-free. It will prevent most of your tan from washing away.
Moreover, you should try to avoid your skin while rinsing the shampoo and conditioner away and keep your hair up after you are done so that the water doesn’t continue to slide through.
Rinse the water as slow as you can. In case you made a mistake and washed away a little of your tan, don’t freak out. You can always use a self-tanner with a tan formula to touch up the damaged parts.
How to shower after a spray tan?
Just like I mention earlier, you have to wait for 8 hours before taking a shower. The longer you take, the better, but don’t take more than a day!
After you have waited for a few hours, you still can’t jump into the shower since it’s your first one after the tan. You will have to follow some techniques so that your tan doesn’t fade away.
- No matter how exhausted you are the first shower you take after a spray tan should be a warm water rinse.
- That means you can’t use any soap, body wash, or scrubbing.
- Using a soap before 24 hours can stop your tan’s development and you will not get the expected tan color.
All you have to do is quickly pour some warm water, rinse the water gently with your hands, and come out!
- Moreover, make sure that the products you use after your shower are paraben and sulfate-free. Also, avoid using any kind of alcohol or dyes that might make your skin dry.
- Lastly, always pat yourself dry after showering rather than rubbing yourself. Rubbing can smudge your tan, or worse, erase it wholly. So, you should always be gentle with your skin to get better results.
- An extra tip is using a quality moisturizer after the post-spray shower. A moisturizer keeps your skin nourished as well as maintains a good tan color. Also, applying moisturizer after a tanning session helps to regain the moisture that your skin loses in the process. It’s best to use products that contain hyaluronic acid which does an excellent job of keeping your skin soft and smooth.
Does spray tan develop after the shower?
This is a very common question among those who had their first spray tan ever.
If you are having the first shower after your spray tan, you will probably see some golden glow washing away. Like I said earlier, there’s nothing to be worried about. This is just the extra bronzer washing-off.
However, your tan does develop after a shower like it’s supposed to do. Your spray tan will keep developing even after your shower and will be fully developed in like 6-8 hours. So, don’t worry!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wait 24 hours to shower after a spray tan?
How long you should wait after a spray tan session depends a lot on how dark you want your tan to be. If you want a light tone, generally, 4-8 hours is fine. Overnight will make your tan darker.
Now imagine how dark you can get by waiting 24 hours before showering!
So, if you want a very dark-colored tan then you are free to wait for 24 hours before showering. However, never wait for more than 24 hours. You might get some unexpected results and colors!
Can I use body wash after a spray tan?
No. No matter how much you need to wash your body with soap, never use anybody wash right after a spray tanning session.
You should know by now that using body washes can wash away your tan or damage the process. So, to avoid all that you are strictly recommended not to body wash after a spray tan.
However, after your first post spray shower, you can use sulfate-free body washes for the rest of the days. But make sure those are completely paraben and sulfate-free. You don’t want to roam around with tan stains, do you?
Can I wash my face after a spray tan?
No, you can’t. When you are told to wait for 8 hours before showering after a spray tan session that also includes not washing your face for the same hours.
After you have already taken your first shower, you can wash your face as well. Washing your face early can as well damage your tan just like showering.
So, if you want to have a good glowing tan color, refrain from washing your face. You can apply makeup though. But can’t wash your face immediately!
Will Swimming affect my tan?
Definitely, it will. You can’t jump into the water right away after you have just got your spray tanning. Too much contact with water will not only damage the development of the tan but also wash it away completely. That is why you are supposed to wait before showering too!
So, you are strictly discouraged to swim after your tan session. Otherwise, it might affect your tan in a way you might not want to encounter!
Can I use anything after my first shower?
You can use moisturizing lotions to keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and nourished. Also, some moisturizers help your tan to last longer.
You can most probably use them. However, be sure to use products that are sulfate-free and does not contain any strong chemical. Without those, you are good to go!
Final Thoughts
Spray tanning is one of the quickest beauty services in summer that gives you a beautiful glowing bronze tone. But washing off spray tan too early is not the kind of beauty service you want in the summer. So, it’s better to wait than watch your money wash away with the water.
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