Your spray tan care is important for keeping your bronzed glow for as long as possible. Care for your tan starts even before you step into the studio, and it extends past the tan itself. In this blog, we’ll answer some of the most common questions, such as “when can I shower after a spray tan?”, “how should I shower after a spray tan?”, and more.
Let’s learn more about showering after your spray tan and explore some spray tan tips to make your glow last as long as possible.
When Can I Shower After a Spray Tan?
One of the most common questions people ask after getting a spray tan is “when can I shower after a spray tan?”. We recommend waiting at least 4-8 hours after your spray tan before you shower for the first time, but don’t wait more than 24 hours.
When you shower for the first time after getting a spray tan, you’ll probably see some golden glow wash down the drain, but don’t worry! You’ll still look as bronzed as ever when you get out. This is just some of the extra solution washing off your skin.
When we say wait at least 4 hours after your spray tan to shower, we also mean stay away from all moisture. This includes working out and sweating, moisturizing your skin, putting on liquid foundation, or anything else that might get your tan wet. These first few hours are super important as your tan develops and any excess moisture might prevent the solution from adhering to your skin properly.
How do I Shower After a Spray Tan?
Now that you understand when you can shower after a spray tan, let’s talk more about the actual shower itself. If you like a long, hot, sudsy shower, we have bad news for your spray tan. When showering after a spray tan, you should only use warm water, oil-free body wash, and ideally, you’d make it quick.
Another tip when showering after your spray tan is to not scrub your body too harshly. There’s a time and place for exfoliating, like when you’re ready to say goodbye to your tan and prepare your skin for a new one. But, showering right after getting a spray tan is not the time for harsh scrubbing or exfoliating. Instead, gently use the back of your hand with an oil-free body wash to rinse the surface solution off. Avoid bar soaps or soaps that strip your skin with harsh chemicals.
When you get out of the shower, make sure to pat yourself dry instead of rubbing. Now that you’re so fresh and so clean, you can moisturize to lock in that tan. We recommend moisturizing twice a day to really give yourself that bronzed glow.
What are Some Other After Care Tips I Should Know?
We’ve covered everything about showering after your spray tan. Now, let’s look at some other post-spray tan care tips to help you be bronzed and beautiful for up to two weeks:
Get all of your other beauty services, like nails, waxing, or a massage before your spray tan.
Wax at least 24 hours before your appointment. Wax can stay on the skin, making it difficult for your spray tan to hold.
Exfoliate in the shower at least 4 hours before your spray tan. This helps the tanning solution adhere to your skin, but it also gives your pores enough time to close back up for an even color.
When you’re exfoliating, make sure to use an exfoliator that’s oil-free and made from organic ingredients.
Shave at least 4 hours before your appointment.
When you come to your appointment, make sure you don’t have any lotions or makeup on.
Moisturize in the morning and at night after getting a tan.
From day 3 on, use our Tan Extender as your primary moisturizer.
To preserve your tan, avoid swimming, long showers, baths, steam rooms, and saunas.
Don’t be afraid to “top off” your tan with some tinted moisturizers. Just make sure that the color is the same as your Be Bronze tan. Highlighter and bronzer also help you keep that glow for longer.
Don’t exfoliate until you’re ready to say goodbye to your current tan and hello to your new one.
Getting a spray tan is one of the quickest ways to feel more beautiful (especially when you get a tan that actually helps your skin). Many people wonder “when should I shower after a spray tan?” and we’ve answered that here. In addition, we’ve also provided tips and tricks on how exactly to shower (avoid hot water! Gentle washing only! Moisturize!). These after-tan care tips will help you make the most out of your tan. We can’t wait to see you in the studio.