How to Shower After Getting a Spray Tan

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: September 15, 2021 References

Getting a spray tan can increase your confidence and make you look more toned. However, after spending the money to get a beautiful bronze glow, the last thing you want is all that work washing down the drain! By keeping in mind a few simple rules, you can make your spray tan last as long as possible even after several showers.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Taking the First Shower

1
Allow your tan to develop after leaving the tanning salon. 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.^{[1]
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2
Rinse with warm water alone. Do not use soap or body wash before the 24 hour mark, as this will stop your spray tan from fully developing. You shouldn't wash your hair or scrub your skin.^{[2]
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- It is recommended to avoid shaving for at least 12 hours after your treatment.^{[3]
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3
Rub your skin gently in the shower. Do not scrub. The gentle rubbing will cause the top layer of your spray tan to rinse away. This is normal, as that layer is only cosmetic bronzer or the color guide the spray tan technician used when the tan was applied.^{[4]
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- Do not pee in the shower, as the ammonia in urine can cause your tan to streak.^{[5]
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4
Pat yourself dry with a towel. Scrubbing or rubbing too hard risks not just smudging your tan, but erasing it completely. Be as gentle with your skin as you can. Be careful if using a white towel, as some of your tan might transfer to the towel.^{[6]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Preserving Your Tan in Later Showers

1
Use paraben-free, sulfate-free, and alcohol-free products. Otherwise, your skin will dry out and your tan will flake away. Check the ingredient labels of your current shower products to see if they contain those chemicals.^{[7]
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- Common brands like Aveeno, Pantene, Garnier and Nexxus all sell sulfate-free and paraben-free shampoos and conditioners that should be safer for your tan.
- Ask your tanning salon technician what products are least likely to damage your tan if you still are unsure what products would be best.
2
Avoid long hot showers and cosmetic products with alcohol. Creams, lotions, and gels with high alcohol content can fade the tan or dry out your skin, causing your tan to flake off.^{[8]
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Research source} Long showers will speed up exfoliation and reduce your tan, as will swimming pools and salt water.^{[9]
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Refrain from using bar soaps, face toners, and moisturizers with mineral oil. These can lighten your tan and cause fading. Mineral oils are routinely used in many personal care products, so be careful to check the ingredients list of your cosmetics as well.^{[10]
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4
Press lightly when shaving. Use a new, sharp razor and a lubricant to further minimize physical friction on your skin. Shaving exfoliates skin, which will fade your tan. Therefore, a dull razor is more likely to remove your tan.^{[11]
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Research source}Body scrubs, loofahs, and mitts will also shorten the life of your tan.^{[12]
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5
Dry carefully with a towel after every shower. As with the first shower you take after receiving your tan, you should pat, not rub yourself dry. Rubbing acts as an exfoliator for both your skin and the tan, shortening the lifespan of your tan.