Summary
You’ve visited The Tanning Shop Ireland, and you’ve got your glow on with our luxurious automated spray tan. Now, how do you maintain it? There’s quite a bit you can do, and so we’ve prepared this guide to help keep your colour on track. Your tan is still developing for the first 24 hours after your appointment, and the choices you make in that window – from when you shower to what you wear home – decide how long your colour holds. Here we go through how long a spray tan lasts, when it’s safe to shower, and the simple aftercare steps that get you the most days out of your tan.
Your Tan's Colour Development Timeline
You no doubt followed our guide on How to Prepare for a Spray Tan before you booked your appointment, so you’ve given your tan every chance to develop beautifully. On top of that, our salons only use global tanning sensation Norvell®, which means you’re in for unbeatable, flawless results that keep on developing long after you leave. Find out what to expect, hour by hour and day by day:
0-6 hours | If you chose the Dark solution, then a guide colour is visible on the skin's surface - this is not your final shade, so don't judge your tan yet. If you chose a clear solution, your tan will develop without the initial colour, so make sure to give your spray a chance to develop. |
|---|---|
6-8 hours | The earliest safe point for a first rinse, if needed. The tanning solution is still actively developing on the skin, so avoid using any products or exfoliants, simply opt for lukewarm water. |
24 hours | Full colour development is complete. This is the true shade of your tan. |
Days 1-3 | Colour sits at its deepest and most even. |
Days 4-5 | Colour begins to soften naturally as skin cells turn over. |
Days 5-7 | Colour continues to fade gradually with normal skin shedding. |
How to Make Your Spray Tan Last Longer
A few simple habits make the biggest difference to how long your colour holds:
After the initial 24 hours, moisturise daily with an oil-free, fragrance-free lotion. Hydrated skin sheds more evenly, which means less patchiness as your tan fades.
Hold off on exfoliating for a minimum of 48 hours as tan develops - ideally leaving it for 5 to 7 days after your appointment. Scrubs, loofahs, and exfoliating cleansers all speed up skin shedding, which fades your tan.
Skip the razor for the first few days if you can, and shave in the direction of hair growth if you can't - shaving removes the top layer of tanned skin. Do not wax.
Keep showers shorter and cooler where possible, and limit time in chlorinated pools, hot tubs, or the sea, all of which strip colour faster than normal showering.
When Can You First Shower After a Spray Tan?
Wait at least 6 to 8 hours before taking your first shower, and ideally leave your tan for the full 24 hour development period if your schedule allows. This gives your colour time to fully develop and helps you achieve the best possible result.
If you do need to shower before the full 24 hours is up, keep it to a quick rinse with lukewarm water only and avoid using products, including exfoliants, shower gels, and soaps
When you shower for the first time, use lukewarm water rather than hot, and let the water run over your skin rather than scrubbing. You’ll see bronzer rinse away – that’s normal, and is just the cosmetic guide colour, not your actual tan washing off. Once you’re finished, gently pat your skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing to help protect and prolong your colour.
What to Wear After a Spray Tan (and What to Avoid Wearing)
Choose loose, dark-coloured clothing while your colour develops. Anything tight – bras, waistbands, socks – can rub against freshly-applied solution and leave friction lines or lighter patches where the fabric presses against your skin.
Avoid light colours until you’ve had your first shower, since spray tan solution can transfer onto fabric before it’s fully developed. Once you’ve showered and the colour has developed, your normal wardrobe is fine again.
For footwear, stick to open, breathable shoes such as sandals or sliders rather than trainers or anything with tight straps. Enclosed shoes and ankle socks are one of the most common causes of visible tan lines around the feet.
How to Make a Spray Tan Last Longer - Do’s and Don’ts
Keep your spray tan prep and aftercare all in one place with our handy dos and don’ts checklist to easily refresh yourself before every appointment.
Before Your Spray Tan
Do:
- Exfoliate and moisturise 24 hours before your appointment (use an oil-free moisturiser)
- Shave or wax at least 24 hours in advance
- Arrive with clean, product-free skin (no makeup, deodorant, perfume, or lotion)
- Apply barrier cream to hands, feet, elbows, knees, and nails
- Wear loose, dark clothing
- Use the provided hair net and sticky feet during your session
Don’t:
- Shave, wax, or exfoliate on the day
- Apply lotion, makeup, perfume, or deodorant before your appointment
- Use oils or oil-based moisturisers
- Wear tight clothing, bras, or socks immediately after
- Touch or rub your skin before the drying cycle finishes
After Your Spray Tan
Do:
- Wait 6–8 hours before showering
- Rinse with lukewarm water only for your first shower
- Pat skin dry gently
- Moisturise daily with a lightweight, oil-free lotion
- Stay hydrated to help your tan fade evenly
Don’t:
- Exfoliate for 5–7 days
- Use oil-based products or harsh soaps
- Spend long periods in chlorinated pools or hot tubs
- Worry if your tan looks darker before rinsing — this is just the colour guide that will wash away
Spray Tan Aftercare FAQs
Does a spray tan develop after shower?
Yes. Your spray tan will continue to develop for up to 24 hours after your appointment, including after your first shower if you shower in this period.
Avoid showering for the first 6–8 hours. If you shower between 6 and 24 hours, keep it to a quick rinse with lukewarm water only and avoid using products on your skin.
What shoes should I wear after a spray tan?
Open, breathable shoes such as sandals or sliders. Trainers and anything with tight straps or ankle socks can create visible tan lines while your colour is still developing.
Can I shave or wax after my spray tan?
It’s best to avoid shaving for the first few days. Shaving removes the top layer of skin, which takes your tan with it. If you need to shave sooner, go gently and in the direction of hair growth. Do not wax after a spray tan remains as this will immediately remove any colour.
Can I go swimming or to the gym after a spray tan?
Give your tan at least 24 hours before swimming, using a sauna, or doing anything that makes you sweat heavily. Chlorine, salt water, and sweat all speed up fading.
Can I use my normal moisturiser after a spray tan?
The best spray tan aftercare means sticking to an oil-free, fragrance-free formula. Oil-based moisturisers can break down the tan and cause it to fade unevenly. For best results, use a specific tan extender lotion like our Hemp Nation moisturisers by Australian Gold – formulated to lock in and enhance colour between salon visits.
Top Up Your Tan in Dublin
Now you’ve seen what can be achieved, you’ll probably want to maintain the colour. It’s easy – spray tanning is available at our Dundrum, Greystones, and Tallaght salons, with online booking and the same automated VersaSpa Pro booths every time. If you’re closer to Clarehall or Finglas, those stores offer UV tanning rather than spray tanning.
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