How Long Should You Leave a Spray Tan On?
Spray tans offer a quick and easy way to get a golden glow without spending hours in the sun or exposing your skin to harmful UV rays. But what many people want to know is: how long do you need to leave a spray tan on before your first shower? And what about rapid tans — are they really a good option for busy schedules? In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from how spray tans work to the benefits of rapid spray tans, including aussie glows’ 20-minute rapid spray tan, a revolutionary solution by the amazing Naked Tan.
How a Spray Tan Works
Spray tans rely on a key ingredient called Dihydroxyacetone (DHA). This is a colorless sugar compound that reacts with the amino acids on the surface of your skin, causing a browning effect. This reaction doesn’t happen instantly, though. It takes time for the tan to fully develop, typically between 12 to 24 hours, even though you can rinse the product off much sooner.
What Ingredients Are in a Spray Tan?
DHA (Dihydroxyacetone): The main active ingredient responsible for tanning your skin. DHA interacts with dead skin cells to produce a bronzed appearance that can last for several days.
Bronzers: Temporary pigments included in most solutions to give you an immediate glow. These wash off in the shower, leaving the DHA to develop into your final tan.
Hydrating Ingredients: Aloe vera, vitamin E, and essential oils are often added to moisturize your skin, ensuring the tan develops evenly and lasts longer.
How Long Do You Need to Leave a Spray Tan On?
For a traditional spray tan, you’ll need to leave the solution on for about 6 to 8 hours before rinsing it off. This gives the DHA enough time to react with your skin and start developing that beautiful, sun-kissed glow. Some people choose to leave it on overnight to achieve a richer color and for the convenience of not having to be in a spray tan before showering all day.
The Game-Changer: Rapid Spray Tans
Rapid spray tans are a fantastic option for people on the go who don’t have time to wait for a full 6-8 hours before showering. These tans use advanced DHA formulas that allow you to rinse off the solution much sooner—typically between 1 to 4 hours—depending on how dark you want your tan to be.
1 hour: Light tan
2-3 hours: Medium tan
4 hours: Deep tan
However, keep in mind that even with a rapid tan, your skin still needs 12-24 hours to fully develop. So, while you can shower much sooner, the tan will continue to darken and deepen over the next day.
Will a Rapid Tan Still Give Me Good Color?
Absolutely! Thanks to the high-quality DHA and other ingredients in rapid tan solutions, you’ll still get a beautifully developed tan. The only difference is how long you need to leave it on before rinsing off the product. Your tan will continue to develop after your first shower, so there’s no need to worry about sacrificing color or longevity.
Will a Rapid Tan Last as Long?
One of the most common concerns about rapid spray tans is whether they last as long as traditional spray tans. The good news is that yes, a rapid tan can last just as long! The longevity of your tan isn’t determined by how long you leave the solution on before rinsing but rather by the quality of the DHA formula and how well you care for your skin afterward. Both traditional and rapid spray tans rely on the same DHA reaction to develop color, so as long as you moisturize regularly and avoid excessive exfoliation, your tan should last anywhere from 5 to 10 days, just like a traditional spray tan. Whether you opt for a rapid spray tan or a standard one, the key to a long-lasting glow is proper preparation and aftercare—keeping your skin hydrated and avoiding products that strip the tan. You can read more about How to ensure an even tan on our blog.
The Benefits of Rapid Tans for Busy People
1. Time-Saving:
For those with busy schedules, rapid tans are a lifesaver. Instead of having to block out 6-8 hours (or an entire night) to let the solution sit, you can rinse off in just 1-4 hours. This makes rapid tans perfect for people on the go who need a quick solution before heading to work or an event.
2. No Need to Sleep in Your Tan:
One of the biggest advantages of rapid tans is that you can avoid sleeping in the sticky residue of a freshly applied tan. Sleeping in a spray tan can lead to stained sheets, that distinct "fake tan smell," and discomfort. With a rapid tan, you can rinse off before bed, meaning you’ll enjoy a clean, fresh sleep with no mess.
3. Stain-Free and Comfortable:
With a traditional tan, you risk transferring bronzers and DHA onto your clothes or sheets if you leave it on for too long. A rapid tan lets you rinse off before going to bed, so you don’t have to worry about waking up to stained pillowcases and you can get back to your normal routine much faster.
What Makes aussie glows Different?
In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, aussie glows stands out as the only spray tan service offering a 20-minute rapid spray tan. This rapid tan uses the innovative Naked Tan 20 minute tan solution, allowing you to rinse off in just 20 minutes! This is a game-changer for anyone with a packed schedule or those who simply don’t have the time to wait for a traditional tan to develop.
While many salons advertise rapid tan formulas with a 4-hour dry time (which is aussie glows’ classic formula), aussie glows offers the exclusive 20-minute rapid tan, which delivers incredible results without the wait.
Recap: How Long Should You Leave a Spray Tan On?
Traditional Spray Tan: Leave on for 6-8 hours before rinsing, but the tan will continue to develop over 12-24 hours.
Rapid Spray Tan (aussie glows’ classic spray tan): Leave on for 1-4 hours based on how dark you want the tan, and then rinse. The tan will still take 12-24 hours to fully develop.
aussie glows Rapid Spray Tan: Rinse off after just 20 minutes, and let your tan continue to deepen throughout the day.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re someone with a busy schedule or just want to avoid the hassle of sleeping in your tan, rapid tans are an excellent option. They offer the same stunning color and longevity as traditional tans but with the added convenience of a shorter waiting time before your first shower. With aussie glows offering the 20-minute rapid spray tan, you can achieve that perfect glow faster than ever!
Say goodbye to stained sheets, sticky nights, and long waits—with rapid tans, you’re ready to glow in no time at all!
