A spray tan provides a temporary bronze color using a solution containing Dihydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA is a colorless sugar that reacts with amino acids in the dead cells of the skin’s outermost layer, the stratum corneum, to create a tanned appearance. The waiting period before the first shower allows this chemical reaction to fully take place and the color to develop.
The Standard Waiting Period
For a traditional, full-development spray tan solution, the recommended waiting period before the first rinse is between eight and twelve hours. This timeframe is necessary for the DHA to complete its reaction with the skin’s proteins. Showering too early washes away the DHA before it bonds, resulting in a lighter, uneven, or streaky tan.
Waiting too long can also negatively affect the final color; the maximum recommended time is generally 24 hours. Leaving the solution on the skin for an excessive period can lead to over-development, which may result in a color that appears unnatural or has an undesirable orange tone. Adhering to the 8-to-12-hour window ensures the best color depth and longevity.
When to Rinse Express and Rapid Tans
Express or rapid-rinse solutions offer a shorter waiting window. These specialized formulas contain a higher concentration of DHA or include accelerators that speed up the initial reaction time. This allows the client to rinse off the cosmetic bronzer in as little as one to four hours after application.
The exact rinse time is determined by the desired depth of color, with shorter times yielding a lighter tan and longer times resulting in a darker shade. The tan color continues to develop on the skin for up to 24 hours after the initial rinse. Waiting past the technician’s recommended maximum time can cause the color to over-develop, leading to a patchy or overly dark result.
The First Shower Process
The first shower after the development period is a quick rinse to remove the temporary cosmetic bronzer. This rinse should be performed using only lukewarm water, as hot water can prematurely strip the developing tan and cause it to fade unevenly. The shower should be brief, lasting only a few minutes until the water running off the body is clear.
Avoid using soap, body wash, or shampoo during this initial rinse, as these products can halt the DHA development process. The color washing down the drain is simply excess bronzer and does not mean the actual tan is being removed. After exiting the shower, the skin must be gently patted dry with a soft towel rather than rubbed, which prevents the newly developed color from being exfoliated or streaked.
Precautions Before Your First Rinse
During the development period, several activities must be strictly avoided to ensure an even color. Any contact with water, including rain, washing dishes, or crying, can cause the solution to run and create noticeable streaks or patches.
Sweating must also be prevented, meaning strenuous exercise, saunas, and activities that induce perspiration are off-limits. Sweat can cause the tan to develop unevenly or lift the solution from the skin. Furthermore, avoid wearing tight clothing, such as bras, jeans, or fitted shoes, as the friction can rub off the solution and result in white marks or uneven color development.