Streaky Spray Tan in Austin? Here’s Why It Happens After Your Shower (And How to Fix It)

Natasha
9 hours ago
3 min read

There’s nothing worse than getting your spray tan, feeling gorgeous—and then seeing streaks after your first shower. If you’re Googling “streaky spray tan Austin,” you’re definitely not alone.

At 360 Tans, we help clients prevent and fix this common issue. Let’s explain why it happens, how to avoid it, and why the body wash you use makes all the difference!

How to Fix a Streaky Spray Tan Austin Clients Experience

Wondering how to solve a streaky spray tan Austin clients sometimes experience? Here’s the inside scoop on why it happens and how to prevent it.

Why Does a Spray Tan Look Streaky After Showering?

A streaky tan after your shower usually isn’t your real tan coming off. Instead, it’s almost always related to:

✅ Not rinsing off all the cosmetic bronzer.

✅ Using the wrong body wash during your first shower.

Let’s break it down…

✅ The Cosmetic Bronzer vs. Your Real Tan

Spray tans contain two things:

Cosmetic bronzer: Instant color that lets you leave the salon glowing. This washes off during your first shower.
DHA: The active ingredient that stains your skin and develops your true tan color over 8–24 hours.

When you shower:

You’re supposed to rinse off the cosmetic bronzer completely.
If you don’t, leftover bronzer can cling to certain areas, making your tan look streaky, dirty, or uneven.

Your true tan is still developing underneath—but streaks make it look like the tan “didn’t work.”

Why Regular Body Washes Can Make It Worse

Many popular body washes (like Dove or bar soaps) are:

Too creamy or oily
Leave residue on your skin
Not designed to rinse away bronzer properly

They can actually smear the bronzer around instead of washing it off cleanly. This leads to:

Streaks or dark patches
Color collecting in skin creases
Uneven fading over the next few days

How to Avoid a Streaky Spray Tan After Showering

Here’s how we help our Austin clients avoid streaks:

✅ Rinse Thoroughly

During your first shower:

Use lukewarm water.
Let the water run over your body until it’s clear.
Gently use your hands to help rinse off bronzer—no scrubbing yet!

✅ Use Polish – Our Recommended Body Wash

We recommend replacing your regular body wash with our exclusive Polish scrub. It’s:

✅ A fine-grain sea salt scrub that gently removes cosmetic bronzer.

✅ Packed with oils like avocado oil, sesame oil, and sweet almond oil that hydrate without stripping your tan.

✅ Designed to remove only the bronzer—not your real tan.

✅ Free of harsh acids and ingredients that speed up skin cell turnover.

Unlike Dove or other creamy washes, Polish won’t cause streaks or blotchiness.

✅ Avoid Heavy Scrubbing Right Away

During your first rinse:

Skip loofahs or rough washcloths.
Avoid exfoliating aggressively until later in your tan cycle.

Polish is gentle enough for daily use and won’t force your tan off faster.

Why Polish is Better Than Regular Body Washes

Here’s why our clients love Polish:

✅ Removes leftover bronzer without damaging the developing tan.

✅ Keeps skin smooth and hydrated, preventing dry patches.

✅ Helps your tan fade evenly rather than cracking or streaking.

✅ Contains mint essential oil for a refreshing, cooling feel.

Dove and similar soaps can leave films on the skin and don’t help remove bronzer properly. Polish is designed specifically for sunless tanning.

What to Do If You Already Have Streaks

Don’t panic! If your tan looks streaky after your shower:

✅ Gently rinse again using Polish to remove extra bronzer.

✅ Avoid scrubbing too hard or using harsh soaps.

✅ Wait a few hours—often, the color evens out as your real tan develops.

If you’re still unsure, call us! We’re always happy to troubleshoot and help you fix streaking issues.

Why Austin Clients Trust 360 Tans

At 360 Tans, we:

✅ Specialize in troubleshooting spray tan problems.

✅ Use our background in spray tan esthetics to keep your glow flawless.

✅ Recommend products like Polish that protect your investment.

✅ Hand-apply every tan for precise, even coverage.

Your tan is more than color—it’s your confidence!

Book Your Spray Tan in Austin Today

Want to avoid a streaky spray tan in Austin? Book your next custom spray tan with the experts at 360 Tans.

Book online today at Austin360Tans.com and discover how we help you glow evenly, every time.

Proudly Serving Spray Tanning Clients Across Austin

360 Tans proudly helps clients avoid a streaky spray tan in Austin, serving clients from Westlake Hills, Rollingwood, Mueller, South Lamar, Cedar Park, and Barton Hills. Let’s keep your glow looking perfect!