Tan Rinsed Off During First Shower? Here’s What Austin Clients Should Know
- Aug 8, 2025
- 3 min read
Have you ever felt excited for your fresh spray tan, only to step into your first shower and see most of it wash right down the drain? If your tan rinsed off during your first shower, you’re definitely not alone — and it doesn’t mean your spray tan “didn’t work.”
At 360 Tans, we help clients in Austin figure out exactly why this happens and how to prevent it next time. Let’s dive in!
Why Does My Tan Rinse Off During My First Shower?
Spray tanning solution needs to penetrate the deeper layers of your skin to create a lasting, stained color. But sometimes, products on your skin — like lotions, oils, or certain body washes — act as barriers, preventing proper absorption.
Think of your skin like a sponge:
A dry sponge absorbs liquid quickly.
A wet sponge can’t absorb more — liquid just rolls off.
If your skin is too hydrated or has residue from products, the tanning solution sits on the surface instead of soaking in. That’s why you might see bronzer color before your shower, but end up with almost no tan afterward.
Questions We’ll Ask to Troubleshoot
When you let us know your tan rinsed off during your first shower, we’ll typically ask:
Did you have color before your first shower?
If you say no:Great! That’s an easy fix. We’ll simply take you darker next time. No absorption issue — just not enough color depth yet.
If you say yes:We’ll dig a bit deeper…
Did most of your color rinse off during that shower?
If you say yes:That’s a sign of an absorption issue.
Here’s how we explain it:
“Believe it or not, this usually means you have healthy skin! But it also means your skin isn’t absorbing the solution properly. Even if we spray you darker, it might still rinse off. Often, the tan feels extra sticky during development or even smears because it’s sitting on top of your skin rather than soaking in.”
How to Prevent Your Tan From Rinsing Off
Here’s how to fix absorption issues and keep your spray tan lasting longer:
✅ Use a Prep Scrub Before Your Appointment
At 360 Tans, we recommend our Prepare Scrub, which helps:
Remove oils, lotions, and residue from your skin
Balance your skin’s pH levels
Create the perfect canvas for DHA to absorb
We’ve had clients go from tans lasting just three days… to lasting over eight days after using Prepare!
How to use it:
Arrive 10 minutes early to your appointment and use it in the salon
OR apply it at home right before your spray tan
No pressure, but it can make a huge difference.
✅ Avoid Moisturizing Body Washes
Many popular body washes contain lotions or oils that leave a film on your skin. These can block the tanning solution from soaking in. Choose gentle, residue-free cleansers before your spray tan instead.
✅ Maintain Your Tan with Extend Lotion
After your tan, keep it looking fresh with NG’s Extend Lotion, which can make your color last up to 30% longer.
✅ Know What Won’t Help
Some clients ask if a pH balancing spray alone will solve this problem. Unfortunately:
pH spray will not fix an absorption issue caused by residue or overly hydrated skin.
Exfoliation with a proper scrub like Prepare is the key.
Your Tan Shouldn’t Disappear Overnight
If your tan rinsed off during your first shower, don’t be discouraged! It doesn’t mean your skin “can’t tan.” It just means we need to prep your skin differently.
At 360 Tans in Austin, we’re committed to helping you get a glow that looks gorgeous — and lasts. We’re here to troubleshoot, explain, and find the perfect solution so you never waste a spray tan again.
Book Your Next Spray Tan in Austin
Ready to give your skin the best chance at a long-lasting glow?Book your custom spray tan at Austin360Tans.com and let’s make sure you get the beautiful results you deserve!
Proudly Serving Spray Tanning Clients Across Austin
360 Tans helps clients prevent issues like tan rinsed off during first shower, serving clients from Westlake Hills, Rollingwood, Mueller, South Lamar, Cedar Park, and Barton Hills. Your perfect glow is always our goal!
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