What to Do After a Spray Tan for the Best Results in Austin
- 12 hours ago
- 3 min read
If you’re wondering what to do after a spray tan, the way you care for your skin after your appointment is what determines how your tan actually looks over the next several days.
In Austin, where heat, sweating, and daily activity can impact your skin, proper aftercare is essential to keeping your tan even, natural, and long lasting.
What to Do After a Spray Tan Right Away
Right after your appointment, your tan is still developing.
During this time:
Avoid getting wet
Avoid sweating
Wear loose, dark clothing
Your tan will continue developing over the next several hours, and how you treat your skin during this window matters.
Watch How Your Skin Develops
One of the most important parts of what to do after a spray tan is simply paying attention to your skin.
A good way to think about it is like how an apple oxidizes.
Once your tan is applied, it continues to develop and deepen over time. That means:
Your color may get darker before your first shower
Even after rinsing, your tan can continue developing
What This Means for You
You want to shower when you feel comfortable with your color, keeping in mind:
You may still darken slightly after rinsing
Waiting too long can lead to a deeper result than intended
Your First Shower Is the Most Important Step
If there is one step you do not want to skip, it is your first shower.
During this shower:
Keep water lukewarm
Keep it short
Avoid scrubbing aggressively
Most importantly, you want to remove all of the cosmetic bronzer.
Why This Matters
If bronzer is left on the skin, it can:
Sit unevenly
Cause staining
Lead to patchy fading
That is why we recommend starting your first shower with Polish.
Polish helps remove that top layer so your tan fades evenly and stays smooth.
Use the Right Body Wash Daily
After your first shower, your daily routine matters just as much.
Using the wrong body wash can:
Dry out your skin
Break down your tan
Cause uneven fading
Using a pH balanced cleanser like After Bronze helps:
Maintain your tan
Support your skin
Prevent dryness
This keeps your results looking consistent day after day.
Hydration Is Key to a Longer Lasting Tan
Hydration is one of the biggest factors in how your tan looks and how long it lasts.
If your skin is dry, your tan will fade faster and less evenly.
Internal Hydration
Drink plenty of water
Add electrolytes if needed
External Hydration
Use a daily lotion like Hydrate, which is alcohol free and designed to support your skin without drying it out.
Keeping your skin hydrated helps your tan:
Fade evenly
Maintain a smooth appearance
Last longer
How Long a Spray Tan Lasts and How to Maintain It
Most spray tans last around 7 to 14 days, depending on your skin and routine.
At 360 Tans, we also have clients who choose to tan weekly.
In those cases:
They allow their tan to fade slightly faster
Then maintain a consistent glow with regular appointments
This is a personal preference and can be adjusted based on your lifestyle.
How to Get the Best Spray Tan Results in Austin
If you want the best results, what you do after your appointment matters just as much as the tan itself.
At 360 Tans, we guide every client through aftercare so their tan:
Develops properly
Fades evenly
Looks natural the entire time
You can learn more about our services here:https://www.austin360tans.com
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about what to do after a spray tan, the goal is simple.
Protect your tan while it develops, remove the bronzer properly, and keep your skin hydrated.
When you do that, your tan will:
Look better
Last longer
Fade naturally
Serving Areas
We proudly serve clients in:
Austin
Westlake Hills
Bee Cave
Cedar Park
Round Rock
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