When Can I Put Clothes On After Fake Tanning?
Applying fake tan can be intimidating – how long do you have to wait before you can get dressed? Here’s everything you need to know about when to put clothes on after a fake tanning session.
Typical Tan Times
The exact amount of time you need to wait before putting clothes back on after fake tanning will depend on the product you’ve used. Generally speaking, here are some typical waiting times:
- Lotion: 4 – 8 hours
- Spray: 4 – 6 hours
- Mousse: ~2 hours
- Wash off: 10 – 15 minutes
Bronzers can be tricky when it comes to time, as the actives are slightly different to the other products. Bronzers often won’t require the same long wait times that the other fake tan application techniques do.
What’s the Rush?
The idea of having to wait so long before getting dressed after a fake tanning session can be frustrating, especially for individuals with a busy schedule. The reason for the long wait periods is to allow the DHA enough time to set and develop on your skin, free from contamination from clothes.
If you rush the process and put clothes on too early, you may end up with streaks and patches in your tan as the clothes move and transfer the fake tan around your body.
Can I Put Clothes On Before The Allotted Time?
If you’re really in a rush or if you feel uncomfortable being unclothed for too long, there are a few tips and tricks that you can employ to foolproof the process and prevent streaking.
- Wear darker clothing – this will help to minimise any potential staining that can occur when the tan rubs off onto your clothing.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing – this will help to stop you from sweating and minimise the risk of your fake tan rubbing off prematurely.
- Keep covered at all times – if you can’t avoid putting clothes on before the allotted time, doing things like protecting your hair with a shower cap and wrapping yourself in a towel can help to prevent streaks.
The Bottom Line
It’s best if you can wait the recommended time to ensure that your tan develops properly, but if you’re in a rush there are some methods you can use to minimise the risk of streaks and patches. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you’re as informed as possible so you can achieve the best, streak-free results.