What You Need to Know About Washing Hair After a Spray Tan

With summer in full swing, we’d be willing to bet you’d do just about anything for a seasonal glow if you don’t have one already. If you’re adamant about avoiding sun damage (as we all should be), going the sunless tanning route is the way to go. One option is a spray tan. Of course, if you plan to head to the salon, there are certain things you’ll need to know, like what do you do about washing hair after a spray tan. Below, find the answer with the help of seven tips for washing your strands without ruining your faux tan.

TIP #1. WAIT IT OUT

As a rule of thumb, you should wait for at least four to eight hours before showering so your tan can develop to its true color. Beyond that, it’s best to wait 24 hours before washing your hair. This will give your tan time to set fully. Showering and washing your hair too soon can result in washing your tan away in areas where the water hits, leaving you with a streaky tan. No thanks! Instead, wash your hair before getting your spray tan so you can be working with fresh locks right off the bat.

TIP #2. ALWAYS SHOWER

If you’re unfamiliar with the shower vs. bath debate, this is an easy one for you: shower! When it comes to washing your hair post-spray tan, showering is always the way to go. This is because when you take a bath, your shampoo and conditioner will end up in the water you’re soaking in. These hair care products, when sitting on your skin, can cause your tan to flake and peel away.

TIP #3. OPT FOR SULFATE-FREE FORMULAS

As far as the type of shampoo and conditioner you use, look for formulas that are free of sulfates, which are gentle on your hair and skin. Need a rec? Try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner, which are free of sulfates, parabens, and harsh salts.

TIP #4. PUT YOUR HAIR UP

Most of us don’t apply conditioner and rinse it out right away. In fact, it’s safe to say you probably allow your conditioner to sit on your length for a few minutes. But, if you have medium or long hair, you’ll want to avoid letting your conditioner-soaked strands lay on your skin. Instead, twist them up and secure with a claw clip while you let the conditioner sit. The same rule goes for any hair masks you apply as part of your shower routine.

TIP #5. AVOID YOUR SKIN

Speaking of not getting product on your spray-tanned skin, you’ll want to take care when rinsing your shampoo and conditioner from your mane. Rather than rinsing as you normally would and allowing the water to fall down your back, face your shower head and bend forward so that you can rinse your hair with the water going directly toward the drain, not on your skin. This can be slightly annoying, but trust us, it’ll be worth it!

TIP #6. RINSE THOROUGHLY

Of course, no one perfect. You’ll likely end up with some sort of residue on your body, no matter how careful you are. No need to panic! Just be sure to rinse well when you’re finished showering to ensure no shampoo or conditioner residue is left behind. Do so with lukewarm water as to not dry out your skin!

TIP #7: SUPPLEMENT WITH TANNING MIST

We all make mistakes. If one of yours is washing your hair too soon after a tan or letting your hair care products lead to streaks, you can use a self-tanner with a spray formula for touch-ups. We love the L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze™ ProPerfect Salon Airbrush Mist, which has a super-fine mist that dries evenly.

Next up: Now that you know the deal with your washing your hair after a spray tan, let’s move on to some other post-fake tan maintenance tips. Head on over to our article, How to Stop Sweat from Ruining Your Fake Tan.