How Long Should You Leave Fake Tan On For?

January 25, 2026 Zoe Klein

How Long Should You Leave Fake Tan On For?

Choosing how long to leave your fake tan on can feel confusing. One brand says one hour, another says overnight, and suddenly you’re standing in your bathroom wondering if you’re about to glow or regret everything.

At Ohh My Glo, we believe your tan should fit your glow goals, whether you love a subtle bronze or ultra dark drama. The good news is, there is no one-size-fits-all time. It all depends on the depth of colour you want and the self tan you’re using.

Here’s exactly how to time your tan for flawless results.

Light Tan (1 to 2 Hours)

Best for:
• Fair skin tones
• First-time tanners
• A natural, everyday glow

A light tan is perfect if you want a subtle boost without looking like you’ve just returned from a holiday. Leaving your tan on for 1 to 2 hours gives you a soft, sun-kissed finish that enhances your natural skin tone rather than changing it dramatically.

Pro tip:
If you are new to self tan, always start here. You can build colour later, but it’s harder to take it away.

Medium Tan (2 to 4 Hours)

Best for:
• Most skin tones
• Weekend glow
• Balanced, noticeable colour

This is the sweet spot for most Ohh My Glo babes. A 2 to 4 hour development time gives you a rich, even tan that still fades beautifully without going patchy.

Pro tip:
If you want a tan that looks amazing for events but still feels natural during the day, medium is your go-to.

Ultra Dark Tan (4 to 8 Hours)

Best for:
• Experienced tanners
• Events, holidays and nights out
• Deep, rich colour lovers

Leaving your tan on for 4 to 8 hours delivers your darkest results with maximum depth and glow. This is for those who love bold bronze and want their tan to truly pop.

Pro tip:
Ultra dark does not mean slathering on more product. It means giving the formula enough time to fully develop.

What Happens When You Rinse?

One of the most common mistakes people make is judging their tan too early.

When you rinse:
• The bronzer washes off
• Your colour underneath continues developing
• Your final shade appears over the next 12 to 24 hours

Always rinse with lukewarm water and avoid using body wash or moisturiser for the first 24 hours. This allows your tan to keep developing properly and prevents premature fading.

Aftercare: The Secret to a Long-Lasting Tan

How your tan fades is just as important as how it develops.

To keep your glow looking flawless:
• Moisturise daily
• Avoid exfoliating too early
• Pat skin dry instead of rubbing
• Use a setting spray before developing to reduce stickiness and transfer

Pro tip:
Your tan fades better when your skin stays hydrated. Dry skin = patchy fade.

A Note on Timing and Your Ohh My Glo Tan

Different formulas develop differently. While these timing guides are a great starting point, always follow the timing instructions on your Ohh My Glo Self Tan mousse for the best results.

Your perfect tan is personal, and we design our products so you can customise your glow to suit you.