Rapid Tan vs 8 Hour Tan: Let’s Clear This Up

There’s a long running myth in the fake tan world that needs to be put to bed.

If a tan says “2 hour” or “rapid”, it does not mean you are fully tanned in two hours. It simply means you can rinse it off after two hours. The tan itself still needs time to develop, just like every other self tan on the market.

So let’s properly explain the difference between rapid tans and 8 hour tans and why all tans take up to 24 hours to fully develop, no matter how long you leave them on.

How Fake Tan Actually Develops

All self tans work the same way. The active ingredient reacts with the surface of your skin to create colour. That reaction does not stop once you rinse.

What actually happens is this:

• Colour begins developing while the tan is on your skin

• Development continues after you shower

• Your final shade takes up to 24 hours to appear

This is where most of the confusion comes from. Rinse time and development time are not the same thing.

What a Rapid (2–3 Hour) Tan Really Means

A rapid tan is designed for convenience, not instant results.

When a tan says 2 hour or 3 hour, it means:

• You can shower after that amount of time

• The longer you leave it on, the deeper the result

• Your tan will continue developing for the next 24 hours

You are not “done” tanning after two hours. You have simply finished the wear time.

Rapid tans are ideal if you do not want to sleep in tan, you are short on time, or you want control over how deep your colour develops.

What an 8 Hour Tan Means

An 8 hour tan is the more traditional option.

This means:

• You leave it on for around 8 hours, usually overnight

• You rinse in the morning

• Colour continues to deepen throughout the day

• Full development still takes up to 24 hours

The formula is not working faster or slower than a rapid tan. The only difference is how long you wear it before rinsing.

The Actual Difference Between Rapid and 8 Hour Tans

Here is the simple truth:

Rapid tans let you rinse sooner.
8 hour tans need longer wear time.

Both:

• Develop over 24 hours

• Use the same tanning process

• Reach their final colour at roughly the same time

The name refers to when you can shower, not when your tan is finished.

The Biggest Fake Tan Myth

The most common misunderstanding is this:

A 2 hour tan does not give you your final colour in 2 hours.

You might see some colour after rinsing, but that is not the end result. Your tan will continue to deepen, even out and settle over the next day.

Judging your tan straight after showering is one of the biggest mistakes people make.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose a rapid tan if:

• You want flexibility

• You do not want to sleep in tan

• You prefer rinsing before bed or going out

Choose an 8 hour tan if:

• You like overnight routines

• You want a set and forget option

• Sleeping in tan does not bother you

Neither option is better. They simply suit different lifestyles.

A Few Things That Apply to All Tans

No matter which formula you choose:

• Prep properly with exfoliation

• Moisturise dry areas before tanning

• Avoid sweating or water during wear time

• Wait the full 24 hours before judging colour

Good tan results come from patience, not panic rinsing.

The Bottom Line

Rapid tans are not magic. They do not skip the development phase.

They just let you rinse sooner.

Once you understand that, choosing between a rapid tan and an 8 hour tan becomes a lot simpler and your expectations will finally match your results.

Rapid Tan vs 8 Hour Tan: FAQs

Does a rapid tan develop faster than an 8 hour tan?

No. Rapid tans do not develop faster. They simply allow you to rinse earlier. Both rapid tans and 8 hour tans take up to 24 hours to fully develop.

Why is it called a 2 hour tan if it takes 24 hours?

The “2 hour” label refers to how long you leave the tan on before showering, not how long it takes for the colour to finish developing.

Can I sleep in a rapid tan?

Yes, you can. Leaving a rapid tan on longer will result in a deeper final colour. Just remember the tan will still continue developing after you rinse.

Will my tan get darker after I shower?

Yes. It is completely normal for your tan to deepen after you rinse. Colour continues to develop for up to 24 hours after application.

Is an 8 hour tan darker than a rapid tan?

Not necessarily. The final depth depends on the formula and how long the tan is worn, not whether it is labelled rapid or 8 hour.

When should I apply fake tan before an event?

Apply your tan at least 24 hours before your event. This gives the colour time to fully develop and settle for the most even result.