Can I shave after self tanning?

Author: Kristina Effertz  |  Last update: Thursday, October 16, 2025

You can shave after tanning without removing all your newfound colour. Just make sure you wait at least 8 hours, so your tan has had time to develop. Then shave with gentle pressure, using a brand-new razor and an oil-free wash or shaving foam that won't break down your faux glow.

Can you shave after fake tan?

It's generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours after getting a spray tan before shaving. This allows the tan to fully develop and set on your skin, reducing the risk of it fading or becoming uneven.

What not to do after self-tanning?

It is important not to wear tight clothing after applying fake tan as this can cause your tan to rub off or cause marks. This can make self-tanning in the morning more difficult as you must wear dark, loose clothing to avoid any transfer and you can't use deodorant or perfume.

Is it better to shave before or after tanning outside?

Remember to avoid exposing yourself directly to the sun immediately after shaving in order not to cause the skin further stress in addition to that of the razor; shaved skin is also generally lighter and therefore more sensitive to sunlight. So, better shave the day before.

Can I fake tan with hairy legs?

This is such a good question, and it makes sense as to why it is one of the most popular questions women have when it comes to self tanning or even spray tanning. Can you self tan or spray tan with hairy legs? The answer is yes!

HOW TO REMOVE HAIR WITH A FAKE TAN ON | TIPS AND TRICKS BY A PRO SPRAY TAN ARTIST

How do you shave your legs without removing fake tan?

Spray tan may fade slightly when shaving, especially if done immediately after the session. Waiting 8-12 hours before shaving and using gentle strokes can minimise the impact on the tan.

Can you tan if you're hairy?

It's time to squash a popular tanning myth… you don't have to wax or shave your entire body before fake tanning. While many people think that prior to applying any kind of tan, your body needs to be completely smooth and free of hair, that simply isn't the case.

Should you moisturize before fake tanning?

Moisturise Dry Areas

To keep the drier areas from going patchy, make sure you moisturise all over and pay extra special attention to these troublesome areas. Try to leave the moisturiser to sink in for at least half an hour before you start the application stage of your fake tan routine.

How do you close your pores after shaving?

The cold water will help close the pores and reduce skin inflammation. If you have time, you can soak a towel in cold water and place it on your face for a few minutes for even better results so you won't use the fateful phrase, "I get pimples after shaving" again.

Is it better to shave before or after a shower?

Shaving after showering

This is because the hot shower water cleanses your skin: the steam opens up your pores, flushing out the dirt that has accumulated since your last shower, and causes your hair follicles to soften - making it easier for you to enjoy a closer, more comfortable shave, with fewer passes.

How do you sleep after fake tan?

Use a fan or adjust the temperature in your room to ensure a comfortable sleeping environment. Sleep on dark towels: Placing dark towels on your bed where your body will come in contact with the sheets can help absorb any excess tan solution and prevent it from transferring onto your bedding.

How to get best self tan results?

Follow these steps:
  1. Exfoliate. Use a washcloth to exfoliate the skin prior to applying a self-tanner. ...
  2. Dry your skin. ...
  3. Apply in sections. ...
  4. Wash your hands after each section. ...
  5. Blend at your wrists and ankles. ...
  6. Dilute over your joints. ...
  7. Give your skin time to dry. ...
  8. Apply sunscreen every day.

Does fake tan still develop after a shower?

If you showered after just a few hours, you might notice your skin is not as tanned as you'd expected. Don't fret! Your colour will continue to develop and darken for a few hours (and a spray tan takes up to 24 hours to develop fully).

Why does fake tan not stick to my legs?

Is there any residue left on your calves from products like moisturiser, shaving foam or body oil? All these cosmetic products act as a barrier to fake tan and can prevent the skin from 'grabbing' colour.

How long does self-tanner last?

Self tanners can expect their golden hue to last between 7-10 days due to the natural turnover of skin cells. Or if you get a tan outside, you can expect your tan to fade in about the same amount of time at 7-10 days as well.

What is the cause of strawberry legs?

Folliculitis may cause the appearance of strawberry legs when hair follicles are inflamed, infected, or irritated. At first, the hair follicles may appear darker. If folliculitis worsens, your skin may become infected, turning red and even swelling.

Does rubbing alcohol close pores after shaving?

Alcohol is an astringent, which tightens pores. Some people swear by it as a way to tone and tighten the skin after cleansing. But a word of caution: “Alcohol can be drying, so it isn't the best choice for sensitive or acne-prone skin,” says Dr. Beers.

Can you fake tan after shaving?

Moisturise: After shaving, apply a gentle moisturiser to hydrate and soothe your skin. This step helps prepare your skin for the self-tanning product and ensures it goes on smoothly. Wait 24 Hours: Give your skin ample time to recover from shaving before applying the self-tanner.

How long after self-tanning can I sit down?

Now that your self-tanner is on, it's time to take care of it. Be patient and let it dry fully before you put on clothes, jump into bed, sit on the couch, etc. Essentially, leave it alone until it sinks in. This could take around 20 minutes.

How to get the perfect fake tan?

Here's the ultimate five-step skin prep routine that will majorly improve your fake tan game.
  1. STEP ONE: EXFOLIATE. We all want our fake tan to look believable, but the most tell-tale sign of an at-home job is patchiness. ...
  2. STEP TWO: MOISTURISE. ...
  3. STEP THREE: CLEANSE. ...
  4. STEP FOUR: MOISTURISE AGAIN. ...
  5. STEP FIVE: REFRESH.

Should you shave before or after tanning?

You can shave after tanning without removing all your newfound colour. Just make sure you wait at least 8 hours, so your tan has had time to develop. Then shave with gentle pressure, using a brand-new razor and an oil-free wash or shaving foam that won't break down your faux glow.

What is the best self-tanner?

After extensive testing, we determined the highest rated self-tanner to be the St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse. It's an airy mousse that's easy to apply and blend and leaves you with a natural-looking glow. You can also customize the depth of color based on how long you leave it on your skin.

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