Skin Preparation: Shaving isn't just about hair removal; it's a form of exfoliation. By shaving a day before applying self-tanner, you ensure that your skin is smooth and free of any dead cells. This smooth surface allows the self-tanner to go on evenly and helps it adhere better to your skin.
Definitely shave about 24 hours before. That way, it acts to exfoliate dead skin and remove hair which will leave you with a smoother tan later. If you wait until afterwards, then you'll be taking off the top layer of the tan and it won't be as dark or last as long :)
Prepare Your Skin
You'll want to shower, shave and exfoliate at least a day before your tan (preferably two!).
Remove Body Hair
However, do not remove body hair too soon before your session. When you shave or wax your skin, your pores open up. If you wax or shave right before your session, you will go in before your pores close up, and the spray tan will get into your pores and leave you with dark dots.
Hair removal cream should be used 24 hours in advance before applying fake tan. Use hair removal cream 24 hours in advance of fake tanning. Too many chemicals on your skin at once can lead to excessive irritation.
Don't worry, there is no need to completely shave and remove your beard or other unwanted hair. Just a few snips to shorten unruly growth will make the job simpler and ensure the self-tan clings to your skin rather than your hair.
Key takeaways. Avoid tanning beds and minimise sun exposure for at least 2 weeks before and after undergoing treatment. You can continue to have laser hair removal if you have a tan, but make sure to book a patch test for 2 weeks post-tanning to find out whether it's safe.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Keeping the skin cool prior to tanning can help reduce strawberry legs as warmth can open the pores.
Avoid shaving immediately before your spray tan session. Ideally, shave 24 hours prior to allow your skin to recover and avoid any potential irritation. Exfoliate gently: If you're shaving before tanning, gently exfoliate your skin using a mild scrub or exfoliating glove.
Shaving exfoliates the skin, leaving it supple and ready for bronzing, so it should be done before self-tanner is applied, just not right before since shaving can open pores and create cuts.
Can you self tan or spray tan with hairy legs? The answer is yes! I know it seems like the hair may get in the way, but it doesn't. This is also why I only tell people to remove unwanted hair before any fake tan application.
You should exfoliate your skin prior to shaving, as exfoliating first can help prevent the razor from becoming clogged with dead skin cells (which can reduce its effectiveness). In other words, exfoliating first is a serious pro tip for a closer shave.
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.
In the same way as in those with darker skin tones, melanin in tanned skin causes 'off-target' absorption of laser light. Although the laser settings can be adjusted to accommodate darker skin, this can result in less effective hair removal and might mean that more sessions are required to achieve your desired results.
A: It's best to wait at least 8-12 hours before washing your hair to prevent water from running over your tan too soon.