What happens if I shave 2 hours before spray tan?

Author: Prof. Ervin Paucek I  |  Last update: Tuesday, October 28, 2025

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.

Can I shave 2 hours before spray tan?

If you are shaving, you need to shave 24 hours before any fake tan application. If for whatever reason you cannot do that, finish with cold water after shaving to close your pores. Have you ever had brown spots get stuck in your pores? This is from shaving or exfoliating right before a fake tan. Don't do this.

Can I fake tan a few hours after shaving?

If you are shaving, you need to shave 24 hours before any fake tan application. If for whatever reason you cannot do that, finish with cold water after shaving to close your pores. Have you ever had brown spots get stuck in your pores? This is from shaving or exfoliating right before a fake tan. Don't do this.

What will mess up a spray tan?

Loofahs, washcloths, brushes, and body washes with microbeads are all going to hasten the tan's departure. Your first shower after your spray tan will likely result in a puddle of colored water around your drain, but this is normal. As you leave the shower, make sure to pat yourself dry with the towel, don't rub.

Can I exfoliate 2 hours before spray tan?

Exfoliate 24 Hours Before: For best results, do your exfoliation at least 24 hours prior to your spray tan appointment. This allows your skin to settle and reduces the risk of irritation.

Should You Shave Before a Spray Tan

What happens if you exfoliate too close to spray tan?

Exfoliating too close to your tan can leave your skin sensitive, and it can also cause pores to open, potentially trapping tanning solution and causing tiny dark spots known as “strawberry legs”. Aim to exfoliate at least 12-24 hours prior to your appointment for the best results.

What happens if you exfoliate right before self tanning?

While many of us also shave before tanning, your most essential pre-tan prep is a thorough exfoliation. This will remove dead skin cells and create a smooth, radiant canvas that allows an even application. And promotes a flawless, natural-looking tan.

What ruins fake tan?

As sweat is acidic, it can cause self tan to break down when left to sit on the skin.

How to fix green armpits after spray tan?

The good news is that the discoloration is temporary and will fade as your spray tan naturally wears off. In the meantime, you can try gently scrubbing the area with soap and water or using a gentle exfoliating scrub to help speed up the fading process.

Why won't my legs tan but my arms do?

Compared to the rest of the body, skin on the legs does not produce the same amount of melanin, which results in legs getting less tan. Skin on the legs is thicker and harder and the UV light from the sun or sunbeds cannot easily penetrate it.

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.

Can I tan 1 hour 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 soon after shaving can you fake tan?

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.

Should I put lotion on before a spray tan?

DAY OF YOUR APPOINTMENT: Do not apply any lotions, oils, deodorant, perfumes, or makeup. All of these can create a barrier on your skin that the tan may not adhere to. If you have the time, take a cool water shower with soap immediately before you come to make sure all products are washed off of your skin.

Is it OK to use tan that has gone green?

If you notice your fake tan has a green hue to it, then do not apply it. If you do accidentally apply it, wash it off immediately and then use a gradual fake tan, which has a lighter colour, to use as your tan afterwards.

How to get rid of bad bo after spray tan?

Shower. If you notice a stink and want your tan to last, you may have to stick out the smell for a few hours. But, rest assured that once the tan has developed, you can wash away the smell in the shower with a pleasantly-scented body wash.

Will my spray tan get darker overnight?

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).

Does baby powder help spray tan?

Johnson & Johnson Calming Baby Powder.

It won't streak, smear, or change the color of your self-tanner—but it will absorb oil and odor so you don't feel sticky or get self-tanner marks all over your clothes (or sheets). It's so effective, I've even started getting spray tans on the way to the office.

Will spray tan come off in the pool?

Chlorine, commonly found in swimming pools, can potentially affect the life of your spray tan. The chemical reaction between chlorine and the tan solution may lead to faster fading. While salt water is generally gentler than chlorine, prolonged exposure may still impact the tan's duration.

Can you just spray tan your legs?

If you only want to tan your legs or your upper body and face you can opt for a half body spray tan. This could be perfect if you have a wedding or event coming up and want your legs to glow in a new dress.

Can I shave 2 hours before spray tan reddit?

Yes, exfoliate the skin and then shave right before tanning. That will help ensure an even application and then if you can get away with not shaving for a few days again, you'll be fine.

How to make fake tan look natural?

  1. Step 1 - Exfoliate your Skin. Having gorgeous, clean skin is great but not if there are lots of dead skin cells determined to cling onto it! ...
  2. Step 2 - Cleanse your Skin. Before applying fake tan it's vitally important to have clean skin. ...
  3. Step 3 - Moisturising. ...
  4. Step 4 - Take care of your Hair Line and Eyebrows.

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.

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