Shaving right before a spray tan can cause irritation, leading to redness or sensitivity when the spray solution is applied. Freshly shaved skin has open pores, which can cause the spray tan to settle unevenly, creating a dotty effect.
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.
If you self-tan immediately after shaving, your skin can react to the ingredients in your self tanner, creating a similar rash to razor burn. Additionally, your self tanner can ``cling'' to your open pores, causing that strawberry legs-look. PS - If you suffer from razor burn or strawberry legs, try this shave cream.
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.
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.
A dull razor will remove your tan. Be aware that spending any time in a hot tub, swimming pool, or the ocean—or even taking a long hot bath—can cause your Airbrush Tan to prematurely fade. Do not use aerosol or oil-based sunscreen! The chemicals in them will ruin your Airbrush Spray Tan.
Many people rinse only 1 hour before and will get a nice outcome, however the best rule is 2–4 hours prior to your tan. After showering, rub your body dry with a towel for a little bit of extra exfoliation. Exfoliate 8 to 24 hours before your spray tan for the best outcome.
After tanning, you will produce a little bit of sweat, but that's it. There is no reason to shower right away because water does not affect the tan. This is another myth that has been around for ages. The truth is, showering right after getting a tan will not cause staining of your skin.
Do not wear makeup, perfume, deodorant or oil-based soaps and lotions when attending the session. These can interact with the tanning solution and create an uneven tan. However, do lightly moisturize your knees, elbows, and ankles beforehand to prevent these areas from appearing darker than the rest of your skin.
If you're wondering when the optimal time is to shave before applying self-tanner, we suggest aiming for approximately 24 hours before.
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.
You can help your pores close quickly by switching your shower to cold for a quick blast of cold magic. Alternatively, if this sounds like your worst nightmare, you could rub something cold from the freezer over your problem areas so less self-tan gets into them.
It may not seem that way, but you can successfully spray tan people with hairy bodies. In fact, you should treat them just as you would a client with little or no body hair. They just need to make sure they exfoliate properly to ensure they'll get the best results.
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.
When you're in the tanning 'tent' (a one-person pod with an open front) the therapist will usually start by applying the formula, dispersed through a spray gun, to your face. As advised, take a deep breath and close your eyes.
Your skin needs some time to settle post shaving (and exfoliation) and applying tanner to freshly depilated skin can cause irritation. It can also allow tan to settle into your open follicles and give your pins an odd, dotty appearance.
Exfoliate: This is the golden rule of spray tanning. Exfoliating your body a day before your session helps get rid of dead skin cells, which can otherwise lead to a patchy tan. Use a spray approved body scrub or an exfoliating mitt, paying special attention to rough areas like elbows, knees, and ankles.
Moisturize ahead of time
If your skin is dry when you go in to get your spray-on tan, there's a chance the pigment could cling to dry patches, resulting in a blotchy, uneven tan. Prior to your appointment, make sure your skin is adequately hydrated from head to toe.
Please note: the tan will continue to develop even after the shower, so do not be alarmed if you're not as tanned as you expect to be. The tan will continue to develop over the next 12-24 hours.
After sun exposure, your skin begins to produce melanin, which is responsible for the tan. This process can take up to 48 hours to fully develop. So, don't be discouraged if you don't see immediate results. Once your tan has developed, it will be at its peak for about two weeks.
Fair skin can tan under the sun, but only with care. Start with short, consistent exposure, about 10-15 minutes a day during safer times like early morning or late afternoon. Always wear sunscreen (yes, even when aiming for a tan) and reapply it as directed.
Shave or wax at least 24 hours before your spray tan for the best results.
No, you don't have to be naked when you spray tan. While some people prefer to be nude to avoid tan lines, you have the option to wear whatever is most comfortable for you—like a swimsuit or underwear. During your tan, bronzer could transfer to your clothing but don't worry!
If you wash your hair on the day of your spray tan, you risk your shampoo and conditioner ruining your spray tan, especially if you're a bride with an open-back dress. It's best to wash your hair a couple of days before your spray tan and ensure you exfoliate your skin and back leaving up to your appointment.