Can You Shave After a Spray Tan?

You just left the tanning salon after getting a spray tan. You’re looking good and feeling good, until you notice that you forgot to shave your legs before your tanning session!

Of course, the immediate question you’re having is “can I shave after getting a spray tan?” If you’ve spray-tanned before, you probably know you’re not supposed to shower for a few hours while the tanning formula works its magic. Do the same rules apply to shaving?

I’m here to address your concerns. 😉

A Little Background About Spray Tanning

Spray tanning is a form of sunless tanning, in which a mist containing Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is sprayed all over the body to give you a tan. Meanwhile, shaving is the process of removing your hair and a little sheet of the upper layer of your skin using a razor. Whereas one covers your skin with a darker tone, the other strips a thin layer. However, both involve the skin and tanning.

Grooming is an important part of the process of getting a spray tan—it involves exfoliating the skin and shaving unwanted hair. Shaving not only removes the hair, but also cuts off dead skin cells, aiding the tanning solution to glide smoothly on the skin. Hence, it is advisable to exfoliate before getting a tan. 

Shaving prepares the skin to absorb chemicals and allows the specialist to work on a smoother skin. But, what if one shaves after getting a spray tan?

Shaving Before vs. After a Spray Tan 

We all agree that spray tanning is a delicate process. Although simple, there are many important points to keep in mind to get the best possible results. One of them is shaving. 

People often ask if it is advisable to shave before or after getting a spray tan. The answer is yes, you can shave before and after getting a spray tan. However, there are certain information you have to take into account.

Firstly, there is a difference between shaving before and after getting a spray tan. 

Shaving before spray tanning would exfoliate your body. This would give a smooth pallet for your tan, and remove dry and patchy skin that can result in uneven skin. 

On the other hand, shaving after getting a spray tan would remove unwanted hair, but it would also scrape off your tan, making it fade faster. 

Shaving Before a Spray Tan

Shaving before a tanning process allows your tan to look even better. It provides a smoother skin because it sheds off dead skin cells and dry patches that may lead to an uneven tan. 

When to Shave Before the Tan

Shaving the night before getting a spray tan gives your pores time to close before the chemical is applied to your skin the next day. 

If you have light, thin body hair, you may shave on the day of your spray tan session. 

Pros and Cons of Shaving Before Getting a Tan

There are a number of advantages and disadvantages when shaving before getting a spray tan. Below are the pros and cons. 

Advantages

• Smooth skin
• Easy absorption of the spray tan
• Removes body hair
• Removes dead skin cells

Disadvantages

• Red bumps or cuts may appear

Shaving After a Spray Tan

Most tanning experts agree, that shaving before your tan will get you the best results. But what happens if forget to shave before your tanning session? We’re here to answer the question “Can you shave after a spray tan?” and how it’s going to affect your tan.

When to Shave After the Tan

It’s best to wait eight to ten hours after your spray tanning session before you try shaving. This allows the spray tan to set on your skin and reduce the risk of stripping it off. 

Pros and Cons of Shaving After Getting a Tan?

Similarly, there are also advantages and disadvantages when shaving after getting a spray tan. Below are the pros and cons. 

Advantages

• Removes unwanted hair

Disadvantages

• Quickly fades the tan
• May result in an uneven tan

How to Shave Without Messing the Tan

Shaving involves stripping off dead skin cells. Hence, shave carefully to reduce the risk of scraping off your tan. But there are some ways to minimize the negative effects of shaving and leave yourself with smooth, glowing skin.

Here are some steps you can use when shaving after getting a tan.

Use a new razor

It’s better to throw out your dull and dirty old razor, and buy a new one in the pharmacy. An old razor tends to take dead skin, as well as your spray tan. 

Getting a new one would help you shave better since it will smoothly glide along your skin rather than an old one, which will heavily drag and remove your tan. 

Also, never dry shave! And, if your razor has a moisturizing strip, be sure to rinse off after. 

Soak your razor in olive oil or alcohol

To avoid rust and to keep your razor blade sharp, soak it in olive oil or alcohol.  

Avoid using shaving foam

Shaving foams and other shaving products are packed with ingredients that may damage your tan. It contains alcohol and detergents that aid in stripping away a tan. 

Instead, use a sulfate-free or paraben-free soap since these products are packed with natural ingredients. You may also buy a sunless tan extender such as the Norvell Prolong. 

Shave using a conditioner

As mentioned above, avoid using shaving creams because it contains ingredients like alcohol and mineral oil that can cause your tan to fade prematurely. Use a conditioner as shaving foam, instead. 

Gently shave your skin 

When shaving unwanted hair, avoid pressing too hard. Instead, let the razor glide smoothly along your skin. Otherwise, it will remove the tanning solution. 

Recommended Products to Use

Using good quality products for shaving post-spray tanning session is really important. So, here we have added products you may use.

Gillette Venus Extra Smooth Green Women’s Razor 

This razor has five blades, which allows you a super-close shave. And, the moisture ribbon protects your skin from cuts and razor burns. It also has a pivoting head that helps smoothly glide over your knees, ankles, and legs.

Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner Set

This sulfate-, paraben- and cruelty-free shampoo and conditioner set is nourishing and moisturizing. It hydrates and restores your moisture level, and is safe for your spray tan.

Amir Argan Oil Body Wash 

This body wash contains argan oil to keep your spray tanned skin hydrated and nourished. It is sulfate-free and contains hydrating properties good for the skin. 

Norvell Sunless Tan Extender 

This product is designed to extend the life of your sunless tan. It will help keep your spray tan looking radiant from morning until night. Moreover, it is paraben-free, sulfate-free, gluten-free and 100 percent vegan. 

Conclusion

Now, back to answer your question, can you shave after a spray tan? Yes, you can, as long as you follow the tips and rules we’ve discussed above. As much as possible, do not shave on a daily basis. 

Regular shaving would result to your spray tan fading out at a faster pace. But, do not wax after a spray tan either, for it removes some skin and would fade out your tan faster than shaving. 

The most advisable tip we could give you is to get groomed before your spray tan session, so that your skin would be smooth and clear when the tan is being applied. Doing so would also lessen your worry about your tan fading quicker.