What to Do When You Forgot to Shave Before Spray Tan
What to Do When You Forgot to Shave Before Spray Tan
Let’s get straight to it. No need for any unwanted fluff here, you want quick answers so here we go –
Don’t panic!
If you forgot to shave before your spray tan appointment, don’t worry. You can still achieve a beautiful tan with these simple tips.
If you Forgot to Shave Before the Tan, Get the Tan Anyway
Proceed with your spray tan appointment as planned. While body hair can affect tan application, it doesn’t necessarily ruin the results.
Consider Salon Exfoliating Products
Some salons offer exfoliating products that you can use before your spray tan session. These products can help prepare your skin for the tan application, even if you forgot to shave.
Does Body Hair Affect A Spray Tan?
It will.
Body hair can affect the outcome of your spray tan, causing it to appear uneven or patchy. However, with proper preparation and technique, you can still achieve satisfactory results.
The best product to use with body hair is a tanning mousse or tanning bronzing lotion.
Opt for tanning mousses or lotions when you have body hair. These products tend to provide more even coverage and adhere better to the skin.
What is Spray Tanning?
The solution that makes a spray tan product contains dihydroxyacetone, also known as DHA.
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is the active ingredient in spray tan solutions. When applied to the skin, DHA reacts with the amino acids in the top layer of the skin, resulting in a temporary darkening effect.
A good spray tan when cared for in optimal conditions will last 7-10 days.
With proper care, a spray tan can last for about a week to ten days. However, factors such as swimming, sweating, and exfoliation can affect the longevity of the tan.
How to Fix a Patchy Tan
If your spray tan appears patchy or uneven, don’t worry. You can easily fix it with these simple tips.
- Exfoliate
Gently exfoliate the affected areas using a washcloth, loofa, or mild exfoliating scrub. This helps to remove any excess tanning solution and even out the tan.
- Use lemon juice
Mix lemon juice with baking soda to create a natural exfoliating scrub. Lemon juice helps to lighten the tan, while baking soda gently exfoliates the skin.
Before the Tan
✔️ Why shave beforehand?
Shaving before your spray tan appointment helps to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells. This creates a smooth surface for the tanning solution to adhere to, resulting in a more even tan.
✔️ Use oil free products
Opt for oil-free exfoliating products before your spray tan appointment. Oils can create a barrier on the skin, preventing the tanning solution from penetrating evenly.
✔️ Exfoliate gently
Avoid harsh exfoliation before your spray tan appointment. Instead, use a gentle exfoliating scrub or a loofa to remove dead skin cells and create a smooth canvas for the tan.
✔️ Don’t wear any lotions before applying the tanning solution
Avoid applying lotions or moisturizers before your spray tan appointment. These products can create a barrier on the skin, preventing the tanning solution from adhering properly.
At the Tan
❌ No lotions or oils
Arrive at your spray tan appointment with clean, product-free skin. Avoid wearing lotions, oils, or moisturizers that could interfere with the tan application.
❌ No makeup
Avoid wearing makeup to your spray tan appointment. Makeup can create a barrier on the skin, preventing the tanning solution from adhering evenly.
How to choose the best tan color shade for you
Consider factors such as your natural skin tone, hair color, and personal preferences when choosing a tan shade. Opt for a shade that complements your skin tone and looks natural.
After the Tan
For the best results of a spray tan-
👉 Do not shower for 8 hours after the product has been applied to allow the product to fully oxidize and adhere to the skin
👉 Wait at least 8 or more hours before shaving again
👉 When you do shave again, use a new razor
👉 Use alcohol-free shaving, or conditioner instead of oil products or heavy shaving cream
👉 Do NOT use Nair after a spray tan, it will remove the fake tan. Also, be sure that you use oil-less and alcohol-free products to shave.
Safe Self Tanning Products
Can I fake tan and shave the next day?
Beauty by Earth Organic offers a range of safe, organic self-tanning products that are gentle on the skin and provide natural-looking results.
How to Make your Spray Tan Last Longer
The best way to make a spray tan last longer is to prepare the night before, exfoliate well, don’t wear oils or lotions for 24 hours after the appointment.
How to Prepare for a Spray Tan the Night Before
Shave at least 24 hours before your appointment or when you will apply your self-tanner. And exfoliate again 4 hours beforehand with oil free products, or with a loofa or washcloth.
FAQs About What to Do When I Forgot to Shave Before Spray Tan
Can you shave after a spray tan?
Yes, wait at least 8 hours and then you can lightly shave again with a new razor.
How to shave after a fake tan
Using water and oil-free soap, gently shave with a brand new razor to prevent nicks or streaking 24 hours or more after the tan. Have a self-tanner on hand just in case you need to freshen up some spots that might have worn off in the hours just after the tan.
Can you spray tan if you haven’t shaved?
Yes, if you forgot to shave before a tan get the tan anyway. There is a greater chance that it might not soak in quite as well or end up slightly patchy, but fixing a patchy tan is easy.
Can I fake tan and shave the next day?
As long as it’s been 8 hours and you use a brand new razor, it shouldn’t be a problem!
Can you spray tan with hairy legs?
Yes. Just be aware that it will cause a little bit of patchiness, but it’s not hard to fix a patchy tan when you have hairy legs. And you can shave the hair off if you want 8 or more hours after the tan.
Can you spray tan with stubble?
Spray tanning with stubble is much better than having a lot of hair on the skin. As long as you have exfoliated 4 hours beforehand, you can easily get a spray tan with stubble with no problems.
How to choose a spray tan color
Look in your makeup drawer, do you have more cool toned foundations and primers or warmer tones? What is the season outside? And what color is your hair at the moment?
Can I shave 2 hours before a spray tan?
You shouldn’t shave less than 24 hours before the spray tan to prevent cuts or skin irritation.
Final Tips for a Flawless Spray Tan Experience
- Hydrate Your Skin
Well-hydrated skin ensures an even tan application. Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment to keep your skin hydrated from within. Be sure to moisturize your skin regularly, focusing on dry areas like elbows, knees, and ankles, but avoid applying moisturizer on the day of your tan appointment.
- Protect Your Nails and Palms
To prevent your nails and palms from staining, apply a layer of clear nail polish to your nails and a barrier cream or lotion to your palms before your spray tan session. This simple step can save you from dealing with stained nails and hands post-tan.
- Wear Disposable Undergarments
Consider wearing disposable undergarments or a disposable swimsuit during your spray tan session to avoid staining your regular underwear. Most salons provide disposable options, but you can also bring your own.
- Protect Your Hair
If you have long hair, tie it up and away from your face and neck during the spray tan application to prevent it from coming into contact with the tanning solution. You can also use a disposable shower cap to protect your hair.
- Opt for Barrier Cream on Dry Areas
Apply a thin layer of barrier cream or petroleum jelly to dry areas such as your elbows, knees, ankles, and heels before your spray tan session. This will create a barrier that prevents the tanning solution from clinging to these areas too heavily, resulting in a more even tan.
- Consider Adding a Tan Extender
Extend the life of your spray tan by using a tan extender product. These products contain ingredients that help maintain and prolong the life of your tan, keeping it looking fresh for longer.
- Avoid Excessive Sweating
Try to avoid activities that cause excessive sweating for the first 24 hours after your spray tan appointment. Sweating can cause your tan to streak or fade unevenly, so opt for low-impact activities and avoid hot showers or saunas during this time.
- Moisturize Regularly
After your tan has fully developed and you’ve showered off the excess solution, moisturize your skin regularly to maintain your tan and prevent it from fading prematurely. Use a gentle, hydrating moisturizer free of harsh chemicals or fragrances.
- Use a Gradual Tanner
To maintain your tan between professional spray tan sessions, consider using a gradual tanning lotion or mousse at home. These products allow you to build up your tan gradually over time, ensuring a natural-looking glow between appointments.
- Be Mindful of Chlorine and Saltwater
Chlorine in swimming pools and saltwater in the ocean can both cause your tan to fade more quickly. If you’re planning to swim, try to minimize your time in the water and rinse off with fresh water afterward. Pat your skin dry gently without rubbing to avoid disrupting your tan.
- Avoid Hot Baths and Showers
Hot water can strip away your tan more quickly, so opt for lukewarm showers instead of hot baths. Also, avoid using harsh exfoliating products or loofahs, as these can accelerate the fading process.
- Touch Up as Needed
If you notice any areas where your tan has faded unevenly or looks patchy, you can touch up those areas with a self-tanning product designed for the body. Use a light hand and blend carefully to achieve a seamless result.
- Protect Your Tan from Sun Exposure
While a spray tan provides a golden glow, it doesn’t offer any protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Be sure to apply sunscreen if you’ll be spending time outdoors to prevent sunburn and premature fading of your tan.
- Avoid Tight Clothing
Wearing tight clothing immediately after your spray tan appointment can cause the tan to rub off or transfer onto your clothes, resulting in streaks or patches. Opt for loose, comfortable clothing to allow your tan to develop fully without interference.
- Maintain Your Tan with Regular Exfoliation
As your spray tan starts to fade, exfoliate your skin gently to remove any remaining tan and prepare your skin for your next spray tan appointment. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or mitt to slough away dead skin cells and reveal fresh, smooth skin underneath.
Conclusion to What to do When You Forgot to Spray Tan
With these additional tips, you can enhance your spray tan experience and enjoy a flawless, long-lasting tan. Remember to prepare your skin properly before your appointment, protect your tan afterward, and maintain it with regular care. By following these guidelines, you can achieve a beautiful, natural-looking tan that lasts for days.