Can You Shave After a Spray Tan? How Long Should I Wait?

Fake tanning is loved by many as it gives skin a beautiful look. Traditionally, people used to go for sun tan but now sprays have replaced it. This method is quicker, safer, and gives better results. But, with the popularity comes so many questions and confusion!

Can you shave after a spray tan? In how many hours will the tan develop completely? Is your mind also filled with all these questions? Let’s find the answers! We will also discuss some important aftercare tips to maintain a flawless spray tan.

Table of Contents:

• Part 1: Can You Shave After a Spray Tan?
• Part 2: How Long After a Spray Tan Can You Shave?
• Part 3: What Not to Do After a Spray Tan?

Part 1: Can You Shave After a Spray Tan?

Can you shave your legs after a spray tan? The first few hours after getting the spray tan determines its longevity. Therefore, you must be careful with how you spend this time. Professionals usually recommend that people should refrain from shaving after spray tan.

It is because shaving also slightly exfoliates the top layer of your skin. It is the area where the bronzing solution is mostly concentrated so it will also strip off the dead cells. This not only makes the tan lighter but the leftover tan will be uneven and patchy thus making your skin weird rather than attractive. 

Moreover, if you accidentally cut or abrade your skin accidentally while shaving, the tan will appear in the form of streaks. Therefore, refrain from shaving immediately after getting the spray tan done. 

Part 2: How Long After a Spray Tan Can You Shave?

To let the tan be even and look perfect on your skin, you must let it set properly before shaving. The average time for a traditional tan to set is 12 hours while it takes 24 hours for the spray tan to develop completely. 

Therefore, it is advised to at least wait for 12-24 hours before shaving after a spray tan. This time can vary from person to person depending upon:

• Skin Type: Your skin type also affects the absorption of a tanning solution. Well-moisturized skin can absorb the tanning solution more evenly and may also take a shorter time to dry

• Spray Tan Formula: Traditional tans are usually set within 12-24 hours while accelerated tans are set more quickly within 5 hours. 

•  Pre-care: If you have taken all the sufficient steps including proper skin cleansing before going for a spray tan, it can set more easily, quickly, and evenly 

• Environmental Factors: Environmental factors such as humidity affect the drying time of a spray time. It may take longer for the tan to dry in a more humid environment

Part 3: What Not to Do After a Spray Tan?

Do not Wear Tightly Fitted Clothes

Wearing tight-fitted clothes after a spray tan results in a patchy appearance. The tanning solution rubs off with the clothes thus becoming lighter and uneven. So wait for the tan to set completely before wearing your jeans, yoga pants, socks, or leggings. 

Replace the T-shirts and jeans with dresses and wear sandals instead of shoes. That will make the perfect summer outfit. 

Showering Immediately After a Spray Tan

Showering immediately after a spray tan will wash away all the tan thus making all your efforts go in vain. You need to wait for at least 4 hours before showering but waiting for 24 hours is better as the tan is set completely within this time.

Furthermore, hot baths can reduce the lifespan of a spray tan so go for brief lukewarm or cold showers instead.

Avoid Strenuous  and Water Activities

Heavy exercises increase sweating which can wash away the tan easily. So, do not exercise or do any other strenuous activities that make you sweat. 

In addition, avoid all those activities that increase your exposure time with water. These include washing dishes, swimming, car washing, watering the plants, etc. You must be extra cautious while doing these activities so the tanned area does not get wet. 

Using Wrong Moisturizer

Moisturizing your skin after a spray tan is recommended but at the right time. Wait for a minimum of 4 hours and then use a moisturizer. Make sure that the moisturizer is a light, gentle oil-free moisturizer that does not interfere with the tanning results.

Using an oil-based moisturizer with fragrances or harsh ingredients in it can strip off your beautiful tan. 

Avoid Makeup

Try to avoid makeup for a minimum of 8 hours because makeup products can alter the color of the spray tan. The moisture in makeup can make the tan uneven and lead to splotching. Can I not even wear a lipstick?

Fortunately, wearing a lipstick is fine. You can also wear the other makeup products after the first shower you take after a spray tan.

Do Not Exfoliate

Exfoliating the skin just after getting a fresh spray tan done means that you are shooting yourself in the foot. The loofahs, gloves, or other exfoliating products remove the outer dead cell layer from the skin. Your fresh tan also strips away with it. 

So avoid exfoliation until the tan is entirely faded from your body. You can use exfoliating gloves for gentle exfoliation a day before spray tan. 

Say No to Fragrances

If you use oil-based perfumes or fragrances in your daily life, do not use them after the spray tan. The harsh solutions in these fragrances can break down the tanning formula thus resulting in blotching or uneven skin tone. 

Conclusion

A spray tan is a useful method to quickly tan the body and make it more charming. It takes about 12-24 hours for the tan to set completely therefore you must take precautions during this time. You should shave after 24 hours of getting the spray tan.

Moreover, hot showers, water activities, or sweating make the spray tan fade away more quickly. If you want the tan to last longer, you must avoid these and keep your body moisturized with an oil-free moisturizer.