BeckoIf you’ve ever ended up looking more streaky than sun-kissed, this one’s for you. One of the most common questions I get is, “How long after shaving can you fake tan?” It sounds simple, but timing your shave before applying fake tan can be the difference between a flawless glow and a patchy disaster.
So, grab a cuppa (or your tanning mitt!), because we’re diving into the dos and don’ts of fake tanning—plus some great tricks for getting that just-back-from-holiday glow, minus the flight costs. You can also take a look at one of my other popular posts: The Benefits of Spray Tanning—because sometimes, the pros really do have it down to an art.
First Things First: How Long After Shaving Can You Fake Tan?
Let’s tackle the golden question head-on: ideally, you should wait at least 24 hours after shaving before applying fake tan. Yep, a whole day. And here’s why…
When you shave, you’re not just getting rid of hair—you’re exfoliating your skin too. This might sound like a good thing (and it is), but shaving can leave your skin feeling extra sensitive, and even open up your pores. If you tan too soon afterwards, the product can settle into those pores and cause little dark spots, especially on your legs. Not the sexy summer glow you were going for!
Waiting 24 hours gives your skin a chance to calm down and your pores to close. That means your tan will apply more evenly, look more natural, and last longer.
Can I Shave After I Tan?
Short answer: yes, but do it carefully. Use a gentle, sharp razor and minimal pressure. And whatever you do, don’t exfoliate post-tan—you’ll just scrub it right off.
Top Fake Tanning Tips for a Streak-Free Finish
Now that you know when to tan after shaving, let’s talk about the rest of the routine. Fake tanning doesn’t have to be stressful—these tips will help you achieve that bronzed goddess look without the streaks, dodgy ankles, or dreaded orange palms.
1. Exfoliate Like a Pro
The night before your tan, exfoliate all over using a mitt or gentle scrub. Focus on dry areas like knees, elbows, ankles, and wrists—fake tan tends to cling to these spots. If you’ve still got old fake tan lingering, this step is crucial. Think of it as your blank canvas.
2. Moisturise Strategically
Dry skin drinks up fake tan like a thirsty houseplant, and not in a good way. Apply a light, oil-free moisturiser to your dry areas right before tanning—especially around joints. But don’t go overboard! Too much moisturiser can dilute the tan.
3. Choose the Right Formula
Mousse, lotion, drops, water-based tanners—the options are endless. If you’re a beginner, mousses tend to be easiest to blend and often come with a guide colour (that bronzy shade that shows where you’ve already applied). For the face, tanning drops mixed with your moisturiser are fab. I really like the Tropic sun drops gradual tanning facial serum for the face, that I buy off my neighbour (who is a Tropic seller).
Why Spray Tanning Might Be Your Secret Weapon
As I mentioned in my other post, The Benefits of Spray Tanning, sometimes it’s worth handing things over to the professionals. Spray tans offer even coverage, they’re quicker than DIY jobs, and let’s face it, they just look good.
In that post, I also talked about how spray tanning is a fab option if you’ve got a special event or holiday coming up. No mess, no mitts, no stress. And yes—they still need the same prep (exfoliate, shave 24 hours before, avoid deodorant), but the results are next level.
So if you’re fed up with fiddly bottle tans or can never quite reach your back, it might be time to book in with your local spray tan technician and let them do their thing.
Your Fake Tan Timeline: The Glow-Up Game Plan
Here’s a simple routine to follow for a flawless, long-lasting tan:
| Timeframe | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 48 hours before | Stop using any retinol or AHAs on the skin. |
| 24 hours before | Shave, wax, or epilate. Exfoliate all over. |
| Right before tanning | Lightly moisturise dry areas. |
| During tanning | Use a mitt, apply in circular motions, blend well. |
| After tanning | Avoid tight clothes, water, and sweating for 6-8 hours. |
| Next morning | Rinse off guide colour with lukewarm water. |
Stick to this plan and you’ll be glowing in no time!
Don’t Forget the Aftercare
The secret to keeping your tan looking lovely for longer? Moisturise daily with an oil-free lotion. Avoid long, hot baths, and pat your skin dry rather than rubbing.
And when it’s time to say goodbye to your tan, exfoliate gently every other day to encourage a smooth fade, not a patchy peel.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best of us get caught out sometimes! Here are a few common fake tan faux pas to avoid:
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Tanning straight after shaving – See above. Give it 24 hours.
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Skipping the mitt – You’ll end up with orange hands. Just don’t.
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Wearing deodorant or perfume before tanning – These create barriers and can cause green patches (yes, really).
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Forgetting to tan your hands and feet last – Otherwise, you’ll overload them with product.
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Not blending at the hairline or wrists – These are tell-tale spots.
FAQs: Your Fake Tanning Questions Answered
Q: How long after shaving can you fake tan?
A: At least 24 hours. This allows your pores to close, prevents irritation, and helps the tan apply more evenly. If you’re in a pinch, wait at least 12 hours and splash your skin with cold water to tighten pores before applying your tan.
Q: Can I apply fake tan to freshly shaved legs?
A: You can, but it’s not ideal. Freshly shaved legs can lead to the dreaded “dotty” tan where it settles into open pores. It’s worth waiting the full 24 hours.
Q: Should I moisturise before fake tanning?
A: Only on dry areas like knees, elbows, ankles, and wrists. Avoid all-over moisturising immediately before applying fake tan as it can create a barrier.
Q: Can I fake tan over an old tan?
A: You can, but it’s not recommended. You’ll likely end up patchy. Try to remove as much of the old tan as possible by exfoliating and moisturising a few days beforehand.
Q: How can I make my fake tan last longer?
A: Moisturise daily, avoid soaking baths and harsh scrubs, and top up with gradual tan if needed. Also, avoid using oil-based products as they break down fake tan faster.
Whether you’re a fake tan newbie or a seasoned bronzing queen, getting the timing right with your shaving and prep routine makes all the difference. Knowing how long after shaving you can fake tan—plus all the little tricks around moisturising, exfoliating, and aftercare—helps you get that flawless finish every time.
Remember: prep is everything, a mitt is non-negotiable, and sometimes, a good old spray tan is the easiest way to glow.