Will my spray tan come off if I shave my legs?
Matthew Shields
Updated on March 20, 2026
Will my spray tan come off if I shave my legs?
Does spray tan come off when you shave? Yes, shaving does exfoliate the skin, so if shave AFTER your spray tan there are a few tricks to remember: WAIT 24 HOURS after getting your spray tan to shave. USE A NEW RAZOR.
Can I get a spray tan with hairy legs?
Unless you have dark, coarse hair that grows at an accelerated rate, your legs should still be smooth when you get your spray tan. If you do have hair that grows quickly, then consider waxing a few days prior to the spray tan. Keep in mind, waxing can also irritate your skin.
Do you have to shave your legs for a spray tan?
Most beauticians will recommend that you shave your legs, underarms and any other areas the day prior to applying the spray tan. Shaving your legs before the spray tan will ensure that you are virtually hairless when the tan is applied, which should help the tan to adhere better and go on more evenly.
Can you put fake tan on freshly shaved legs?
Whatever your hair removal method is, it’s always best to be silky smooth and hair-free right before you tan. Make sure you shave at least 24 hours prior to applying false tan to ensure the hair follicles have closed back up, and therefore avoiding the speckled look.
How long after spray tan can I shave my legs?
Wait at least 8 hours after your spray tan to shave for the first time. Use an oil-free moisturizing body wash when shaving, not traditional shaving cream. Most shaving creams on the market contain alcohol and heavy detergents that can strip your tan.
Do and don’ts of spray tan?
SPRAY TAN DOs & DON’Ts
- DO shower, exfoliate and shave.
- DO use moisturizers and lotions specially formulated exclusively for spray tanning.
- DO wear loose-fitting, dark clothing and flip-flops or sandals to avoid rub-off.
- DON’T wear makeup, deodorants or perfumes. They can create a barrier for absorption.
Should I shave my chest before a spray tan?
Preparation. The spray tanning appointment will take just ten minutes. If you need to shave, do so a few hours before your spray tan to avoid skin looking patchy. Body hair won’t interfere with your tan, so you can leave it at whatever level you feel comfortable.
What happens if I don’t shave before self tanning?
DON’T Shave Immediately Before Applying Shaving exfoliates the skin, leaving it supple and ready for bronzing, so it should be done before self-tanner is applied, just not right before since shaving can open pores and create cuts.
What happens if you don’t shave before self tanning?
Does spray tan cover strawberry legs?
Quick-fix confidence in a bottle: Try Sally Hansen’s Airbrush legs. I’ve mentioned this product once before in a post about how to get the look of flawless legs. It will cover most imperfections, will even out skin tone and will not rub off on your clothes. I love it!
Can I fake tan with prickly legs?
If you want a gorgeous glow, you’ll have to put up with prickly legs; if you want smooth legs, it’s pale skin for you. Pro tip: The tan pigment will colour the leg hairs, so shave or wax a night or two before.
Should I shower before a spray tan?
You should always keep your skin sweat-free before a spray tan. “If you work out before your tan, I recommend showering and washing your face as sweat can sit on the skin and therefore stop the tan from absorbing evenly,” says Von Hep.
Can I Shave my Legs after a spray tan?
Unfortunately, you will find that, post-spray tan, shaving your legs can result in a little fade, especially if you haven’t allowed the solution enough time to fully develop. For this reason, it’s best to wait at least 24 hours after your application before shaving to avoid as much fad as possible.
How to tan your legs in a tanning bed?
How to Tan Your Legs in a Tanning bed 1 Extra Care For Legs. To make the skin cells on your legs silky smooth and fresh for the tan, you need to show some extra care to your legs. 2 Shaving And Waxing. 3 Best Postures to Tan Your Legs in Tanning Bed. 4 Proper After Care for Proper Development of Tan on Legs.
Should you exfoliate your legs before a tan?
Smooth skin tans better but planning ahead gives time for the skin to recover and the pores to close. Waxing and shaving exfoliate and smooth the legs, but it’s also a good idea to use a gentle hydrating exfoliating scrub 12-24 hours before you tan.
Can You Tan after shaving or waxing?
Consider spray tan or any other sunless tans, these tight dressings create friction and rub away the tan created. Shaving and waxing become the enemies of tanning if done after it. Since ladies are more into hair removal from legs, they tend to overdo shaving and waxing.