The difference between a streaky, patchy tan and seamless sunkissed skin comes down to proper planning, and that includes strategising your hair removal schedule.
If you prefer to go au natural, then don’t worry. Body hair won’t affect the outcome of your tan so long as you buff everything in thoroughly with a tanning mitt. If you’re a shaver, however, when you bust out your best razor really matters. You could have the best self tan, but if you’re shaving your legs at the wrong time, you could end up with brown pinpricks and an uneven finish.
To settle the debate, we asked James Read, Tanning Expert and Founder of Self Glow, for his ultimate tanning timeline to ensure smooth application and a flawless glow.
When should you shave before applying fake tan?
Any form of hair removal, whether waxing vs shaving, should ideally be done before tanning. Shaving 24 hours prior is the magic formula for James, who has tanned the likes of Kate Moss and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. “It allows your tan to apply more evenly,” he says.
This window gives your pores a chance to shrink back so you’ll avoid those pesky little brown dots where the tan has settled in the follicles. If you are prone to ‘strawberry legs’ when tanning, blast your skin with cold water or run an ice cube over the area to help close pores after shaving.
As for waxing and epilating, you’ll need to plan even further in advance. “Usually 48 hours before,” advises James. “This will allow any redness or irritation to go down.”
Can you shave after tanning?
Ideally not, since a wet shave will strip the tan. James has a workaround, though. “If you do need to shave, use an electric body shaver as this will only remove the top layer of hair, rather than stripping your tan.”
If a lady shaver or bikini trimmer isn’t an option, there are a few things you can do to limit uneven self-tan removal. First, always wait until the tan has fully developed and the guide colour rinsed off. 24 hours should give enough time for the colour to have settled on your skin. Use a shaving gel to provide a moisturising buffer between your skin and the blades. A sharp razor used with light, gentle strokes will help to minimise irritation and avoid scraping off the tan.
Close shave Gillette Venus Pro Comfort Glide Tropical
RRP: £16
A dull razor is not good for your skin. This is the beauty team’s recommendation for silky-smooth skin. With the wider moisturising strip to cushion the razor, it prevents that dry shave feeling.
RRP: £5.95
This cushiony cream keeps skin hydrated as you shave, and encourages a smooth glide. Good-for-skin ingredients like niacinamide, aloe and shea butter keeps skin nourished and comfortable.
Tan-friendly shaving Magnitone Go Bare Rechargeable Mini Shaver
RRP: £29.99
If you don’t want to sacrifice your tan for smooth skin, follow James’ advice and choose a lady shaver. This one is USB rechargeable for fuzz-free legs, underarms and bikini line on-the-go.
RRP: £29
It may look quite functional but trust us when we say this lotion will give you the softest skin of your life. Despite its intensive hydration, it feels refreshingly light with a fast-absorbing finish.
RRP: £39
The key to a beautiful tan is hydrated skin. This mousse combines the bronzed glow of self-tan with the intensive hydration of a body cream to deliver a streak-free finish that lasts for up to seven days.
RRP: £3.49
For a flawless facial glow, James recommends a pre- and post-tan face mask. You can’t beat a Garnier mask - they’re so saturated with goodness, your skin emerges soft, sated and plumped with moisture.
How can I make my tan last longer?
According to James, the single most important thing you can do to improve the longevity of your tan is to moisturise daily. Once your tan has developed, apply your best body moisturiser every day from top to toe.
