Should You Shave Before Spray Tan?

A flawless spray tan starts long before the airbrush is turned on for your sunless tanning session. One of the most common questions we get from clients preparing for their tanning appointment is: Should I shave before or after a spray tan? Whether you’re gearing up for a beach vacation, a wedding, or a photoshoot, or simply seeking that everyday glow, timing your shaving routine can make or break your results. If done incorrectly, shaving can interfere with your spray tan application, cause unwanted tan lines, or result in blotchy patches where the product settles into pores. Done right, however, it creates the perfect foundation for a long-lasting, even tan. We’ll cover the ideal shaving timeline, how to integrate hair removal into your pre-tan preparation, and why your exfoliating routine matters more than you think. We’ll also compare options like waxing, electric razors, and shaving gels, so you walk into your spray tan appointment with confidence and smooth, photo-ready skin. So, read on and get that glowing, clean-shaven look!

Why Shaving Timing Matters for Your Spray Tan

Shaving isn’t just about removing unwanted body hair. It’s an essential part of your skin’s prep work for any spray tan or airbrush tan. That’s because every quality spray tan relies on two things: a smooth surface and healthy skin. However, when you shave too close to your session, you leave your pores wide open, especially if you’ve taken a hot shower or used steam rooms beforehand. Those open pores can act like tiny wells that trap bronzer or dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the active ingredient in most spray tanning solutions. The result? Tiny dark dots and uneven coloring can throw off your entire tan. And remember, spray tan equipment at the tanning salon applies product onto the very top layer of your skin. The top layer, or skin barrier, needs to be clean, calm, and free from micro-skin irritations caused by rushed shaving routines or harsh products, such as certain hair removal creams or body oils. The key is striking a balance between freshly prepped skin and closed, settled pores. This is especially important if your skin tends to be sensitive or reactive to changes in pH, friction, or heat.

The Ideal Shaving Window: When to Do It

For best results, goGLOW recommends that all clients shave or wax at least 8 hours before their appointment, and ideally a full 24 hours in advance, whether using a self-tanning product at home or getting a professional spray tan. Why that timing matters:

• Gives your skin time to recover from any microtears caused by the razor
• Allows your pores to close, preventing spray tan product from settling into them
• Reduces your risk of tan lines, patchy results, blotches, or uneven development

If you’re shaving the day before your tan:

• Use a fresh razor or a gentle electric razor for minimal irritation, although we recommend a regular razor.
• Avoid moisturizing shaving gels that contain coconut oil, mineral oil, or grapeseed oil, as these can leave behind a residue that blocks absorption. The goGLOW CLENSE is also a perfect shaving solution for both before and after a tan. 
• Stick to an oil-free cleanser post-shave to keep the skin clean without disrupting your natural barrier

If you must shave the same day (not recommended unless necessary):

• Do it as early as possible in the morning
• Use cool water
• Skip all lotions or creams afterward.

Also, avoid long showers or hot water that opens the pores. Lukewarm water with a light exfoliating glove, like goGLOW’s EXFOLIATE Mitt, or a dry brushing routine is a safer bet. Shaving at the right time is part of building the perfect canvas for your tanning experience. Think of it as laying down primer before your foundation: smooth skin equals smooth results.

Pre-Tan Skin Prep: Exfoliation and Moisture

Shaving is just one part of the broader pre-tan preparation process. To achieve a truly smooth and even finish, you need to pair your hair removal routine with proper exfoliation and hydration strategies—two foundational pillars of any successful tanning experience and optimal skin health.

Exfoliate Before You Shave

Exfoliating before shaving helps remove dead skin cells and creates a smooth surface for your razor to glide across. It also enhances the way your spray tan adheres to the skin.

• Use a high-quality exfoliating glove or goGLOW’s EXFOLIATE Mitt 24 hours before your appointment. Focus on areas where dead skin tends to accumulate, such as the knees, elbows, ankles, and shoulders. A consistent exfoliating routine ensures that your spray tan or self-tanning product develops evenly without patchy areas caused by rough skin texture.
• Dry brushing is another great option, particularly if you’re preparing for a beach trip, vacation, or event where your glow needs to be flawless in natural lighting.

Use Gentle, Oil-Free Products

After exfoliating and shaving, avoid applying any lotions, deodorants, or body oils before your appointment. Ingredients like mineral oil, coconut oil, and synthetic fragrances can block spray tan products from absorbing properly. Instead, use an oil-free cleanser to remove residue and prep your skin without interfering with the bonding process between the DHA and the top layer of your skin. This is especially important when using professional-grade spray machines or airbrush tan services in a tanning salon.

Post-Shave Moisturizing Tips

If your skin tends to feel dry after shaving, it’s okay to apply a light, oil-free moisturizer like goGLOW’s HYDRATE, but make sure it’s done well in advance (at least 6–8 hours before your tan). This helps balance the skin’s moisture levels without creating a barrier between your skin and the spray solution. Hydrated skin holds color better, so integrating a tan-friendly moisturizer into your pre-tan routine (on days prior to your session) is an easy way to improve your overall result.

Can You Shave After a Spray Tan?

Technically, yes—but it’s not ideal. Shaving after a spray tan should be done sparingly and with great care, especially if your goal is to maintain an even tone for as long as possible. Spray tans, whether applied through airbrush or machine, sit on the surface of your skin and gradually fade as your skin sheds its outer layer. Shaving too soon can act like a form of manual exfoliation, stripping away color and shortening the life of your tan. If you absolutely must shave post-tan:

• Wait at least 24–48 hours after your spray tan appointment
• Use a sharp razor and light pressure to avoid dragging the skin
• Skip foaming shaving creams or shaving gels that contain oils or perfumes
• Stick to lukewarm water and no hot showers
• Avoid body washes with sulfate or exfoliating properties.
• Reapply a tan extender like goGLOW’s EXTEND or HYDRATE to moisturize immediately afterward to restore skin hydration and help preserve the bronzer’s finish.
• Shaving too aggressively or too soon will risk fading or streaking your tan. 

Pro tip: Avoid using electric razors after a tan. Their friction can cause streaking or strip color in inconsistent patches.

Waxing vs. Shaving: Which is Better Before a Tan?

Both shaving and waxing have their place in the spray tan world, but choosing the right method depends on your skin type, schedule, and personal preferences.

Waxing

• Removes hair from the root and also exfoliates the skin
• Results last longer (ideal for vacations or extended travel)
• Must be done 24–48 hours before your spray tan to avoid irritation or open pores
• Avoid waxing if your skin is sensitive or prone to redness after treatments
• Steer clear of post-wax lotions or creams with oils, which can affect application

Shaving

• Easier to control timing (great for last-minute tan prep)
• Requires more frequent maintenance
• Can be done closer to your appointment if necessary (though 8–24 hours is still best)
• Less exfoliating than waxing, so pair it with the exfoliating glove for best results.

Ultimately, both methods are effective when used with proper timing and supported by goGLOW’s recommended pre-tan preparation steps. If in doubt, your spray tan specialists can help you decide based on your body, event timing, and skin care needs.

goGLOW’s Official Recommendations for Shaving and Hair Removal

At goGLOW, we’ve performed thousands of tans using our proprietary techniques and curated product line. Our spray tan specialists consistently emphasize the importance of timing, skin care, and prep to ensure your glow is flawless from application to fade. Here’s what we recommend:

• Shave or wax 8 to 24 hours before your spray tan appointment to allow your pores time to close. This reduces the chance of bronzer settling in and forming dark spots.
• Exfoliate before you shave using our EXFOLIATE Mitt. This maximizes smoothness and prevents uneven absorption of DHA and melanoidins (the compounds responsible for color development).
• Avoid pre-tan beauty services such as facials, massages, manicures, or pedicures on the same day. Oils, lotions, or barrier creams used in these treatments can interfere with your tan’s ability to adhere evenly.
• Cleanse with an oil-free cleanser like goGLOW CLEANSE after shaving. This helps clear the skin without disrupting pH or clogging pores before a tanning session.

When your prep is handled with care, the spray tan process becomes not just a beauty treatment, but a self-care ritual that leaves you glowing from the inside out.

Shaving Tips for Men Before a Spray Tan

Men getting a spray tan often wonder whether or not shaving is required, and the answer depends on the look you’re going for. At goGLOW, we never require male clients to shave, but we do recommend shaving or trimming areas where you want smoother coverage, such as the chest, arms, back, or legs. Clean-shaven areas typically absorb the product more evenly, allowing the bronzer to develop without interference from coarse hair. Here’s our shaving guidance for men:

• Shave or trim the day before your appointment using a sharp razor or electric trimmer
• Exfoliate with a mitt or dry brush before shaving to ensure an even surface
• Avoid shaving creams with oils like coconut or grapeseed oil that can block absorption
• Facial hair can stay intact—your tan artist will work around beards or stubble to blend naturally, although be mindful that you will have a noticeable tan line if you shave days or even weeks later.
• Apply an oil-free moisturizer after shaving if needed, but not within 6–8 hours of your spray tan.

Whether you’re preparing for a vacation, special event, or just want a refreshed, even complexion, shaving can enhance your results without being mandatory.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best tanning salon and the most skilled artist can’t compensate for poor preparation. Here are common shaving-related mistakes that can ruin an otherwise perfect tan:

• Shaving right before your appointment (especially after a hot shower)
• Using hair removal creams that irritate the skin or leave chemical residue
• Applying body oils, heavy lotions, or aftershave that interfere with spray tan adhesion
• Using a dull razor, which causes micro-tears or an uneven surface
• Wearing tight clothing after your session that rubs off the bronzer
• Skipping exfoliation leads to flaky skin and blotchy color development

Avoiding these common errors will give your spray tan the best chance of achieving an even application, a natural fade, and a long-lasting glow.

Final Glow-Up: Smooth Skin, Flawless Finish

A great spray tan formula will only get you halfway towards your desired glow. You need a smooth and hydrated foundation that you create beforehand. Proper shaving and exfoliation help your tan look more even, last longer, and fade more gracefully. So, should you shave before or after a spray tan? The answer is clear: shave before, and do it 8 to 24 hours prior. Pair it with an exfoliating routine, use the right post-sunless products, and avoid oil-based or barrier-forming ingredients. Whether you’re headed to the beach, prepping for wedding photos, or simply embracing a better self-care routine, a little pre-tan effort goes a long way. Trust your specialists, follow your post-tan routine carefully, and treat your skin like the canvas it is. From red-light therapy to tanning beds, there are countless beauty services out there—but nothing compares to the confidence that comes from a perfectly prepped spray tan.