That sun-kissed glow created by a spray tan might be less alluring if your newly bronzed legs are covered in stubble. As a result, eliminating that unwanted hair before you step into a spray-tanning booth is essential. If waxing is your hair-removal process of choice, time it right to avoid irritating your skin or interfering with your impending faux glow.
Waxing and Spray Tanning
Hair removal is an important step in the tanning process, but it's a step that shouldn't immediately precede the spray tan. Waxing should occur 24 to 48 hours before a spray tan. This timing ensures that your skin is smooth and hair-free before you tan, but it gives your skin time to recover from waxing.
Before you step into the spray-tanning booth, make sure there aren't any remnants of wax left on your skin. Even thin waxy layers will prevent the spray from properly adhering to your skin, resulting in white spots or blotchy coverage.
This one- to two-day waxing window also minimizes any risk of skin irritation. Freshly waxed skin will have open pores; spraying DHA onto those open pores may cause a skin reactions. Waiting gives them time to close makes your skin better-equipped to handle the effects of DHA.
Spray Tan Basics
Spray tanning uses dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, an FDA-approved color additive. DHA interacts with your skin's natural amino acids to darken the pigment for the short term. Proper care for your skin both before and after the spray tan can ensure the color is applied evenly and lasts for about a week.
Waxing isn't the only skincare consideration to make to prep for a spray tan -- other factors can impact the spray tan application as well. Exfoliation, or removal of dead cells and buildup on the skin’s surface, also promotes an even and natural-looking finished product. Exfoliation of the knees and elbows, in particular, is important to avoid darker pigmentation of these areas. While daily moisturizing will encourage a more even color, skin should be sans lotion in the hours immediately leading up to the spray tan.
Related Articles

How to Make a Spray Tan Last

Pros & Cons of Spray-on Tans

How to Even Your Tan

How to Make Your Mystic Tan Last Longer
How Long to Wait Before Taking a Shower ...
What Will Happen If I Shower 3 Hours ...

How to Prepare for Laser Bikini Hair ...
How to Fix a Bad Eyebrow Wax Job

UV Tanning Vs. Spray Tanning
How to Soothe Waxed Skin

Spray Tanning & Scars
How to Get a Tan Without Getting ...

How to Get The Perfect Bronze Tan

Tips on Getting Spray Tans If You're ...

Difference Between Bronzing & Tanning ...

What Are the Dangers of Fraxel Repair?

How Long After a Tattoo Can I Put ...

Glycolic Acid for Stretch Marks

Help With Chapped Red Cheeks
How to Get Rid of Stomach Freckles
References
- Bare Waxing and Skin Care Centre: Spray Tanning - Before & After Care
- St. Tropez Tan: What to Do Before a Spray Tan
- Allure: Insiders' Guide: How to Get the Best Spray Tan
- Mystic Tan: Sunless Spray Tanning FAQ
- Twin Palms Health and Beauty Boutique: Spray Tan Before and After Care
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Sunless Tanners and Bronzers
Writer Bio
Barbie Carpenter worked as a technical writer and editor in the defense industry for six years. She also served as a newspaper feature page editor and nationally syndicated columnist for the Hearst Corp. Carpenter holds a Bachelor of Science in journalism from the University of Florida and a graduate certificate in professional writing from the University of Central Florida.