Waxing vs Shaving Before Fake Tan: Which Gives Better Results?

If you’re planning to apply fake tan, preparing your skin properly is the key to achieving a smooth, even glow. One of the most common questions people ask before tanning is whether they should wax or shave beforehand.

Hair removal can absolutely improve the final result of your tan, but timing and technique matter more than many people realise. Removing hair at the wrong time can lead to patchy colour, dark dots in pores or irritated skin that interferes with how your tan develops.

So which option is better before fake tan — waxing or shaving? The answer depends on your routine, skin sensitivity and how far in advance you’re preparing your skin.

In this guide, we’ll explain the differences between waxing and shaving before fake tan, when to do each one and how to prepare your skin for the most flawless results.

Should You Remove Hair Before Applying Fake Tan?

Removing hair before tanning can help create a smoother surface for the product to apply to. When the skin is smooth, fake tan spreads more evenly and develops more consistently.

Hair removal before fake tan can help with:

• smoother skin texture

• more even application

• better blending across the body

• longer-lasting results

When hair is removed after tanning, it can also remove some of the colour along with it. That’s why it’s generally recommended to complete your hair removal before applying fake tan, rather than afterwards.

Waxing vs Shaving Before Fake Tan

Both waxing and shaving can work well before fake tan, but they affect the skin differently. Understanding these differences will help you choose the best option for your tanning routine.

Waxing removes hair from the root, leaving the skin very smooth and hair-free for longer. Shaving, on the other hand, removes hair at the surface of the skin and is typically part of a more frequent grooming routine.

The most important factor with both methods is timing your hair removal correctly before applying fake tan.

Waxing Before Fake Tan

Waxing removes hair directly from the root, which means the skin can stay smoother for longer periods compared to shaving. Many people prefer waxing before fake tan because it leaves the skin feeling very soft and free from stubble.

However, waxing can also temporarily make the skin more sensitive. Immediately after waxing, the skin may experience redness, irritation or open hair follicles.

When to Wax Before Fake Tan

It’s best to wax 24 to 48 hours before applying fake tan.

This waiting period allows:

• redness to settle

• pores to close

• skin sensitivity to reduce

Applying fake tan immediately after waxing can sometimes cause the tan to settle into open hair follicles, which may appear as small dark dots.

Giving your skin time to recover will help ensure the tan develops smoothly and evenly.

Shaving Before Fake Tan

Shaving is often the quickest and easiest hair removal option, making it a common choice before tanning. It removes hair at the surface of the skin and can be done regularly as part of a grooming routine.

However, shaving also slightly exfoliates the skin and can temporarily leave pores open.

When to Shave Before Fake Tan

Ideally, you should shave at least 12 to 24 hours before applying fake tan.

This gives the skin time to settle and helps prevent tanning solution from sitting inside freshly opened pores.

Shaving immediately before tanning can sometimes result in small dark dots or uneven colour, particularly on areas like the legs.

Allowing time between shaving and tanning helps create a smoother, more even result.

Why Timing Matters Before Applying Fake Tan

Hair removal can temporarily affect the skin in several ways. Both waxing and shaving may cause:

• mild irritation

• open hair follicles

• increased skin sensitivity

If fake tan is applied too soon afterwards, the product may develop unevenly or settle into pores.

Allowing your skin time to calm down before applying tan helps create a smoother surface and more natural colour development.

The Perfect Hair Removal and Fake Tan Prep Routine

Preparing your skin correctly can make a significant difference to the final result of your tan.

A simple routine to follow includes:

Step 1: Remove Hair

Choose either waxing or shaving depending on your preference. Just make sure you leave enough time between hair removal and tanning.

Step 2: Exfoliate Your Skin

Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and helps create a smooth canvas for fake tan application.

Focus on areas that tend to be dry, such as elbows, knees and ankles.

Step 3: Apply Your Fake Tan

Once your skin is smooth and calm, apply your tanning mousse evenly using a tanning mitt.

Choosing the right shade can also help you achieve your ideal glow. For example:

• Medium creates a natural, everyday bronze

• Dark delivers a deeper glow

• Ultra Dark provides maximum colour

Applying your tan evenly and allowing it to develop fully will help ensure the best results.

Step 4: Maintain Hydration

Keeping your skin hydrated helps maintain your tan and ensures it fades evenly.

Using a nourishing moisturiser such as Crème de la Crème helps keep skin soft and hydrated while supporting a longer-lasting glow.

Common Hair Removal Mistakes Before Fake Tan

Even small mistakes in your prep routine can affect your tanning results.

Removing Hair Right Before Tanning

Shaving or waxing immediately before applying fake tan can lead to uneven colour development or dark dots in pores.

Skipping Exfoliation

Failing to exfoliate can leave dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, which may cause patchy colour.

Using Heavy Oils Before Tanning

Heavy oils or thick creams can create a barrier on the skin that prevents fake tan from developing properly.

Following the correct preparation steps helps ensure a smoother, more even tan.

To Wrap Up 

Both waxing and shaving can work well before fake tan — the key is simply choosing the method that suits your routine and timing it correctly.

Waxing should ideally be done 24–48 hours before tanning, while shaving should be done 12–24 hours beforehand.

Allowing your skin time to settle, exfoliating properly and maintaining hydration will help create the perfect base for tanning.

With the right preparation, you’ll achieve a smoother application, more even colour and a glow that lasts longer.