Should you spray tan after or before a pedicure?
If you have a tan appointment coming up but wonder if you can get a pedicure after your session, we’re here to help you out.
In recent years, sunless tanning has become increasingly popular, and we can see why. UV rays have been proven to cause skin damage and sitting in a tanning bed is just as bad. However, a sunless tan is a quick, safe, and affordable alternative.
If you’re considering a sunless tanning appointment, then chances are you might enjoy manicures and pedicures as well. But can you get a pedicure after a spray tan?
In this post, we’re answering this question and going over the best practices to keep both your tan and pedicure looking their best.
Best Practices For Maintaining A Sunless Tan
In order to preserve and extend the life of your spray tan or airbrush tan, there are a few instructions that are important to follow. Here’s a rundown of aftercare instructions:
Avoid tight clothing after your spray tan
After your tan session, it’s best to wear loose clothing.
It takes some time for the tanning solution to absorb into the skin and in the interim, it’s easy to accidentally leave marks and tan lines where they aren’t wanted.
Loose pants and long sleeve tops are recommended while tight-fitting items like sports bras should be avoided. Not only will this help keep smudging at bay, but it will also help to prevent stains on harder-to-clean surfaces, like your car seats.
Opt for dark clothing on the day of your tan
Sunless tanners are quite strong and have a tendency to stain. It’s a good idea to wear clothing in a dark color in the event you do get the product on your clothes.
Wait 24 hours before showering
To achieve the best results you should wait 24 hours before your first shower. Again, this is because it takes some time for your skin to fully absorb the tan solution.
Avoid manicure and pedicure services for approximately 24-48 hours.
While nail polish itself won’t impact the outcome of your tan, some of the other products used could interfere.
During pedicure spa treatments, your nail tech will likely use products such as acetone, cuticle oil, and some sort of scrub. Each of these products has the ability to interfere with a recently applied sunless tan. Therefore, it’s a good idea to wait at least 24 hours after your tanning session to get a pedicure.
Wear disposable undergarments
Immediately following your appointment and for the next 24 hours, it’s advised to wear disposable thongs. The active ingredient in most sunless tanning solutions stains very easily.
Here’s a pack that has both disposable underwear and bras.
Use a barrier cream
Barrier creams keep the tanning agent from building up in certain parts of your body. Your tan artist will apply this (or have you apply this) in areas where the product tends to clump up such as knees, elbows, etc.
Choose flip flops over sneakers
While flip flops still touch your feet, you’re less likely to have noticeable marks than you would from socks and sneakers. Wear flip flops or sandals for best results.
Moisturize
Prior to your tanning session, you want to make sure that your entire body is free of dry skin by adequately moisturizing. Dry skin will prevent an even application and increases the chances of uneven results.
Use bar soap for the first 48 hours after your session
During your first rinse post-shower and the next day, it’s best to stick to a bar soap that has gentle ingredients. The best way to do this is to avoid cleansers that have exfoliating properties.
Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells, but will also exfoliate freshly tanned skin. After 48 hours you can go back to a regular shower and your normal products.
Apply lip balm but be cautious
Before a spray tan, you should apply lip balm to protect your lips. The only problem is that you need to be extra careful to only get the lip balm directly on your lips.
If you happen to get it on the skin around the lips it will act as a barrier, leaving you with a non-tanned ring around your lips. Sadly, I can say that from experience!
Use a tan extender
Using a tan extender after your spray tan is the best way to keep your golden glow for as long as possible. Here’s a popular tan extender to consider.
FAQs
Can you get a pedicure after a spray tan?
As mentioned above, it’s best to avoid pedicures for approximately 48 hours after your spray tan.
This is because pedicure spa services typically include cuticle and/or massage oils, lotions, steaming, and/or scrubbing that could leave you with an uneven color. The last thing you want to do is to mess up the tan you just paid for.
Will a pedicure take off your spray tan?
If a pedicure is done within a short period of time after your spray tan the chemical reaction between the pedicure products and spray solution can cause your tan to fade/splotch.
What should you not do after a spray tan?
After a spray tan, you should avoid excessive sweating, swimming, showering, spa services, workouts, lotions, etc. It is advised to refrain from anything that will cause you to sweat and or get wet.
What will ruin a spray tan?
Not only will water have a negative impact on your freshly tanned skin, but other home & beauty products can as well. Products such as eye makeup removers, cooking oils, cleaning products, and sticky objects should be avoided.
Can I sit normally after a spray tan?
You should avoid crossing your legs to prevent an uneven finish. Additionally, you should avoid sitting on upholstered furniture as sunless tanning products can stain the fabric.
Can you get acrylic nails after a spray tan?
Just like a pedicure, you should avoid getting acrylic nails put on for approximately 48 hours after your spray tan. This includes all kinds of spray tans such as organic spray tan, airbrush spray tan, or traditional spray tan.
Can I get a pedicure before a spray tan?
Yes, you can get a pedicure before a spray tan. The only thing you’ll really need to be mindful of is that light colors may not be the best choice as sunless tanning solutions can stain them.
Can I do hot yoga after a spray tan?
As mentioned above, anything that makes you sweat is a no-no for approximately 48 hours after a spray tan, including hot yoga.
Conclusion
Spray tans are a great way to get a golden glow without the skin damage caused by uv rays or a tanning booth. As long as you follow the aftercare instructions properly, you’ll be able to keep your beautiful glow looking its best.
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