Self tanning is one of the easiest ways for men to achieve a natural-looking tan without spending hours in the sun. But getting a good result comes down to more than simply applying tanning mousse and hoping for the best.
From exfoliating beforehand to working around body hair and applying tan evenly to your face, a few simple steps can make a significant difference.
This guide explains how to self tan for men, including how to prepare your skin, apply self-tanning mousse evenly and maintain your colour for as long as possible.
Why Self Tan Is Different for Men
Men often have a few additional things to consider when self tanning, particularly facial hair, chest and leg hair, shaving and harder-to-reach areas such as the back.
The good news is that body hair does not mean you have to avoid self tan. The key is using the right amount of product and working it thoroughly into the skin rather than allowing excess product to sit on the hair.
MAN TAN AminoTan™ is a clear self-tanning mousse designed specifically for men and can be used across the body and face, including areas with body and facial hair.
1. Exfoliate Before Applying Self Tan
Good preparation is one of the most important parts of achieving an even tan.
Exfoliating helps remove dry and dead skin cells that can otherwise absorb more tanning product than the surrounding skin and create darker or patchy areas.
Pay particular attention to:
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elbows
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knees
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ankles
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feet
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hands
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other dry areas
For the best result, exfoliate before applying your self tan and make sure your skin is clean and dry before you begin.
If you regularly self tan, exfoliation can also help remove old colour before your next application.
You can use the MAN TAN Exfoliator Mitt to help prepare your skin before tanning.
2. Shave Before You Self Tan
If you shave your face or body, it is generally better to do it before applying self tan rather than immediately afterwards.
Shaving can exfoliate the skin and may remove some developed colour, so giving your skin time to settle before tanning usually produces a more even result.
If your skin becomes irritated after shaving, allow the irritation to calm before applying self-tanning products.
3. Apply Self Tan to Clean, Dry Skin
Before applying your tan, make sure your skin is clean and completely dry.
Avoid applying heavy moisturisers, oils or other products across the areas you are about to tan unless they are specifically needed for dry areas.
A small amount of moisturiser can be useful around particularly dry areas such as elbows, knees, ankles and hands, where tanning product can sometimes develop more strongly.
4. Use a Tanning Mitt
A MAN TAN Applicator Mitt makes it easier to spread self-tanning mousse evenly while keeping the palms of your hands clean.
Apply a small amount of tanning mousse to your mitt and work it into the skin using smooth, circular motions.
Start with less product than you think you need. It is easier to add more than to correct an area where too much product has been applied.
The MAN TAN Starter Pack combines AminoTan™ self-tanning mousse with an application mitt and is a simple option for anyone new to self tanning.
5. How to Self Tan Areas With Body Hair
You do not need to shave your chest, arms or legs just because you want to use self tan.
When applying self tan over body hair, concentrate on working the product into the skin underneath the hair rather than coating the hair itself.
Use your tanning mitt in different directions and avoid using excessive amounts of mousse.
Once applied, lightly brush through thicker areas of body hair with your hands or mitt to make sure the product is evenly distributed.
6. How to Apply Self Tan to Your Face and Beard
Use less product on your face than you would on larger areas of your body.
Apply a small amount evenly across the forehead, cheeks, nose, jawline and neck, blending carefully around the hairline and facial hair.
If you have a beard or stubble, work the product into the skin rather than allowing mousse to build up in the hair.
Take extra care around:
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eyebrows
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beard line
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hairline
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ears
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jaw and neck
Using a smaller amount usually creates a more natural result on the face.
7. How to Fake Tan Your Back
The back is one of the hardest areas to self tan evenly without help.
If you do not have someone available to apply the product for you, a MAN TAN Back Applicator can make the process considerably easier.
Apply your tanning product to the applicator and work across your back in overlapping movements, making sure you reach the shoulders, sides and lower back.
MAN TAN Back Applicator is designed specifically to help apply self tan to areas that are difficult to reach with a standard mitt.
8. Blend Carefully Around Hands, Feet, Knees and Elbows
Hands, feet, knees and elbows can develop darker than surrounding skin because they tend to be drier.
Use whatever product remains on your mitt rather than applying a fresh pump directly to these areas.
Blend lightly around:
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knuckles
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wrists
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ankles
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toes
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fingers
This helps create a gradual transition rather than an obvious line where the tan begins or ends.
9. Allow Your Tan to Develop
AminoTan™ goes on clear and gradually develops over approximately 6–8 hours.
Because it does not contain a dark guide colour, you avoid the heavy temporary colour that many traditional fake tans leave on the skin during development.
Avoid activities that are likely to cause excessive sweating or water exposure while your tan develops.
Always follow the instructions provided with the product you are using.
10. How to Make Self Tan Last Longer
Once your tan has developed, looking after your skin can help the colour fade more evenly.
Try to keep your skin moisturised and avoid excessive exfoliation until you are ready to remove the remaining tan.
Hot showers, swimming, heavy exfoliation and frequent shaving can all cause self tan to fade more quickly.
When your colour begins to fade unevenly, gently exfoliate the remaining tan before your next application.
How Often Should Men Self Tan?
How often you apply self tan depends on your preferred level of colour, skincare routine and how quickly the tan fades from your skin.
Rather than continually applying new product over an uneven old tan, wait until the previous colour has mostly faded, exfoliate your skin and begin again.
This usually produces a cleaner and more natural-looking result.
Does Self Tan Protect You From the Sun?
No.
Self-tanning products create colour on the surface of your skin but generally do not provide meaningful protection from ultraviolet radiation unless the product specifically includes an SPF.
Continue to use appropriate sun protection whenever you are exposed to the sun.
What Is the Best Self Tan for Men?
The best self tan depends on the result and application experience you want.
For men, useful features can include:
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natural-looking colour
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compatibility with body and facial hair
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easy application
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minimal transfer
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a clear rather than heavily coloured guide formula
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an application system that makes difficult areas easier to reach
MAN TAN AminoTan™ was developed specifically with men's tanning routines in mind. Its clear, cologne-scented formula is Australian made and designed for use across the face and body.
Start With the MAN TAN Starter Pack
If you're new to self tanning, the simplest place to start is the MAN TAN Starter Pack.
It includes:
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200ml AminoTan™ Self-Tanning Mousse
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MAN TAN Application Mitt
The combination gives you the tanning product and application tool you need to get started.
Shop the MAN TAN Starter Pack or explore the complete range of men's self-tanning products and accessories.
Final Tips for a Natural-Looking Men's Tan
A good self tan should look natural rather than obvious.
Prepare your skin properly, apply small amounts evenly, take extra care around dry areas and body hair, and give the product enough time to develop.
Once you've found a routine that works for your skin, achieving a natural-looking tan becomes much easier.
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