Before and After the Show: A Hair and Skin Care Game Plan for Competitors

You've put in months of training, dialed in your nutrition, and chosen every detail of your suit. But judges see the total package, and that includes your hair and skin. Prep, peak week, the tan, and stage styling all take a toll. Here's how to get your hair and skin ready before the show and bring them back afterward.

Before the Show

2 to 3 Weeks Out: Build the Routine

• Cleanse and moisturize every day. Hydrated, smooth skin takes a tan more evenly, and dry patches on elbows, knees, and hands grab extra color.

• Condition your hair every wash. Training, sweat, and frequent washing dry it out.

• Get a trim now, not the week of the show.

• Don't try anything new. Show week is not the time to find out your skin reacts to a new product.

  
  

The Week Of: Prep for the Tan

• Exfoliate and shave about 24 to 48 hours before your tan, or on the timing your tanning team gives you.

• Keep moisturizing dry areas up until the day before the tan.

• Wash your hair before your tan appointment, since you won't be washing it again until after the show.

  
  

Tan Day

• Show up with clean, bare skin: no lotion, deodorant, oils, or perfume.

• Follow your tanning team's instructions on clothing and showering.

After the Show

Step 1: Lift the Tan

Start with a warm shower. Then use a gentle enzyme exfoliating treatment, which is one of the kindest ways to help loosen leftover tanner without scrubbing your skin raw. Take it slowly over a few days rather than in one aggressive session.

Step 2: Rehydrate Your Skin

Between peak week and tan removal, your skin has been through a lot. Go back to a daily cleanser and moisturizer, and add a richer night moisturizer for the first couple of weeks.

Step 3: Reset Your Hair

Hairspray, stage styling, and tan transfer at the hairline build up fast. Wash thoroughly to clear the buildup, then follow with conditioner every time.

Step 4: Your First Shower Home

You earned it. Add a shower steamer made with real essential oils and take your time.

Where Dolly Wally Fits In

I've worked with competitors for years through Bambi Bikini Connectors, and I've watched what show prep does to hair and skin. That's why at Dolly Wally we're developing a face cleanser, a daily moisturizer, Overnight Recovery, an enzyme polish, shampoo and conditioner, and Ranch Retreat shower steamers made with real essential oils. We're formulating them with competitors in mind.

You've built the physique. Now complete the total package. Join the list at www.DollyWally.com for early access when new products launch.

Sonya