Orange Spray Tan: Causes, Prevention, and How to Fix It

If you’ve ever walked out of a spray tan appointment only to check your reflection and think, “Why do I look like a carrot?” you know how I feel, here.

However, with proper technique, you can achieve your desired tan like this.

The secret is knowing what causes that orange tint. It involves understanding how to stop it prior to its occurrence.

Here, I’m sharing everything I know concerning orange spray tans.

We’ll cover why they happen, how to prevent them, which parts of your body need you to pay more attention, and how to fix them if your tan goes wrong.

Why Spray Tans Turn Orange

Understanding why spray tans turn orange is the first step to preventing it. Let’s look at the main reasons this happens to so many people.

1. Low-Quality or Incorrect Product Formulas

Not all spray tan solutions are created equal. Cheap products often pack in too much DHA, which is the ingredient that gives your skin color. When there’s too much of it, your skin can develop that brassy, orange look nobody wants.

This is where quality matters. Premium and organic spray tan products use better formulas that work with your skin instead of against it. They cost more, but they’re worth it if you want to avoid looking orange.

2. Incorrect Color Matching

Your skin tone isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither should your spray tan be. Everyone has different undertones, warm, cool, or neutral. If the technician picks the wrong shade for your skin, you’ll end up with an unnatural color.

Think of it like foundation. You wouldn’t use a shade that doesn’t match your face, right? The same goes for spray tans. The color needs to complement your natural tone.

3. Poor Application Technique

How the spray tan gets applied makes a huge difference. If someone sprays too much product in one spot or doesn’t spread it evenly, you’ll see streaks and dark orange patches.

Professional spray tan artists know the tricks. They feather the product over dry areas like elbows and knees. They blend everything so there are no harsh lines. When the technique is off, the results show it.

4. Skin pH and Individual Factors

Your skin’s chemistry plays a big role in how your tan develops. If your skin is too dry or your pH balance is off, the DHA won’t react the way it should.

Other things affect your tan too. Certain medications can change how your skin responds. What you eat matters. Even your hormonal cycle can impact the final color. Everyone’s skin is different, which is why the same product can look great on one person and orange on another.

5. Overdevelopment

Leaving spray tan solution on your skin for too long is a common mistake. The longer it sits, the darker and warmer the color gets. Sometimes that warmth crosses into orange territory.

Most products need between 8 to 24 hours to fully develop. Check the instructions for your specific solution. Rinsing at the right time helps you get the color you actually want instead of an overly orange one.

Pre-Tan Preparation Tips to Avoid Orange Tones

Getting your skin ready before a spray tan makes all the difference. These simple prep steps help you avoid orange tones and get better results.

Exfoliation and Skin Prep

Dead skin cells are your enemy when it comes to spray tans. They soak up the product unevenly and create patchy, orange spots.

You need to exfoliate at least 4 hours before your appointment. Use a body scrub or exfoliating mitt to slough off all that dead skin. Focus on rough areas like your knees, elbows, and ankles. This gives the spray tan a smooth, clean surface to stick to.

Shaving, Waxing, and Clean Skin

Timing matters with hair removal. If you wax, do it at least 24 hours before your spray tan. This gives your pores time to close up so the solution doesn’t settle into them.

Show up to your appointment with completely clean skin. No moisturizer. No makeup. No deodorant. Nothing. These products create a barrier that stops the spray tan from absorbing properly. Clean skin means better color.

Moisturize Dry Areas

Here’s a trick that seems backwards but works. Right before your spray tan, apply a light layer of lotion to your driest spots.

Your hands, feet, elbows, and knees are thirsty. They’ll drink up way too much spray tan solution and turn dark orange if you don’t protect them first. A thin layer of moisturizer acts like a buffer. It helps these areas match the rest of your body.

Choose Appropriate Shade

I get it. You want to look really tan. But going too dark is how you end up orange.

Pick a shade that’s only one or two levels darker than your natural skin tone. Anything more than that looks fake and increases your risk of orange color. Start lighter. You can always go darker next time if you want to.

Post-Tan Care to Maintain a Natural Glow

Your spray tan doesn’t stop needing attention once you leave the salon. How you care for it determines whether you keep that natural glow or end up with orange patches.

• Clothing and Skin Protection: Put on loose, dark clothing right after your tan. Skip tight bras, straps, and waistbands. They leave marks and rub off the color unevenly. Baggy clothes let your skin breathe while the tan develops.
• Avoid Water and Sweat: Stay completely dry for at least 4 hours after your tan. No showers, swimming, or workouts. Water washes away the solution before it sets. Plan your appointment so you can relax at home.
• Gentle Cleansing: Use lukewarm water and oil-free soaps when you shower. Hot water strips color faster. Pat your skin dry instead of rubbing. Being gentle helps your tan last longer.
• Moisturization: Starting on day three, moisturize twice daily with oil-free lotion. Dry skin causes patchy fading and orange tones. Hydrated skin helps the color fade naturally and evenly.

How to Fix an Orange Spray Tan

So you’ve got an orange tan. Don’t panic. There are ways to fix it, both at home and with professional help.

Quick Home Fixes

Apply baby oil or coconut oil all over your skin, then soak in a hot bath for 15 to 20 minutes. The oil and hot water help break down the color.

After your bath, use a gentle exfoliating scrub on the orange areas. This won’t remove everything overnight, but it will lighten the color significantly.

Professional Corrections

Sometimes the best option is going back to where you got the tan. A good spray tan artist can fix splotchy or uneven areas with a corrective spray.

They might apply a lighter shade over the orange spots or add more color to patchy areas. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help. Professionals deal with this all the time.

Problem Area Tips

Your hands, feet, elbows, and knees usually turn the darkest shade of orange. Apply extra oil to these spots before exfoliating.

Use circular motions with your scrub to blend the color. You might need to repeat this process a few times over several days.

Choosing the Right Spray Tan Studio

The studio you pick makes all the difference between a natural tan and an orange disaster. Look for experienced artists with good reviews and before-and-after photos.

Ask what products they use. Premium and organic solutions work better than cheap ones. The best studios offer custom airbrush services that match your exact skin tone.

Tell your artist about your plans. Indoor lighting is different from outdoor sunlight, and they can be adjusted to the shade for your specific event.

Conclusion

By knowing what causes it as well as how to stop it, the orange spray tan won’t have to be part of your routine anymore.

A good prep job, quality spray tan products, and care for the skin afterward can make a world of difference. If you ever go orange, there is always a fix.

I’ve been through it myself, and these methods really work. Find a studio you trust. State your wants. Mention any issues you see.

You want a tan that gives you confidence. It is not a reason for you to hide out in the house.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for an orange spray tan to fade?

An orange spray tan typically fades within 5 to 7 days with natural exfoliation. You can speed up the process by using oil treatments and gentle scrubs to lighten the color faster.

Can I fix an orange spray tan immediately after getting it?

Yes, you can. If you notice the orange tone right away, hop in a hot bath with baby oil or coconut oil within the first few hours. This helps break down the solution before it fully sets into your skin.

Why do my hands and feet always turn orange with spray tans?

Your hands and feet have thicker, drier skin that absorbs more product than other body parts. These areas need a barrier of moisturizer applied before your spray tan to prevent them from soaking up too much color.

Is it better to get a spray tan from a professional or do it at home?

Professional spray tans usually give better results because trained artists know how to match your skin tone and apply the product evenly. Home kits can work, but they require practice and careful application to avoid streaks and orange patches.

How can I tell if a spray tan solution will turn me orange before using it?

Check the DHA percentage in the product. Solutions with extremely high DHA levels are more likely to cause orange tones. Read reviews from people with similar skin tones to yours and always do a patch test on a small area first.