How do you fix blotchy spray tan on hands?

Author: Prof. Vida Steuber PhD  |  Last update: Friday, November 14, 2025

Lemon juice contains citric acid and Vitamin C, which aids in lightening the skin and removing excess spray tan color. You can use it directly on your hands or feet or combine with baking soda to create a mild exfoliant aimed at cutting through patchy color.

How to fix orange hands after spray tan?

Pino, who works at Queen Bee Salon & Spa in Culver City, California, said you should always wash your hands about 30 minutes after your spray tan. Simply running water over them can help pick up any leftover color, so there's no need to wash them super vigorously. Another essential rule? Don't sleep in the nude.

How do you get rid of spray tan splotches?

Can I fix spray tan streaks on my legs at home? Use 1/2 a tablespoon of baking soda and lemon juice. Mix it around. Rub it all over and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Rinse it off. Scrape it off with a lukewarm rag. Try the tanning remover to remove even the darkest traces of tan.

How to fix uneven self tan on hands?

Mix one teaspoon of baking powder with half a teaspoon of water, and two teaspoons of lemon juice until a paste starts to form. Tanning pros advise that you leave it on for three minutes before removing. A little birdy has told us that toothpaste can also be of use if you're trying to make your hands look lighter.

How do you get rid of tan on your hands?

The best way to get rid of sun tan from hands is to exfoliate regularly with a gentle scrub to remove dead skin cells and reveal brighter , smoother skin . You can also use natural remedies such as lemon juice , yogurt , or aloe vera to lighten the tan .

4 ways to remove your fake tan!

How to get spray tan off hands fast?

Because of its acidity, white vinegar can be super helpful in removing the added layers of fake tan on your hands. Apply some vinegar into a cotton pad, and then dab the pad onto your hands. Let the vinegar sit and absorb into your skin for a few minutes.

What product removes tan from hands?

Select exfoliation products that contain beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) for a mild yet efficient exfoliation. Use brightening serums or products with ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, or licorice extract to help fade tan lines and even out skin tone on the hands and face.

How to fix blotchy spray tan hands?

How to fix patchy fake tan
  1. Gently buff away excess tan. Excess product often settles onto dry areas, like the elbows, knees, ankles, hands, and feet, causing an uneven, patchy tan. ...
  2. Exfoliate the skin. ...
  3. Fill in the gaps. ...
  4. Always use a tanning mitt. ...
  5. Opt for a gradual tan moisturiser.

How to stop fake tan going like tiger bread?

Avoid OILS on the skin!

Oil can break down the colour of self-tanner by loosening the dead skin cells that have been dyed brown by fake tan. When these dead skin cells start to crack and flake off, it can result in a patchy or uneven tan, often referred to as a "tiger bread" tan.

Is it normal for a spray tan to look blotchy right after?

The blotchiness you see is often the bronzer that spray tan solutions contain. This bronzer is designed to give you an instant tan and help the technician see where they have applied the product. However, it can gather and appear blotchy as it dries.

How to fix patchy fake tan?

For gaps in your tan, you can use a tanning mousse or lotion to touch up the areas you've missed and blend them seamlessly with the rest of your tan. The Self-Tanning Milky Lotion , is perfect for self-tan touch-ups.

How do you fade a spray tan fast?

If you want to expedite the process of removing your tan, try the following recipe:
  1. Mix lemon juice and baking soda until it forms a coarse paste.
  2. In the shower, scrub this paste onto your skin.
  3. Rinse off immediately and continue to shower as normal.

How to avoid spray tan hands?

Use TanBan Hand & Foot Guards

Designed to protect the more vulnerable areas of your feet and hands, TanBan are simple hand and foot guards that you wear while spray tanning that will help prevent those dreaded orange stains from appearing on your hands and feet! They're easy to use and highly effective!

How to correct a bad spray tan?

“Mix lemon juice with a little baking soda or baby oil. Saturate the skin with the mixture, then let it sit for about five minutes before removing with a cleansing wipe—this will erase the tan entirely,” she says. Her other favorite method: “A hair removal cream like Veet.

How to wash hands after fake tan?

Step 1: Clean your palms

Getting fake tan off your hands isn't as simple as just washing them with soap and water. To preserve the tan on top but avoid staining your palms, use a washcloth or face wipe to carefully clean the underside of your hands and fingers as soon as you've finished your tan application.

Does baby oil remove fake tan?

Yep! Oil in all its forms — think baby oil, coconut oil and olive oil — loosens dead skin cells, which can help break down tan build-up. Grab the oil and apply a generous amount to your palms before massaging it into the skin. Let it soak for at least half an hour (the longer you keep it on, the better).

How do I keep my self-tanner from getting blotchy?

Start by cleansing and exfoliating skin 12-24 hours before you tan. Tan often settles in areas where skin is dry so the rougher texture causes tan to look patchy. Use a scrub or exfoliating glove to buff dry and rough areas.

Does Vaseline help fake tan?

Prep school

Don't moisturise immediately before applying fake tan as it can stop the colour ingredients working. Instead, smooth Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Soothe Lotion, over your elbows, wrists, knees, ankles and toes (the dry areas that 'grab' tan, creating that orange, wrinkly effect).

What ruins fake tan?

As sweat is acidic, it can cause self tan to break down when left to sit on the skin.

How to remove orange hands from spray tan?

Steam is an effective way to help remove spray tan from your hands and feet, as well as the rest of your body. The heat and sweat help soften your skin and the color, making it easier to wipe off later. Use a warm, wet washcloth and gently rub in circular motions on skin following your time in the steam.

How to cover up blotchy spray tan?

To further even out your spray tan, reach for a self-tanner— specifically one that goes on bronze instead of clear. “If your spray tan is in a mess with light patches, you will need a self-tanner, preferably with a guide color (built-in bronzer), that way we can precisely see where we need to apply,” says Evans.

Does Windex get rid of fake tan?

"Windex actually strips the outer layer of the skin, removing a portion of the spray tan (and the skin)." Among the ingredients in a bottle of Windex are solvents not intended for use on skin, fragrance, and blue dye, all of which can cause irritation when applied directly to the skin.

How do you get fake tan off your hands ASAP?

How To Get Self Tanner off Your Hands
  1. Lemon Juice. This is a natural alpha hydroxy acid, which makes it another effective exfoliant. ...
  2. White Vinegar. ...
  3. Nail Polish Remover. ...
  4. Toothpaste. ...
  5. Oil. ...
  6. Body Scrub, Loofah, or Washcloth. ...
  7. Facial Bleach. ...
  8. Hair Removal Cream.

Does Dawn dish soap remove self-tanner?

Arnold shares that she specifically likes to use it on more stubborn areas, like the palms and bottoms of the feet, to remove self-tanner easily. "Dawn dish soap (especially the DAWN Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray) with a pumice stone works amazing,” Arnold says.

How do you fix badly tanned hands?

Combine lemon juice with sugar or honey. Use the juice to scrub your hands or run it gently for 15-20 minutes on the affected area. Then rinse the hands. To prevent the drying effect of the acidic lime juice, you must follow it up with a moisturizer.

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