Will A Spray Tan Make Me Look Orange?

It’s the number one fear everyone has before their first session. We’ve all seen Ross from Friends after his spray tan. And nobody wants that, haha.
But I’ve got good news. Modern spray tanning has come a long way. If you’re worried about looking like an extra in a Willy Wonka movie, take a deep breath.

It’s All About the Science (Not Just the Spray)

The “orange” look usually happens for three very specific reasons and luckily, they are all totally avoidable:

1. Too much DHA. DHA is the active ingredient that reacts with your skin to create a tan. Booths used to just blast everyone with the same high percentage. With a custom airbrush tan, your technician will customize the solution to your specific skin tone and undertone. If you’re fair, we use a lower percentage. Olive and deeper skin tones can go higher.
2. Over-processing. If you leave your tan on for 12 hours when your artist told you to rinse in 4, you’re asking for trouble. When DHA stays on too long, it can start to pull those brassy, warm tones.
3. The “pH” Balance. If your skin is too acidic (think sweat or certain lotions), the tan can react funky.

How to Ensure a Perfect Glow

If you want to stay strictly in the golden zone, follow these rules:

• Prep is queen. Exfoliate 24 hours before! Old, dry skin cells soak up more DHA and can look patchy or orange.
• Stay hydrated. Drinking water before your tan is an important yet easily forgotten task. Continue to do so and moisturize (after your first rinse!) to keep your skin from getting thirsty and grabbing onto the pigment unevenly.
• Rinse on time. When your artist gives you a rinse time, set an alarm on your phone. It’s the secret to a flawless fade.

A professional, customized spray tan will not make you orange. We pride ourselves in continued education and flawless results. Let us help you get ready for all your fall fun!