How to Fix Spray Tan Streaks

woman receiving spray tan

Spray tanning is a popular way of achieving a bronzed, sun-kissed look without exposing your skin to harmful UV rays. However, sometimes things can go wrong, and you may end up with streaks or uneven patches on your skin.

Don’t worry; it happens to the best of us! In this article, I will share some tips and tricks on how to fix spray tan streaks.

How Spray Tanning Works

Before we dive into how to fix spray tan streaks, let’s briefly talk about how spray tanning actually works. Spray tanning is a process that involves spraying a fine mist of a solution containing DHA (dihydroxyacetone) onto the skin. DHA is a colorless sugar that reacts with the amino acids in the outer layer of the skin, creating a brown pigment called melanoidin. This pigment gives the skin a tan-like appearance that lasts for several days.

The quality and duration of the spray tan depend on several factors, such as your skin type, pH level, hydration, and exfoliation. For example, people with dry skin may need to moisturize before getting a spray tan to ensure the solution is absorbed evenly. On the other hand, people with oily skin may need to exfoliate more to ensure the solution adheres to their skin properly.

Now that we know how spray tanning works let’s move on to the main topic of this article: how to fix spray tan streaks.

How to Fix Spray Tan Streaks

Spray tanning can be a great way to get a natural-looking, glowing tan without exposing yourself to harmful UV rays.

However, sometimes things can go wrong, resulting in unsightly streaks or splotches. The good news is that there are several ways to fix spray tan streaks, depending on the affected area and the severity of the streaks.

Below, we’ll cover some general tips and specific methods for fixing spray tan streaks on various parts of your body.

Face

The face is one of the most noticeable areas where spray tan streaks can occur. If you notice streaks on your face after a spray tan session, try the following methods:

Moisturize: Apply a gentle moisturizer to your face to hydrate your skin and smooth out any dry patches. This can help even out the color and make it fade more evenly.

Exfoliate: Use a mild exfoliating scrub or a washcloth to gently buff away any excess product or dead skin cells. This can help remove any dark spots or uneven areas. Be careful not to over-exfoliate or irritate your skin.

Apply more product: If your face is too light compared to the rest of your body, you can apply more product to darken it. Use a self-tanning lotion or a bronzer that matches your spray tan color. Apply it evenly and blend it well with your fingers or a sponge.

Hands

The hands are another common area where spray tan streaks can happen. Here’s how to fix spray tan streaks on your hands:

Moisturize: Apply a generous amount of moisturizer to your hands and rub them together. This can help dilute any excess product and soften any harsh lines.

Exfoliate: Use a nail file or a pumice stone to gently scrape off any dark spots or stains on your nails or palms. This can help lighten any areas that are too dark or orange.

Apply more product: If your hands are too pale compared to the rest of your body, you can apply more product to darken them. Use a self-tanning lotion or a spray that matches your spray tan color. Apply it sparingly and blend it well with your fingers or a cotton pad.

Legs

The legs are a common area where spray tan streaks can occur, especially if you didn’t exfoliate or shave beforehand. Here’s how to fix spray tan streaks on your legs:

Moisturize: Apply a generous amount of moisturizer to your legs to help blend any streaks or splotches. Make sure to apply the moisturizer evenly and let it absorb into your skin before getting dressed.

Exfoliate: Use a body scrub or a loofah to gently exfoliate your legs and remove any dead skin cells or excess product. This can help even out the color and prevent streaks from forming in the first place.

Apply more product: If your legs are too light or streaky, you can apply more product to darken them. Use a self-tanning lotion or a spray that matches your spray tan color. Apply it evenly and blend it well with your hands or a tanning mitt.

How to Prevent Spray Tanning Streaks

Here we will cover how to prevent spray tanning streaks at each of the different phases of spray tanning, before, during and after your spray tan and what you really need to know.

Before Your Appointment 

Preparation is key when it comes to spray tanning. Here are some things you should do before your appointment to ensure the best possible results:

Shave or Wax: Remove any unwanted hair from your body at least 24 hours before your appointment. This will ensure that your skin is smooth and free of any cuts or irritation.

Exfoliate: Exfoliate your entire body using a gentle scrub or a loofah. This will remove any dead skin cells and dirt that could interfere with the product absorption and color development.

Moisturize: Moisturize your skin with a fragrance-free lotion or oil. This will hydrate your skin and balance its pH level. Avoid using any products that contain alcohol, mineral oil, or perfume as they could dry out your skin or cause a reaction.

During Your Appointment

Choosing the right product and applying it correctly is crucial when it comes to preventing spray tan streaks. Here are some things to keep in mind during your appointment:

Choose the Right Color: Choose a color that suits your natural skin tone and desired level of tan. Avoid going too dark or too light as this could look unnatural or uneven.

Choose the Right Formula: Choose a formula that works best for your skin type and preference. There are different types of products available for spray tanning, such as aerosol cans, airbrush guns, booths, or handheld devices. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of coverage, speed, and convenience.

Apply Evenly: Apply the product evenly over your entire body using circular motions. Make sure to cover every inch of your skin and avoid overlapping or missing any spots. Use gloves or mitts to protect your hands from staining.

After Your Appointment

Taking care of your skin after your appointment is just as important as what you do before and during your appointment. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Wait: Wait at least 8 hours before showering, sweating, swimming, or applying any products to your skin. This will allow the color to fully develop and set on your skin.

Rinse: Rinse off any excess product with lukewarm water and pat dry with a towel. Avoid using any soap, shampoo, or scrub as they could strip off the color or cause streaking.

Moisturize: Moisturize your skin daily with a hydrating lotion or oil. This will keep your skin soft and supple and extend the life of your tan.

Important Frequently Asked Questions 

What to do if spray tan missed a spot?

If your spray tan missed a spot, you can touch up the area with a self-tanning product. Make sure to choose a product that matches the color of your existing tan.

Apply a small amount of the product to the missed spot and blend it in with the rest of your tan. Be careful not to overdo it, as this can lead to an uneven tan.

Why did my spray tan go blotchy?

There are several reasons why a spray tan may go blotchy. One common reason is that the skin was not properly exfoliated before the spray tan was applied. Another reason could be that the tanning solution was not applied evenly.

Improper aftercare can also cause a spray tan to go blotchy. To prevent this from happening, make sure to exfoliate your skin before your spray tan, choose a reputable spray tan technician, and follow the aftercare instructions carefully.

How do you fix a spray tan day after?

If you notice any areas of your spray tan that need fixing the day after, you can touch up the area with a self-tanning product.

Apply a small amount of the product to the affected area and blend it in with the rest of your tan. Make sure to choose a product that matches the color of your existing tan. Be careful not to overdo it, as this can lead to an uneven tan. 

Can you fix a splotchy spray tan?

Yes, you can fix a splotchy spray tan. One way to do this is to use a self-tanning product to touch up the areas that are lighter than the rest of your tan.

Another way to fix a splotchy spray tan is to use a tan eraser product. This will help to remove the uneven areas of your tan, allowing you to start fresh.

How do you fix fake tan mistakes?

If you make a mistake while applying your fake tan, there are several ways to fix it. If you apply too much self-tanner to a particular area, you can use a wet cloth to gently remove the excess tanner.

If you accidentally apply tanner to an area where you don’t want it, you can use a tan eraser product to remove the tan. If you notice any streaks or uneven areas, you can touch up the area with a self-tanning product.

Scroll to Top