Spray tans can be a great way to get a sun-kissed glow without spending hours in the sun. But when the color sets unevenly, especially on your hands, it can throw off the whole look. If you’ve ever looked down and noticed your palms or fingertips have turned a strange orange or dark color, you’re definitely not alone.
Orange hands from spray tanners happen more often than you might think. Hands soak up product quickly, and even a small misstep during application can leave you with patchy or overly dark results. Luckily, there are simple ways to fix this problem and even easier ways to avoid it next time. Here’s what you need to know about how it happens, how to fix it fast, and how to make sure it doesn’t come back.
Why Do Hands Turn Orange?
When something goes wrong with a spray tan, hands are usually the first place you see it. They’re exposed, they move through the air during the tanning process, and have thin and often dry skin that absorbs product fast. Even if you’re trying to be careful, the palms and fingers can still end up darker than the rest of your body.
One of the main causes is over-application. If too much tanning solution builds up on the hands or if it sits there too long before drying, it leads to a deep, unnatural tone. In many cases, people skip applying any kind of lotion or barrier to the hands before tanning. Without that layer of protection, the product clings tightly, especially on rough or dry areas, and darkens as it develops.
Another issue is movement during the tanning process. If you move your fingers too much, scratch, or brush against anything too soon while the solution is still wet, it smudges or pools in certain areas. That results in uneven patches or streaks that look orange and obvious. Even knuckles and folds in your skin can trap the liquid and make it appear darker there.
Washing your hands too quickly after tanning is another common mistake. While your palms might feel sticky and make you want to rinse right away, doing that too soon creates a jarring color difference. The rest of your tan is still developing, but your washed hands won’t take on the same depth, leaving them visibly lighter or mismatched.
It’s the combination of quick absorption, movement, missed prep steps, and drying issues that tends to make hands the top trouble spot post-tan.
Immediate Fixes For Orange Hands
If you notice your hands are turning orange shortly after your spray tan, act quickly. The sooner you correct the color, the better the results. Here are a few steps you can try to tone it down or remove the extra color.
1. Gently exfoliate
Use a soft scrub, preferably one meant for sensitive skin, or a clean, damp washcloth to gently rub the stained areas. Don’t be aggressive. Scrubbing too hard can make things worse or cause blotchiness.
2. Try lemon juice
Soak a cotton ball with fresh lemon juice and apply it to the areas that look extra dark. The natural acid can help lift the dark tone without removing the rest of the tan. Give it a minute, then rinse and pat dry.
3. Soak your hands in warm water
Let your hands rest in a bowl of warm water for about 5 to 10 minutes. It helps soften the outer layer of skin and may loosen up the product for easier removal.
4. Use a tan remover
If you have a tan eraser or remover product, now’s the time to use it. Follow the instructions on the product and give it time to work before washing it off.
5. Moisturize afterward
After trying any of the above methods, follow up by applying a light moisturizer. This helps soothe your skin and avoids any dryness from exfoliation or lemon juice.
The key to correcting orange hands is to take small, gentle steps and not rush the process. Over-scrubbing or applying multiple treatments in a row could leave you with pale spots or make things look uneven across your hands. Go easy and let the color adjust gradually.
Preventive Measures For Future Applications
Fixing the color is helpful, but your best bet is to avoid the orange hands altogether. Whether you’re a self-tanning pro or trying out a spray booth for the first time, prepping your hands and applying smart techniques can protect you from common mishaps.
Start by exfoliating your hands a few hours before your session. Use a mild scrub and focus on your knuckles, the sides of your fingers, and the dry patches around your nails. Creating a smooth surface helps the color go on evenly and keeps product from building up in places you don’t want it.
Next, apply a very light layer of barrier cream or unscented lotion to your knuckles, palms, and cuticles. Petroleum jelly works well for this too. These areas absorb product the fastest, so adding a barrier helps buffer some of the color. Try not to overdo it. You don’t need to lather on a thick layer. You’re just creating a soft, moisture-rich surface to prevent the tan from setting in too strongly.
If you’re applying your own tan at home, always use a tanning mitt. It keeps product from settling on your palms and offers smoother blending. For professional spray tans, keep your hands in a relaxed claw shape with fingers slightly spread. This helps the product go on evenly over the whole hand without bunching up in creases.
And once your tan is done, give it time to settle. Avoid washing your hands for at least a few hours afterward. If your palms feel sticky or uncomfortable, you can gently blot them with a towel instead. Washing them right away interrupts the development process and causes big differences in tone compared to the rest of your skin.
Here’s a quick checklist so you don’t forget:
– Lightly exfoliate hands before tanning
– Apply barrier cream to palms, knuckles, and around nails
– Always use a tanning mitt for self-application
– Keep hands loose and slightly curved during pro spray
– Don’t wash hands for several hours after tanning
Those few simple steps can help you avoid the dreaded orange tint. With the right prep and some care after the tan, your hands can look as smooth and natural as the rest of your glow.
Contact Sugar Sugar Boerne for Expert Help
Even with all the right prep, application, and aftercare, spray tans can still be tricky, especially on your hands. These are the areas most exposed and most prone to issues if things don’t go exactly as planned.
If you’re tired of trial and error or just want results you can trust, come see us at Sugar Sugar Boerne. Our team has the experience, tools, and expert techniques to make sure your tan looks balanced from head to toe. With our clean, organic approach and focus on natural beauty, we’ll make sure your skin comes out looking smooth, even, and radiant every time.
Whether it’s correcting a past tan or getting ready for your next special event, we’re here to help you feel confident about your glow. Let us take the stress out of tanning, especially when it comes to those tricky spots like hands and feet.
Glow On with Confidence
Getting a natural-looking, even spray tan doesn’t have to feel like guesswork. Orange hands are a common issue, but they’re also preventable with just a few simple steps. From gentle fixes to smart routines that stop the problem before it starts, you have options for keeping your tan smooth and streak-free.
Prep your hands with care, apply thoughtful protection, and let the color develop properly. That way, you avoid drawing the wrong kind of attention to your hands, which are one of the most visible parts of your whole tan. Small changes in your approach make a big difference in the final result.
And when in doubt, trust the pros. At Sugar Sugar Boerne, we’re always happy to help you get the kind of tan that feels like the best version of you.
To keep your glow looking flawless, rely on expert tips and techniques to maintain a beautiful tan. Learn more through our spray tan tips to see how Sugar Sugar Boerne can help you achieve an even, stunning tan every time. Feel free to reach out with any questions or to book your next appointment.