If you are looking for how to fix a bad spray tan, the first thing to do is not panic. Even with a big event coming up, most bad spray tans are fixable without removal.
In this guide, we will share expert correction tips and show you how to avoid this uncomfortable situation in the future.
Key Takeaways
- Most bad spray tans can be fixed with early blending and spot correction, not removal.
- Dark or orange tones respond best to oil and warm water, not scrubbing, especially within the first 6-12 hours.
- Patchy or streaky areas should be blended, not re-tanned or aggressively exfoliated.
- Hands, feet, knees, and elbows absorb more DHA, so they need spot fixes and edge blending.
- Same-day fixes give you more control than waiting until the next day.
Different Types of Bad Spray Tans
Before you try to correct anything, you need to identify the exact issue. Different problems require different fixes.
Patchy Spray Tan
A patchy spray tan looks like random dark spots next to lighter skin. This usually shows up on knees, ankles, elbows, and hands.
The good news is that patchiness is usually limited to small areas. You do not need to fix your entire body. Light blending in the darker spots is usually enough to even things out.
Streaky Spray Tan
Streaks look like lines or swipe marks where the spray tan did not go on evenly.
This often happens when the solution dries unevenly or the applicator moves too fast. Do not scrub the area. Instead, gently soften the lines so they blend into the surrounding skin.
Spray Tan That Is Too Dark
A spray tan that is too dark can look heavy or unnatural, especially in certain spots.
In most cases, you do not need to remove the tan. Softening the color in darker areas helps bring the shade closer to the rest of your body.
Orange Spray Tan
An orange spray tan looks too warm and artificial, especially in natural light.
This is not about how dark the tan is. It is about tone. The fix focuses on balancing the color.
Uneven Absorption
Uneven absorption happens when some areas of your skin grab more color than others.
Dry areas usually turn darker, while oily areas stay lighter. This type of issue is best handled by correcting specific spots.
How to Fix a Spray Tan That’s Too Dark or Orange
If your spray tan looks too dark or too orange, do not rush to scrub it off. Most of the time, you can soften the color and balance the tone.
Start With Oil-Based Softening
Oil helps loosen excess color so it fades more evenly.
How to do it:
- Apply a light layer of body oil or baby oil to the darker or orange areas only
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, no longer
- Focus on hands, ankles, elbows, and any area that looks too deep in color
Use a Warm Shower, Not Hot
A warm shower helps the oil do its job without shocking the skin.
What to do:
- Rinse with warm water, not hot
- Keep the shower short and gentle
- Avoid harsh soaps or loofahs
Gentle Exfoliation for Shade Control
Exfoliation can help reduce darkness, but only when used carefully.
Best approach:
- Use a soft washcloth or mild exfoliant
- Focus only on areas that look too dark or orange
- Use light pressure, one pass only
The Most Important Tip
Scrubbing too hard is the fastest way to make things worse.
Avoid:
- Rough scrubs or exfoliating gloves
- Repeated passes over the same area
- Trying to fix everything in one session
Same-Day vs Next-Day Fixes
Here is a timeline with the best set of actions.
- Same day: Oil and warm showers work best within the first 6-12 hours
- Next day: Stick to very light exfoliation and spot correction only
- After 24 hours: Expect slower, more subtle changes
How to Fix Patchy or Streaky Spray Tans
Patchy or streaky spray tans look worse than they actually are. In most cases, the color is there, but it is just sitting unevenly.
Step 1: Smooth Only the Dark Spots
Start by softening the areas that grabbed too much color.
What to do:
- Use a soft exfoliating mitt or washcloth
- Work in small circular motions
- Focus only on dark patches or visible streaks
- Keep pressure light and controlled
Step 2: Re-Apply Color Only Where Needed
For this, you will need a self-tanner. We recommend Island Colour Airbrush 360º Micro-Mist because it’s an all-natural solution that doesn’t have a harsh smell or stain your clothes.
Best approach:
- Apply a self-tanner only to lighter patches
- Blend outward so there are no hard edges
Final Tip: Let It Develop Before Touching It Again
After correcting:
- Wait at least 4-6 hours before reassessing
- Avoid water, sweat, or tight clothing
- Make only small adjustments if needed
Fixing Dark Hands, Feet, Knees, and Elbows
Dry skin absorbs more DHA than hydrated skin. Hands, feet, knees, and elbows tend to be naturally drier and thicker in texture, so it’s not surprising that this is one of the most common issues with spray tanning.
Soften the Darkest Spots Only
Start by reducing color where it is strongest.
How to do it:
- Dampen a warm, soft cloth
- Gently press and rub the darkest areas in small circles
- Focus on knuckles, toe joints, knee caps, and elbow points
Use Mild Acidic Blends for Spot Control
You can use a few drops of lemon juice mixed with water.
How to apply:
- Use a cotton pad
- Tap on dark spots only
- Leave on for 2-3 minutes, then rinse
Finish With Controlled Re-Blending if Needed
If the area now looks lighter than the rest of your tan:
- Use a tiny amount of self-tanner
- Apply with a makeup brush or mitt
- Feather lightly around the edges only
What to Do If You Have an Event Soon
When your event is hours or a day away, your goal changes. These methods won’t work, and you need to take a different approach.
Same-Day Fixes That Actually Help
If you are within 24 hours of your event, stick to low-risk adjustments.
Focus on:
- Light oil application on overly dark areas for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with warm water
- Gentle blending of streaks using a soft cloth
- Small amounts of moisturizer to soften harsh lines
Pro tip: You should get a spray tan 2-3 days before an event since the tan needs to develop.
Use Self-Tanner
If you have Island Colour Airbrush 360º Micro-Mist at hand, you can fix most of the issues before an important event.
What Not to Attempt at the Last Minute
Avoid anything that could create patchiness or irritation.
Do not:
- Aggressively exfoliate or scrub
- Apply strong acids or multiple products at once
- Try a full-body fix or re-tan
- Experiment with new products you have not used before
When Fixing Won’t Work (And What to Do Instead)
Most bad spray tans can be improved with the right correction techniques. That said, there are situations where fixing is no longer realistic. This is when you stop adjusting and remove it completely.
You should give up on fixing a bad spray tan when:
- The tan is severely uneven across large areas
- Strong orange tones appear everywhere, not just in spots
- Over-scrubbing has already caused patchiness or bare areas
- Multiple fixes were used too quickly and made things worse
For a safe, step-by-step approach, follow our guide: How to Remove a Spray Tan the Right Way
How to Avoid a Bad Spray Tan Next Time
Bad spray tans can be avoided with the right preparation and better product choices.
Preparation plays a major role in how evenly your skin absorbs color. Skipping prep or doing it at the wrong time often leads to uneven development.
For a full explanation of what to do, read our guide: How to Prepare for a Spray Tan
The type of spray tan solution used also matters more than most people realize. Many unnatural or orange-looking results come from low-quality formulas that rely on heavy bronzers.
We recommend choosing an organic spray tan that develops naturally, fades evenly, and does not leave a strong odor.
Check out our guide to see why organic tan makes all the difference.
If you are in the Portland or Vancouver metro area, you can get an organic spray tan at one of the SunsUp Tan & Wellness Spa locations. Our organic spray tan solution is designed to look natural in all lighting and to fade evenly, which helps prevent the most common spray tan issues.
FAQ
Can you fix a bad spray tan without removing it?
Yes, most bad spray tans can be fixed without full removal, especially when the issue is patchiness, streaks, or uneven depth. Targeted blending, light softening, and cosmetic fixes usually improve the look quickly. Correction works best when you focus only on problem areas.
How long does it take to fix a bad spray tan?
Minor issues can often be improved in 30 minutes or less, while more noticeable problems may take a few short sessions over one to two days. The sooner you address the issue, the more control you have.
Will oil lighten a spray tan?
Yes, oil can help soften and slightly lighten a spray tan when used correctly. It works best on darker or orange areas and should be applied for short periods.
Can you layer another spray tan to fix patches?
Yes, but only when done strategically. Layering works best when you apply a light or gradual tanner to lighter areas only and blend carefully.
Does chlorine or salt water help?
Chlorine and salt water can fade a spray tan, but they are unpredictable and often uneven. Using them intentionally can create patchiness and dryness. They are not reliable correction tools.
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