How to Remove a Spray Tan the Right Way

Spray tans are supposed to be the quick fix for glowing, bronze skin without the UV damage. But what happens when it turns patchy or orange?

Figuring out how to remove spray tan without wrecking your skin or making it worse is a whole mission. Luckily, this post breaks down the smartest ways to fix the mess and, most importantly, gives you a guide on how to avoid it in the future.

Because spray tans don’t always have to look bad. And in most cases, they won’t if you choose the right salon and the right type of spray tan.

 

How to Remove a Spray Tan  

You can remove a spray tan in different ways depending on the timing and whether you’re trying to get rid of it completely or just fix it.

 

Quick Fixes in the First 24 Hours

If you’re within the first 24 hours, you’ve got a small window to act before the DHA (the tanning ingredient) fully develops and oxidizes. Once it sets, removal gets trickier, so if you notice blotches or streaks early on, now is the perfect time to remove a spray tan.

Here’s how to remove a spray tan before the first 24 hours have passed:

Rinse Off Early (If You Just Got Sprayed)

If it’s been less than 3 hours since your appointment, you can take a longer shower but use lukewarm water. This can help reduce the depth of color before the DHA fully absorbs.

Use a Sulfate-Free Body Wash

After 4-6 hours, use a sulfate-free, pH-balanced body wash. We recommend the Malie Organics Body Wash, available at all SunsUp Tan & Wellness Spa locations. It’s formulated to be gentle on spray tans while nourishing your skin.

Light Exfoliation

Use a soft washcloth or a gentle exfoliant in circular motions to even out any blotchy areas. Skip sugar scrubs since they can cause microtears and irritate your skin. Instead, we recommend our Bamboo Exfoliant. 

Focus on High-Contrast Areas

Hands, feet, wrists, elbows, and ankles are usually darker. So make sure to pay extra attention to these areas.

Try a Tan Remover Mousse

If you have one on hand, apply a spray tan remover mousse and leave it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.

 

Spray Tan Removal After 24 Hours

Once the 24-hour mark hits, the DHA has settled into the top layer of your skin. At this point, you’ll need to go deeper to break it up.

There are two effective ways we recommend:

1. Lemon and Baking Soda for Spot Treatment

If you’re dealing with dark patches, uneven areas, or mess-ups in tricky spots like elbows, wrists, or ankles, mix lemon juice and baking soda into a paste. Gently apply it to the area, leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse off. It’s a simple, natural way to lighten those stubborn spots.

2. Warm Bath with Oil for Full-Body Removal

For all-over removal, soak in a warm bath with a bit of coconut oil (or any fragrance-free oil). The heat softens your skin while the oil helps loosen the bond between your skin and the tan. After soaking for 15-20 minutes, use a soft exfoliating mitt to gently slough off the color.

Put extra focus on areas like elbows, ankles, and wrists because these tend to hold onto color longer and fade unevenly.

 

Do Spray Tan Always End Up Orange or Uneven?

No, and it shouldn’t. When a spray tan goes wrong, there’s usually a reason behind it.

If a spray tan looks patchy, poor preparation is likely the reason.

If it looks orange, the problem is usually cheap or outdated tanning solutions that use low-quality DHA or artificial bronzers that skew orange, especially on fair skin.

Some even react weirdly with certain skin types or pH levels.

At SunsUp Tan & Wellness Spa, we use a high-quality DHA formula with a unique beet juice base, not the typical carrot juice blends most salons use. While DHA (a sugar compound) can turn orange when combined with the wrong ingredients, our beet-based formula gives a natural blush-bronze tone that blends beautifully with your skin and avoids that dreaded orange look. If you’re looking for a spray tan that looks natural, visit one of our locations.

 

Tips for First-Timers and Successful Spray Tanning 

If you’re getting a spray tan for the first time, you should know that a flawless tan starts long before you even step inside a salon.

Dry patches, leftover products, or missed exfoliation can all lead to streaks, uneven fading, or blotchy buildup. Prepping your skin the right way helps the solution absorb evenly and fade out smoothly. Not sure how to get it right? Check out this article.

Another thing first-timers often overlook: when you book your session matters. Most spray tans need 1-2 days to fully develop and settle before an event. That’s the standard advice to avoid streaks or bronzer transfer.

But at SunsUp, our natural, beet-based formula develops cleanly and evenly. There is no orange tint and harsh smell. That’s why 85% of our clients tan the day before, and 15% even come the morning of. It’s fast, flexible, and photo-ready.

As for how long it lasts, most natural spray tans stay on for about 5-7 days, depending on your skin type, lifestyle, and how well you care for it afterward. To learn more about it, check out this article.

 

What To Do If You’re Getting a Spray Tan Before an Event?

Want your spray tan to look flawless on the big day? Timing and prep are everything. Here’s how to make sure it goes right:

• Book 1-2 days before the event. for most spray tans to allow the color to fully develop and settle. But with SunsUp’s natural, beet-based formula, you can safely tan the day before or even the morning of, and still get a smooth, natural-looking glow.
• Prep your skin the day before ( if you’re visiting SunsUp, you can prep the day of your appointment thanks to our natural, chemical-free formula). Exfoliate, shave, and skip lotions, deodorants, or perfume. Clean, dry skin gives the best results. If you’re looking to get the best results, we recommend using our Triple Action pH Mist before your spray tan. It helps lift away deodorant, makeup, and buildup while balancing your skin’s pH. This allows for smoother, more even color absorption and can extend the life of your tan.
• Wear loose, dark clothing to your appointment. Tight clothes can rub off the tan before it sets.
• Avoid water, sweat, and skin contact for at least 6-8 hours. Let the color develop without interference. And if you’re using a natural spray tan like the one at SunsUp Tan & Wellness Spa, you won’t have to worry about that strange spray tan smell.

Final Thoughts

Now you know how to remove a spray tan the right way. Whether you’re dealing with streaks, orange tones, or just want to start fresh. The key is acting at the right time and using the right method for your skin.

But here’s the real secret… Most of the spray tan disasters people try to fix could have been avoided with proper prep and a better formula.

At SunsUp Tan & Wellness Spa, we use high-quality, natural spray tans that blend beautifully with your skin tone. So there’s no harsh smell, no orange tint, and no weird fading. If you’re ready for a glow that actually looks good, visit one of our locations. 

 

FAQ

Why did my spray tan turn orange?

Orange tones typically come from low-quality DHA or formulas not suited to your skin tone. Choosing a natural, professional-grade solution like the ones used at SunsUp Tan & Wellness Spa helps prevent this.

Can I shave or wax after getting a spray tan?

No. Try to avoid shaving or waxing until your spray tan starts to fade away since it can remove color or cause uneven fading. 

Is it okay to work out after a spray tan?

Not right away. Wait at least 8 hours before sweating. Sweat can interfere with your tan development and lead to streaks.

Can I use regular soap or body wash after my spray tan?

Stick to a gentle, sulfate-free body wash. Harsh soaps can strip the tan and dry out your skin, causing it to fade faster.

Does a spray tan protect me from the sun?

No. Spray tans don’t contain SPF and offer zero sun protection. You’ll still need sunscreen when you’re outside.