Why Spray Tans Turn Orange (And How Spray Tan Artists Can Prevent It)

Spray tanning has become one of the most popular ways to achieve a bronzed glow without the risks of UV exposure. However, one of the most common fears people still have about spray tanning is the possibility of turning orange instead of a natural bronze color.

Why Spray Tans Turn Orange?

For spray tan artists, nothing is more frustrating than seeing a tan develop differently than expected. Many people assume orange results are caused by poor technique, but the reality is that spray tan color development is influenced by several different factors.

Understanding how spray tan solutions interact with skin chemistry, undertones, and preparation can help artists create more consistent and natural-looking results.

In this article, we’ll break down the most common reasons spray tans turn orange and how spray tan artists can prevent it.

Understanding How Spray Tan Color Develops

Spray tans rely on a reaction between an ingredient called DHA (dihydroxyacetone) and the amino acids in the outer layer of the skin.

When DHA interacts with the skin’s proteins, it creates a temporary browning reaction. This reaction typically develops over several hours and produces the tan-like color associated with sunless tanning.

However, the final color is influenced by multiple variables, including:

• the DHA percentage in the solution

• the solution base color

• the client’s skin undertone

• the pH level of the skin

• how the client prepares their skin before the appointment

When one or more of these variables are not properly matched, the final result may appear too warm or orange.

Using the Wrong Solution Base

Professional spray tan solutions often contain color bases such as:

• green

• violet

• blue

• red

• neutral

These bases are designed to balance different skin undertones.

For example:

• Green bases can help neutralize redness in the skin.

• Violet bases may help balance yellow undertones.

• Blue bases can add depth to certain skin tones.

If the solution base does not complement the client’s natural undertone, the final color can appear unnatural.

For a deeper explanation of how these bases work, you can read our guide on spray tan solution bases.

DHA Percentage That Is Too Strong

Another common reason spray tans turn orange is when the DHA percentage is too high for the client’s skin tone.

Higher DHA percentages produce deeper color development, but if the percentage is too strong, especially on lighter skin tones, the tan may overdevelop. This can create a color that appears overly warm or orange instead of a balanced bronze. Selecting the appropriate DHA percentage based on the client’s skin type and tanning goals is essential for achieving natural results.

Skin pH and Body Chemistry

The pH level of the skin can significantly influence how spray tan solutions develop.

Clients with more acidic skin may experience darker or warmer development compared to those with neutral skin pH.

Several factors can affect skin pH, including:

• skincare products

• deodorants

• body washes

• sweating

• lotions or oils used before the appointment

This is why proper skin preparation is so important before a spray tan session.

Improper Skin Preparation

Preparation before the appointment can greatly influence spray tan results.

Clients should typically:

• exfoliate their skin before the appointment

• avoid heavy lotions or oils

• remove deodorant or perfume

• arrive with clean, product-free skin

When the skin is not properly prepared, the spray tan solution may not develop evenly or may react differently than expected.

Incorrect Aftercare

Even if the spray tan is applied perfectly, improper aftercare can still affect how the color develops. For example, applying certain skincare products too soon after the spray tan session can interfere with the development process. Clients should follow the aftercare instructions provided by their spray tan artist to ensure the color develops properly and fades evenly.

Understanding Undertones

Skin undertones also play an important role in spray tan results. Two clients with similar skin tones may have completely different undertones, which can influence how the spray tan develops.

Common undertone categories include:

• warm

• cool

• neutral

l• olive

Matching the spray tan solution base with the client’s undertone can significantly improve the final color result.

The Key to Consistent Spray Tan Results

Most orange spray tans are not caused by a single mistake.

Instead, they are usually the result of multiple factors such as:

• solution selection

• DHA percentage

• undertone matching

• skin chemistry

• preparation and aftercare

Spray tan artists who understand these variables are able to create more predictable, natural-looking results for their clients.

Developing this knowledge takes time, but learning the science behind spray tan solutions can dramatically improve consistency and confidence.

Continue Learning

If you want to better understand spray tan chemistry, undertones, solution bases, and troubleshooting techniques, you can explore the Spray Tan Training Manual – The Spray Tan Solution Bible.

This guide was created for spray tan artists who want to understand why spray tan results happen and how to control them.

👉 Explore the Spray Tan Training Manual