A patchy spray tan is frustrating, but it happens — and it’s almost always fixable without rebooking. Whether you missed a spot during your stances, didn’t exfoliate thoroughly enough beforehand, or wore tight clothing too soon after your session, the fix is usually simple. Here’s how to even out your spray tan at home depending on the issue.
Fixing Light Patches or Missed Spots
The easiest fix for lighter areas is a gradual tanning lotion or a lightweight self-tanner. Apply a thin layer to the lighter patches and blend outward into the surrounding skin so there’s no harsh line. The colour will build over a few hours and blend seamlessly with the rest of your tan. For small spots like between your fingers or behind your ears, use a makeup brush or sponge for more precise application.
Fixing Dark Streaks or Pooling
Dark patches usually happen where the tanning solution has pooled — common around wrists, ankles, knees, and elbows. To soften these areas, apply a small amount of baby oil or lemon juice directly to the dark spot and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. Then gently exfoliate with a damp washcloth using light, circular motions. Don’t scrub hard — you’re blending the colour, not stripping it off. A DIY paste of baking soda and water also works well for stubborn areas on less sensitive skin.
Blending for an Overall Even Finish
If the unevenness is more widespread, a bronzing mousse applied with a tanning mitt can even things out across larger areas. Work in sections, blending in circular motions to avoid creating new streaks. For your face and neck, use a damp beauty blender with a small amount of product. Always work in natural light so you can see where the colour is building.
How to Prevent Patchiness Next Time
Prevention comes down to three things: prep, positioning, and patience. Exfoliate your entire body 24 hours before your session — focus on dry areas like elbows, knees, ankles, and feet where the solution tends to absorb unevenly. On tanning day, skip moisturizer, deodorant, and perfume. During your session, follow the voice-guided stances carefully and make sure to spread your fingers and lift your arms fully for even coverage. After your session, wear loose, dark clothing and wait at least 6–8 hours before rinsing off. If you know certain areas tend to go dark, apply a thin layer of barrier cream to your palms, between your fingers, and on your feet before stepping into the booth. For a full walkthrough of the process, read our step-by-step guide to your first visit.
