Why are Eyebrows turning Orange after a Spray tan?

Why Are Eyebrows Turning Orange After a Spray Tan?

Getting a spray tan can give you a beautiful, bronzed glow but you may experience your eyebrows turning orange after a tanning session. This is rare, but it has happened! This unexpected side effect can be surprising, but there are a few reasons why it might happen. Not to worry, your spray tan artist can help you easily avoid the dreaded orange brow!

1. DHA and Over-Application

Spray tans contain an active ingredient, derived from sugar, called DHA (dihydroxyacetone). DHA reacts with the amino acids in the outermost layer of your skin, causing it to tint and darken. If eyebrows are over saturated it can lead to a more intense reaction, resulting in orange-toned eyebrows. Your spray tan artist is professionally trained to tan the face to avoid over-saturation. 

2. pH Imbalance

The pH level of your skin can also affect the outcome of a spray tan. If your eyebrows have a higher pH level, it can cause the DHA to develop into an orange shade. Factors like sweat, oil, and even skincare products can disrupt the pH balance of your skin, potentially leading to orange eyebrows. If you experience this, we recommend washing your face and removing all makeup prior to a sunless tan.  

3. The most common mishap:  Getting a Wax + Tint prior to a spray tan

When you have your eyebrows tinted and waxed, it opens the skin and hair follicles, and can modify the pH level of the eyebrow. If you tan too soon after, the skin and hair has not adjusted leaving it open to over saturation of the tanning solution. Always wax and tint at least 48 hours prior to a spray tan. 

How to Prevent Orange Eyebrows?

If you have experienced the dreaded orange eyebrows, here are some tips to avoid this happening in the future:

• At your appointment, let your spray tan artist know that this has happened before. We can protect your eyebrows by applying a thin layer of barrier balm before the spray tan. This will create a barrier and minimize the absorption of the tanning solution.
• Likewise, if you have recently had an eyebrow wax and/or tint, inform your spray tan artist.  
• After the spray tan, we can gently wipe your eyebrows with a wipe to remove any excess tanning solution.
• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyebrows during the development time of the spray tan. This can disrupt the colour and lead to uneven results.
• If you are self-tanning, following these tips at home. Use a cream or balm to protect your eyebrows, use a brush or a mitt to apply the tan avoiding contact with the eyebrows, gently remove excess solution on the brows using a damp cloth. 

Remember, everyone's skin reacts differently to spray tans, and the outcome can vary. If you do end up with orange eyebrows, don't panic . . . the colour will fade naturally as the spray tan wears off and increasing the frequency of washing the eyebrows will allow the colour to fade more rapidly.  Always notify your spray tan artist if you have experienced any issues with eyebrows.