Your Tan Routine May Be Ruining Your Blonde, Hairstylists Say…
Ahead, we’re breaking down exactly how sunless tans work and what to do if you notice they’re staining your strands.
How do sunless tans work? Here’s what to know:
- Both self-tanners and professional spray tan solutions can either be clear or come with cosmetic bronzers
- Bronzer solutions immediately tan the skin while clear solutions take a minimum of two hours to develop
- Solutions can be categorized as “Rapid Solutions” (can be rinsed off in 1 to 4 hours) or “Overnight Solutions” (can be rinsed off in 8+ hours)
- Professional spray tan solutions all come in liquid form and are to be applied using a spray tan gun
- Self-tanners can come in mousses, foams, tanning drops, lotions or sprays
- While sunless tans can be rinsed off in as little as an hour, DHA continues to develop on the skin for 24 hours after it is applied
Can fake tans actually stain your hair?
In short, the answer is “Yes,” but only if you use a bronzer solution on blonde hair—especially when it’s wet or super porous. Whether you’re a spray tan artist working with bronzer solutions all day or a client who loves getting spray tans and using self-tanners, here’s how to avoid staining your light-colored locks:
- Always wear your hair up when applying the tan.
- Wear a thick headband at the hairline with a plastic hair net over your head to protect your hair.
- Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair mask before using a tanner. These can act as a shield and prevent the bronzer from settling into the hair.
- Always apply your tan in a spacious, well-ventilated area to avoid any excess overspray from falling into the hair.
- Using clear spray tan solutions and self-tanners will also ensure your hair will remain un-stained.
Here’s what it can look like when fake tan stains blonde hair, according to UK-based colorist Shane Aherne (@shaneaherne_hair):
Colorist Conor James Doyle (@conorjmd) also shares what a blonde client with spray tanned hair can look like:
Here’s what to do if a spray tan has changed your hair color:
If you do happen to notice the bronzers in your sunless solutions are tinting your blonde strands, first reach for a clarifying shampoo that removes dulling and damaging impurities, including things like…
- Hard water
- Metal ions
- Minerals
- Pollutants
- Product buildup (including spray and self-tan)
Kenra Professional Clarify Shampoo removes all of the above and is formulated with willow bark extract to clarify without leaving strands feeling brittle.
Next, reach for toning formulas to correct and naturalize the brassiness. Paul Mitchell Platinum Plus Shampoo and Platinum Plus Toning Drops are perfect for delivering platinum results while hydrating, detangling and leaving a beautiful shine.
Finally, before your next color appointment, opt for OLAPLEX Broad Spectrum Chelating Treatment to purify the hair and create the perfect canvas for long-lasting color.
