How to fix a bad fake tan on your hands? In short, to fix bad fake tan on your hands, you can try exfoliating, moisturizing, using a tanning product that is appropriate for your skin tone, applying a light layer, or removing the bad tan using a self-tan remover or a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice. It’s also important to ensure proper application and wash your hands after applying the fake tan to prevent uneven or patchy results.
Fake tanning can be a great way to achieve a sun-kissed look, but it can also be prone to mistakes. One of the most common mistakes is a bad fake tan on the hands. Whether it’s uneven, patchy, or too dark, bad fake tan on the hands can be unsightly and difficult to fix. In this article, we will explore the causes of bad fake tan on hands, and provide tips for fixing it.
In this guide:
Causes of Bad Fake Tan on Hands
There are several causes of bad fake tan on hands, including:
- Improper application: Improper application can lead to an uneven or patchy tan on the hands.
- Not washing hands after application: Not washing hands after application can lead to color transfer to other surfaces, such as clothing or furniture, and cause uneven or patchy tan.
- Using a tanning product that is too dark for your skin tone: Using a tanning product that is too dark for your skin tone can cause the tan to look unnatural and too dark on the hands.

8 Easy Methods For Removing Fake Tan from Hands
Fake tanning can be a great way to achieve a sun-kissed glow without the damaging effects of UV rays. However, one of the most common problems people face with fake tan is how to remove it from their hands. In this guide, we will explore 8 easy methods to remove fake tan from your hands, so you can enjoy your beautiful tan without the telltale signs on your hands.
Method 1: Exfoliating Gloves
Exfoliating gloves are a popular method for removing fake tan from the hands because they physically buff away the top layer of skin, which is where the fake tan is located. The gloves have a rough surface that helps to scrub away the fake tan when used in circular motions over the affected area.
To use exfoliating gloves, first, wet your hands with warm water. Then, put on the exfoliating gloves and massage your hands in circular motions for several minutes, focusing on areas where the fake tan is most concentrated. Rinse your hands with warm water and gently pat them dry. Repeat the process if necessary. It’s important to be gentle and not to rub too hard, as this can cause irritation and redness.
Method 2: Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent and can be used to remove fake tan from hands. The acidity in the lemon juice helps to break down the pigments in the fake tan, lightening the color. Lemon juice is also a natural exfoliant and can help to remove dead skin cells that may be holding onto the fake tan.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for using lemon juice to remove fake tan from hands:
- Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a bowl.
- Dip a cotton pad or ball into the lemon juice and apply it to your hands, focusing on the areas where the fake tan is most visible.
- Leave the lemon juice on your hands for 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse your hands with warm water.
- Repeat the process until you have removed as much fake tan as possible.
- moisturize your hands after using lemon juice to avoid drying out your skin.
Method 3: Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural exfoliant that can help remove fake tan from the hands by gently sloughing off the top layer of skin. It has a mild abrasive texture that can gently buff away the fake tan when mixed with water to make a paste.
To use baking soda, mix a small amount of baking soda with water to create a thick paste. Rub the paste onto the affected area of the hands and massage in circular motions for several minutes. Rinse off the paste with warm water and gently pat the hands dry. Repeat the process if necessary. It’s important to be gentle and not to rub too hard, as this can cause irritation and redness.
Baking soda is an inexpensive and natural way to remove fake tan from the hands. It is also gentle on the skin and can be used by people with sensitive skin. However, one con is that it can be a bit messy to use and can leave a residue if not rinsed off properly. Additionally, it may not be as effective as other methods for removing fake tan.
Method 4: Sugar scrub
Sugar scrub is a popular method for removing fake tan from the hands because it gently exfoliates the skin, helping to buff away the top layer of skin where the fake tan is located. The granules of sugar in the scrub act as a natural exfoliant, effectively removing the fake tan.
To use a sugar scrub on the hands, wet your hands with warm water. Take a small amount of sugar scrub and gently massage it onto the affected area of the hands in circular motions for several minutes. Rinse the sugar scrub off with warm water and gently pat the hands dry. Repeat the process if necessary. It’s important to be gentle and not to rub too hard, as this can cause irritation and redness.
Method 5: Aspirin
Aspirin can also be used to remove fake tan from hands. Crush a few aspirin tablets and mix them with a small amount of water to create a paste. Gently massage the paste onto your hands, focusing on the areas where the fake tan is most visible. Leave on for a few minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
Method 6: Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a common household item that can be used to remove fake tan from the hands. The solution acts as a mild bleach, lightening the fake tan pigments. It also has anti-bacterial properties that can help to reduce the risk of infection.
To use hydrogen peroxide on the hands, mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water in a bowl. Dip a cotton pad or ball into the solution and gently rub the affected area of the hands, focusing on areas where the fake tan is most concentrated. Leave the solution on for a few minutes, then rinse your hands with warm water. Repeat the process if necessary.
Method 7: Nail Polish Remover
Nail polish remover is an effective method for removing fake tan from the hands because it contains acetone, which can dissolve the pigments of the fake tan. The acetone in the nail polish remover helps to break down the fake tan, making it easier to remove.
To use nail polish remover on the hands, apply a small amount of nail polish remover to a cotton pad or ball. Gently rub the cotton pad or ball over the affected area of the hands, focusing on areas where the fake tan is most concentrated. Be sure to avoid any cuts or wounds and take care not to get the nail polish remover in the eyes. Rinse the hands with warm water and gently pat them dry. Repeat the process if necessary.
Method 8: Soap and Water
The simplest and most basic method to remove fake tan from hands is using soap and water. Rub your hands with soap and warm water, focusing on the areas where the fake tan is most visible. Repeat until you have removed as much fake tan as possible.

Final Thoughts
In conclusion, removing fake tan from hands can be a bit of a challenge but with the right methods, it can be done easily. From exfoliating to using household items like lemon juice, baking soda, vinegar, and aspirin, there are plenty of options to choose from. It’s important to remember that while these methods can help remove fake tan, they may also dry out your skin, so it’s recommended to follow up with a moisturizer.