Why Has My Spray Tan Solution Turned Green?

 

Nobody wants an orange tan, but opening your new bottle of spray tan solution to find it’s turned green? That’s one step too far! The bad news is that no, you shouldn’t use spray tan solution if this has happened, even if it’s a brand new bottle. The good news is that it’s preventable, and with good quality packaging and careful storage, your solution should stay in perfect condition until the last drop has been lovingly applied to your loyal customers.

 

Oxidisation- what is it, and why has it turned my solution green?

 

If you want to know why your spray tan solution has turned green, the usual culprit is a one word answer: oxidisation. This simply means that a change has occurred due to contact with oxygen. In the case of spray tan solution, this reaction happens with the guide colour pigments; if the bottle cap is not screwed on properly, then oxygen from the air leaking in will oxidise the red pigment in the guide colour, leaving the blue and green pigments which then mix and create that green hue. Air can also contaminate if solution is left in a spray gun overnight, if it is kept in conditions that are too warm, or if directly exposed to sunlight. It’s worth remembering that oxidisation is a natural process that will happen over time however diligent you are with your storage, so it’s crucial to make a note of the expected shelf life of the product when you first receive it to avoid using out of date solution. 

 

What should I do if my solution has turned green?

 

While it’s true that the green should wash off with the guide colour to reveal a perfectly normal tan after the development time, we’re pretty sure your customers won’t appreciate walking around looking like broccoli for 8 hours! It may seem like a waste of money to throw away solution, but losing customers over a green spray tan will cost you a lot more in the long run. 

 

• Pour that solution down the drain! 
• Check the expiry date- if it’s within the time period, then assess how you are storing your solution, reorder asap, and reschedule your appointments until new stock arrives. Remember- offering a 10% discount for rearranging the appointment will cost you a lot less than an entire refund for an unhappy customer that will spread the news about their green tan… 
• If it’s a new, unopened bottle of solution that comes out green, contact your supplier, as the issue is most likely the type of packaging they are using.

 

How can I prevent my solution from turning green?

 

Luckily, with some careful attention to the quality of solution you choose and storage, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to make money from every last drop! 

 

• Always do thorough research when deciding which spray tan solution to invest in. It’s important to check where the solution is manufactured and that the ingredients are ethically sourced and mindfully formulated into a quality product. All Eden Tanning solutions are made in the UK, with fully traceable, natural ingredients of the best quality to ensure excellent standards.
• Check what the expected shelf life of the solution is and rotate your stock so that new bottles are kept airtight until they are needed. Generally, the shelf life should be around 6 months.
• Check over the container and the cap as soon as you receive it. If there are cracks or leakages then air may already be getting inside and oxidising the solution! 
• Store your solution in a cool, dark place and ensure the bottle cap is firmly in place after every use.
• If solution is left over in the reservoir of the spray machine after an appointment, DO NOT pour this back into the original bottle of solution. The TS20 and Aura Allure come with extra reservoirs and storage caps, perfect for keeping leftovers separate and airtight for a few days until your next appointment.