Why Some Clients’ Tan Fades Patchy And How Uk Professionals Can Fix It

Many UK professionals struggle with uneven fading and blotchy self-tan results, especially when clients want their glow to last between salon appointments. Factors like dry skin, poor at-home maintenance, and low-quality retail tans make it difficult to maintain consistent colour. In this short guide, we’ll break down why this happens and how you can solve it using simple, effective techniques  supported by the right professional products. So your clients can get the best tan possible, even if they dont follow the instructions properly.

Patchy fading usually happens when self-tan develops and wears away at different speeds across the body. Areas like elbows, knees, ankles, and hands shed skin cells faster and absorb more product, while the chest and torso hold colour longer.

When clients use supermarket self-tans that contain heavy alcohols, unstable colourants, or weak DHA blends, the tan:

• Develops unevenly

• Fades in strips or patches

• Clings to dry areas

• Breaks down too quickly

This leads to unhappy clients, extra queries, and fewer repeat bookings for tanning services.

1. Prep skin properly before re-applying tan
Advise clients to exfoliate gently every 5–7 days and moisturise daily. This creates a smooth, hydrated base for even colour development.

2. Use tan in thin, controlled layers
Heavy application causes pooling and dark patches. Thin layers build a more natural, streak-free glow.

3. Target dry areas first
Lightly moisturise elbows, knees, ankles, and wrists before applying tan so they don’t over-absorb colour. 

4. Encourage daily hydration
Well-hydrated skin holds tan longer and fades more evenly which means clients look better between appointments.

5. Retail the right maintenance products
Clients who use professional-grade tan at home maintain better colour, which protects your treatment results.

Many salons and mobile therapists recommend professional tanning creams that are formulated to develop evenly, fade naturally, and suit a wide range of skin tones. These creams give clients a controlled, buildable glow between appointments without the patchiness and colour shift common with retail self-tans.

Using a professional-grade tanning cream like Summerdaze Skin helps you:

• Reduce client complaints

• Protect the look of your spray tan or in-salon service

• Create a simple, high-margin retail add-on

• Keep clients coming back for top-ups instead of touch-ups

✦ Advise clients to apply tan at night and shower the following morning
✦ Recommend loose clothing to prevent rubbing and colour transfer
✦ Keep a shade note on each client so they re-purchase the same depth every time

Q1: Can tanning cream replace a spray tan?
A: It won’t replace in-salon treatments, but it’s perfect for maintaining colour between appointments.

Q2: How often should clients apply it?
A: Every 2–3 days for a continuous glow, or as a top-up when colour starts to fade.

Q3: Will it look natural on fair skin?
A: Professional formulas are designed to build gradually, making them suitable for lighter skin tones.

Q4: Why should clients avoid supermarket tanning creams?
A: Consumer formulas often fade unevenly and can turn orange, which damages your treatment results.

Helping clients maintain their glow between appointments protects your reputation and increases repeat bookings. By recommending professional tanning creams instead of unreliable retail alternatives, you give clients better results while creating an easy, profitable retail add-on for your business.

Explore CM Hair & Beauty’s professional tanning range to support your treatments, boost client satisfaction, and keep every glow looking salon-fresh ✨