A client called us this week with the dreaded but common, orange hands AKA “Cheeto Hands”.
Her Question was: “My client slept on her hands after I sprayed her, and now they are orange” This technician is wondering what can be done, as the client had a Fitness Pageant Event in a few hours.
The tips below can help, depending on what you have available.
Hands And Feet, Thick skinned areas:
Facial hair bleach products (Sally Hansen is available in many Drugstores, though other brands will also work) Also available in Beauty Supply Stores
Hair Remover Depilatory type products (Neet, Veet, Nair etc) These can also be used on other body areas, please use carefully, as they can irritate the skin (especially tender areas)
Facial Hair Dye Remover (available in many Beauty Supply Stores) Color Oops, (at drugstores and chain stores), One N Only ColorFix (at beauty Supply Stores), or other brands.
Cuticle Remover Salicylic (BHA) acid based, or lye based products, formulated for skin use only, on calluses, cuticles, and thick skin (only use on soles or palms, these will burn other areas) Available in many drugstores, or Beauty Supply Stores. (Callus Off, Be Natural) Not recommended for thin or tender or broken skin.
AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) or BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) Facial/Skin Peel products, or AHA or BHA Facial Toner Products – These come in gels, creams, lotions, solutions and pads. Available online, drugstores, and beauty supply locations. Use carefully on thin tender or delicate skin areas.
A pumice stone can be used to gently buff skin on palms, foot soles or callused areas – do not buff hard enough to abrade or tear the skin
A fine emery board/nail sanding block can be used carefully on palms, knuckles, and skin (use carefully on thin skin or fingers)
Alcohol Soaked Cotton pad, mainly for small spot areas. Alcohol based astrigent facial products may also work. Works on nails and cuticles for light discoloration only. Hydrogen Peroxide or lemon juice on a cotton pad sometimes also works for small areas.
Soaking hands and feet in warm soapy water (for about 20 minutes) and exfoliating with nylon gloves , or exfoliation mitt, will lighten color on entire hand and foot. You can also make a scrub paste from baking soda, mixed with some gel soap. Or use a commercial scrub of choice.
Hiding the orange: Discolored hand backs can also be temporarily covered with make-up foundation, then dust with powder to set. Of course don’t get wet, or cover will disappear.
Nails and Cuticles:
Acetone based nail polish remover wiped over skin with a cotton pad will lighten or remove color. Not for full body use. Do not soak in this!
Buffing nails lightly with a fine sanding block for nail use, use care not to abrade skin
Cuticle remover products, for small area use only. Various brands are available, a popular line is Sally Hasen, which come in gels, lotions, and creams. But any brand will work. Check local drug stores, and Beauty Supply outlets.
Facial Hair Dye Remover (available in many Beauty Supply Stores) Color Oops, (at drugstores and chain stores), One N Only ColorFix (at beauty Supply Stores), or other brands.
To prevent nail discoloration, Polish nails with a clear polish, or cover with a paint on skin safe latex adhesive product before tanning to lessen discoloration (Skin Tac, Osto Bond, Ben Nye and others)
Technicians can ware gloves to protect hands
See more Self Tanner Removal tips at: