Will a higher percentage Original achieve a darker color?
Yes, a 12% Original will give a darker tan than an 8% Original.
Salon Tip: When a client asks for “a darker tan” than the spray tan they got last time, what they are most likely actually asking for is a “browner tan”. You might want to consider offering them an 8% Gimme Brown instead of 8% Original this time around.
Because Original has a red base, will it turn me orange easier?
Thankfully the answer to this is no, it won’t turn your orange easier. DHA, the active ingredient in spray tanning, will turn you orange if you have too strong a percentage for your skin tone (or if you leave a rapid tan on for longer than your skin tone allows), but it is not affected by the actual color of the tan.
That being said: if you have a client that is absolutely terrified of spray tanning they may perceive any hint of red as proof that their tan is orange. For these clients we recommend going with the appropriate percentage Gimme Brown solution or starting them off with a Winter Glow spray tan instead. This way they can still achieve a beautiful, flawless tan without any red hues.
Why would I choose Original over Gimme Brown?
Original is designed to perfectly mimic the tan achieved by fair-skinned clients who have natural red/pink undertones. If your client fits into this category and is asking for the most natural-looking tan for their skin type then Original is definitely the way to go. But it’s not just for your fair skinned clients. Many with yellow, olive, and darker skin tones enjoy how Original evens out their tan, providing them with a smoother look than what they would normally be able to attain.
