How to Remove Henna From Skin – Maybe you recently attended an Indian wedding, or maybe you tried an all-natural hair color. Either way, if you’re trying to remove henna dye from your skin, you likely already know that it’s much easier said than done.
Quick and easy ways to remove henna include:
Table of Contents
1. Soap and warm water
Soap and warm water can help remove henna.
Wiping a henna tattoo with gentle soap and warm water can help lift away some of the tattoo’s pigments.
A person can apply soap to the affected area and scrub it with their hand or a soft sponge before rinsing the skin with warm water.
Repeating this method several times a day can help remove the tattoo. A person may wish to apply a moisturizing lotion afterward to protect the skin from dryness.
2. Baby oil
Baby oil can help dissolve henna pigments and remove the tattoo.
One method is to add about three capfuls of baby oil to a warm bath. After soaking in the bath for 20 minutes, a person can rinse the baby oil away.
People can also use a cotton ball or cloth to apply baby oil directly to the tattoo and rinse it away after 10 to 20 minutes.
Baby oil is available for purchase in drug stores and online.
3. Lemon juice
Lemons contain natural skin-lightening and stain-removing properties that can help remove a henna tattoo.
To use lemon juice to remove a henna tattoo, follow these steps:
- Cut a lemon in half or quarters.
- Rub the lemon on the skin gently for about 2–3 minutes.
- Rinse the lemon juice from the skin with warm water.
- Pat the skin dry and apply moisturizer to prevent skin dryness.
People with sensitive skin should take care when using this method because the acidic properties of the lemon juice may cause it to irritate their skin.
4. Exfoliating scrubs
Henna only dyes the top layers of the skin, so using exfoliating scrubs may help remove it faster.
Soak the tattooed part of the body in warm water first, then use a loofah to gently rub the affected area, peeling away any dead skin.
People can also purchase an exfoliating body scrub at most drugstores and online.
5. Shaving
If the tattoo is on one of the arms or legs, shaving the area of skin is another way to remove the henna. Removing the hair in this area can help exfoliate the skin and lighten the tattoo.
Using shaving cream and a clean razor, gently shave the skin to lighten the henna.
Applying a moisturizer after shaving can help minimize razor burn and skin irritation.Medical News Today NewsletterKnowledge is power. Get our free daily newsletter.
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6. Baking soda
People can use baking soda as an exfoliator.
Baking soda can be an excellent exfoliator, and it also removes stains. A person can mix lemon juice and baking soda into a paste that can lighten henna.
To use this method, squeeze the juice from a whole lemon and mix it with enough baking soda to form a thick paste.
Apply the paste to the henna and leave it on for about 10 minutes before rinsing it away with warm water.
A person can reapply this paste once a day, but it is important to moisturize afterward to prevent skin dryness and irritation.
7. Micellar water
Micellar water is cleansing water that contains special particles called micelles. Micelles gently cleanse the skin and break down oil, makeup, and other pigments.
Many drugstores sell micellar water, and it is also available for purchase online.
To use this method, apply the micellar water to the henna with a cloth and gently rub it over the area.
8. Witch hazel
If you want a more natural approach, you can use witch hazel to fade and remove that annoying henna tat. Dab it onto the tattoo with a cotton ball or Q-tip, and let it soak in. Then remove with a dry cloth. Repeat a few times a day and moisturize your thirsty skin.
9. Micellar water
Micellar water cleans the skins with particles called micelles, which break down oil, dirt, makeup and other unwanted pigments like henna. Use a cloth to gently rub against skin and rinse with warm water.
Pro tip: It’s also great for removing waterproof eye makeup.
8. Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide has been used for whitening teeth and lightening hair. If you have some diluted peroxide handy, apply it right on the henna tattoo. Give it a go several times until you see it fading.
9. Makeup remover
A simple silicone-based makeup remover can do the trick to get rid of your henna tattoo. Use a cotton ball or Q-tip to dab the tattoo. Let it soak into the tattoo and then remove with a dry cloth. Repeat a few times a day.
10. Warm milk
Warm milk can be used to get henna off of fabric and remove the tattoo itself. Heat up milk on the stove or in the microwave (do not simmer or boil!). Then use a sponge or cloth with saturated warm milk and place it over the henna. Let it sit for about 30 minutes before wiping off.
Make sure to rinse the milk area with water so you don’t smell like a roaming dairy farm.
How to remove henna from hair
Henna is a more natural hair dye option that doesn’t have the permanent effects of traditional hair dye, but that doesn’t mean it fades the way you want it to. If it’s time for the henna on your hair to go, you might find what you need by raiding your liquor cabinet or pantry.
11. Vodka
Yes, you read that correctly. Dust off that bottle of cheap vodka you’ve been avoiding since college and use it for good.
- Take a sponge soaked with vodka and apply it to your hair.
- Let it set for 15 minutes (shots optional). The vodka breaks down the metal salts in the henna into smaller molecules.
- After it sets, rinse twice with a pH balancing shampoo and conditioner.
12. Argon oil, extra virgin olive oil, and coconut oil
Similar to using oil on your skin, oil can help fade and pull henna dye from your hair overnight.
- Mix equal parts of these three oils and place the mixture evenly throughout your hair.
- Grab a shower cap and secure it with a headband to leave it on overnight.
- Get some Zzz’s.
- In the a.m., hop in the shower and apply shampoo first. Then rinse with warm water and shampoo again until the dye is gone.
Safety
Henna can cause allergic reactions in some individuals who are sensitive to potential additives.
These additives can include vinegar, olive oil, coal, clove, and small amounts of heavy metals, such as nickel. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source, the reported side effects of henna tattoos include:
- blisters
- sensitivity to the sun
- pigmentation loss
- redness
- fluid coming from lesions on the skin, called weeping
Some people have also reported permanent scarring from henna tattoos. This irritation may occur immediately or up to 3 weeks after application.
Patch tests, which involve a person dabbing a small amount of henna on the skin and waiting 24 hours before applying a full design, may not always indicate the possibility of a delayed reaction.
It is also important to note that some places use “black henna,” which contains a compound of coal-tar hair dye called p-phenylenediamine (PPD). Doctors have recognized that this additive may contribute to skin reactions in some individuals.
Although the FDA do not permit manufacturers to add PPD to henna for skin tattoo applications, some shops and practitioners continue to use it. Therefore, consumers should be wary of black henna temporary tattoo applications.
Conclusion
Henna dye is long-lasting and tough to remove. There’s no (safe) way to completely remove it from your skin in its entirety immediately, but trying any of these four methods can go a long way towards helping to speed up the pigment fading process, without wreaking havoc on your skin.