Henna tattoos are a trendy fashion loved by every person alike. It’s a tradition in most Asian countries to apply Henna (mehndi) as a gesture of happiness. Whether it’s a wedding or any festival, Henna is always a part of the celebration.
As much as you love henna tattoos, you hate it more when the design half fades after a couple of days.
Are henna tattoos permanent?
Although henna tattoos are temporary, they do not go off in one or two washes.
They generally take 10-20 days to vanish from your skin. It also depends upon the type of henna (brown, black, or white) and the brand you are using. Some fade quickly, while others take weeks that seem like an eternity.
But where there is a will, there is a way.
You can use some of the easiest home remedies to remove henna from skin that I’m about to share with you. These remedies are simple, quick, efficient, and the best thing includes natural ingredients.
But first, you must know what kind of henna you want to remove.
White vs. brown henna, how to remove?
White henna is made up of synthetic materials. White henna is a temporary body paint that may disappear on its own in a day or two.
However, if you want to remove white henna more quickly, simply wash it a couple of times with soap or, even better, exfoliate your skin. For brown henna, it can take quite some time. That’s why I’m here to help you out.
Quick ways to remove the henna tattoo from the skin using natural ingredients:
1.Soak in saltwater
Salt water is being used for many years to remove dead skin cells. You can use it to remove henna tattoos too.
- Take a tub of slightly warm water.
- Take half a cup of salt and pour it into the tub
- Mix well to dissolve the salt particles evenly
- Soak your hands or feet in this saltwater solution for about 15-20 minutes.
Tip: Using this technique several times in a day can result in the dryness of your skin. You may either increase the gap between applying this technique or use lotion regularly to exfoliate your skin. After all, your skin deserves to look healthy.
You can use any salt, but Sea salt is known to work more perfectly.
2.Use Lemon juice and baking soda.
Lemon juice is widely used in skin care for its skin enlightening properties. When used along with baking soda, the enlightening power multiplies magically. This duo can help remove a henna tattoo from the skin quickly.
Instructions for use:
- Take a cup of slightly warm water
- Add one tablespoon of baking soda and 1-2 teaspoons of lemon juice to the warm water.
- Use a cotton swab to apply this mixture to the areas where you want to remove henna.
Tip: You must not use this technique on the face. It can disturb the natural hydration of your face and may cause a severe reaction in people with sensitive skin.
3.Exfoliate with Coconut oil and sugar
Coconut oil also works as a natural moisturizer for your skin. It works as a two-in-one to exfoliate as well as moisturize your skin.
How to use it as a scrub?
- Apply a small amount of melted coconut oil to your tattooed skin
- As soon as the skin starts absorbing it, gently rub the tattoo area with raw sugar
- Use a dry cloth to remove sugar and extra coconut oil from the skin
4.Wash hands with soap
The simpler, the better. Washing hands with slightly warm water and soap several times a day can help get rid of henna faster. Anti-bacterial soap may help over other soaps in this regard.
Gently rub your henna tattoo area with the soap, wash with warm water, and pat-dry it with a cloth.
Taking into account the dryness that follows using soap, we highly recommend using a moisturizer or a hand lotion afterward. It may help reduce dryness and keep your skin soft and fresh.
5.Exfoliating scrubs and facewash packs
Some exfoliating products that use natural ingredients works wonder on your skin. They help remove dead skin cells and make your skin as good as new. As henna tattoos are present on the outer skin surface, an excellent exfoliating agent can help remove its patches.
Steps to use:
- Cleanse the area of application
- Take any natural exfoliating agent and gently scrub on the henna
- Wash with Luke warm water
Tip: Certain exfoliating agents can bring about unwanted skin dryness. To prevent this excessive dryness, use scrubs that contain natural oils, such as our Arabica coffee scrub and lavender shortbread cookie scrub.
6.Apply baby oil
Baby oil is extensively used to dissolve skin pigments, let alone henna tattoos.
- Take a small amount of baby oil and rub it on the affected area
- Leave it for 10-20 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water
Note: There is no need to apply moisturizer or lotion after using baby oil. It is an essential oil, equally nourishing for your skin.
7.Micellar water
Micellar water is used to remove unwanted particles like dust and oil from the skin. It can also remove pigments such as henna. Gently rub micellar water on the skin with a cloth and rinse with warm water.
It is unlikely to face dryness with micellar water but if you do, don’t hesitate using a moisturizer or a lotion.
8.Hair conditioner
A hair conditioner is a good moisturizer for your hair and can also be used for removing henna tattoos.
- Take a small amount on your palm and rub smoothly on the henna area.
- Give it some time to absorb before rinsing off with warm water.
Endnote:
Some people with sensitive skin can get an allergic reaction due to various chemicals present in the Henna cone. In such a situation, you can go for a morpheus 8 procedure for removing all types of permanent henna tattoos from your arms and legs, by an expert skin clinician that practices such holistic skin treatments. These sensitivity reactions may induce redness, irritation, or even blister formation on the skin.
If you are having any of these symptoms, see your dermatologist right away. Trying to remove henna won’t help in such a case.
