In order to figure out the best way to remove henna tattoo from skin it is important to first understand how henna stains our skin. The ink from henna when applied seeps into our skin’s top layer leaving behind a temporary stain which fades away with time. Henna stains normally last for 15 to 20 days. The tattoo isn’t a pleasant sight when it starts to fade, it might look patchy and untidy, and some people prefer to get rid of henna tattoo using home remedies or even mild chemicals.
Top 8 Home Remedies for Henna Tattoo Removal:
How to remove henna tattoo from skin, you ask? Honestly, there are no instant henna stain removal methods that can be carried out at home. However, there are several tricks and home remedies to lighten the henna stain and speed up the process to remove henna from skin.
1. Exfoliation:
Exfoliation helps get rid of the henna tattoo more quickly because it is the top layer of your skin that is stained and exfoliation helps remove the dead skin on that top layer.
How to exfoliate:
You can use a homemade sugar scrub or a commercial body scrub. Wash the stained area then gently spread the scrub on your skin. Now massage the stained skin, gently scrubbing in a circular motion. Exfoliate for a good 5 to 7 minutes. Wash the exfoliated area thoroughly, pat dry and apply a moisturizer.
2. Using Facial Bleach to Fade Henna Tattoo:
Although Bleach is very effective in getting rid of henna stains, I personally avoid using chemicals on my skin. If it’s extremely necessary to get rid of that henna tattoo, then using facial bleach really helps.
Directions for Bleaching Henna Tattoo:
Mix bleaching agent and cream following directions on the product package. Apply evenly on the henna tattoo and leave for 15 to 30 minutes. Wash it off using water.
- Caution:
Use facial bleach for this purpose, bleach, which is used to cut down hair dye, is too strong to be used on your skin and might cause a skin burn.
3. Citrus from Lemon
Lemon has bleaching properties naturally, and it can be used to lighten the henna stain naturally.
How to use lemon:
Slice a lemon into two. Take one slice and gently rub it on your henna stain for not more than 7 to 10 minutes. Wash the area thoroughly and apply body lotion to maintain skin’s moisture. The citrus from the lemon will help fade the stain gradually.
- Caution:
Do not use more than once daily. The citrus in lemon can irritate your skin.
4. Hydrogen peroxide
Always use cosmetic hydrogen peroxide, which is not concentrated. The henna tattoo will start to fade away after a few applications.
How to use Hydrogen peroxide to remove the Henna Tattoo:
Dip a cotton ball in hydrogen peroxide solution and dab it on to the henna tattoo. Leave for a few seconds and then wash it thoroughly with water.
- Caution:
Always do a patch test before using chemicals of any sort. Do not use this remedy more than twice on the same tattoo.
5. Baking Soda:
Baking soda combined with lemon juice will act as an exfoliant and a bleaching agent. Gently rub the mixture on your henna tattoo for a good 7 to 10 minutes and wash off with water.
- Caution:
Do not exfoliate vigorously; excessive use might cause the skin to dry out, resulting in itching and irritation.
6. Using Salt Water:
Salt is used to detoxify, cleanse the body from impurities naturally. You have a variety of salt to choose from; Sea salt, Epson salt or Himalayan Pink salt.
How to use Salt Water:
Mix two table spoon of salt to 4 cups of Luke warm water. Dip your hands in salt water for 25 to 3o minutes. Gently keep scrubbing the henna tattoo during the warm dip. Cleanse the tattoo area with soap and wash thoroughly with water. Pat dry.
7. Deep Cleansing:
Not only will deep cleansing help get rid of the henna tattoo, but it will also leave your skin silky soft and refreshed.
How to Remove Henna Tattoo by Cleansing:
Gently massage coconut oil on area with a henna tattoo for 5 to 7 minutes. Now spread a body cleanser or shampoo and massage again for 7 to 10 minutes. Wash the area thoroughly with water, pat dry and apply moisturizer.
8. Toothpaste:
Whitening toothpaste works just as well as any other remedy to get rid of henna tattoo. The ingredients used in toothpaste that teeth whitening also aid in bleaching henna tattoo of the skin.
- Caution:
Use whitening toothpaste, not a gel. Avoid using toothpaste with mint, as it can cause an unsettling minty burning sensation.
Precautions:
- Do not use all remedies on the same patch. Always do a patch test before using any of the ingredients.
- Do not use these remedies to get rid of henna tattoo if you have sensitive skin, or you are allergic to any one of the ingredients mentioned above.
- Always use a moisturizer or coconut oil to keep your skin hydrated after each remedy.
Henna tattoos are not permanent, even if the stains don’t completely disappear after these remedies the henna tattoo is sure to vanish within 30 days of application.