Henna is one of the most adorable body arts. It is no more restricted to a few countries anymore, this art form has gone global and people love the idea of henna tattoos, especially on their hands, arms, and feet.
Henna tattoos look gorgeous as long as they have their color. Unfortunately, these tattoos look horrible on fading.
Henna tattoos take weeks or months to start fading. However, there are ways you can effectively remove these tattoos for once on desirability.
We will discuss the same in this article. Let’s begin with a few commonly searched queries related to henna tattoos.
Are Henna Tattoos Removable?
Henna tattoos are removable as these are not like tattoo pigments that go deep into the skin layers. However, you must remember that henna contains dye, and thus, it sticks to the outermost skin layers.
Thus, henna tattoos won’t come off like a pen drawing in a few washes. Even if you talk of basic henna tattoos, these stay for 1 to 2 weeks long but, start fading in a few days of application.
Faded henna tattoos aren’t a good idea to keep for long as these look dirty and shabby on the area. Some methods help you get rid of henna tattoos faster. Let’s look at these ways in detail.
How To Remove Henna Tattoos?
Below are 10 different methods to remove the henna tattoos, explained step by step in detail.
1. Saltwater Soak
Sea salt can act as an exfoliating agent. You can try alternatives like table salt or Epsom salt as well if that is readily available at your location.
Salt contains sodium chloride that helps nourish your living cells, remove scars, and get rid of dead skin cells.
Steps to remove henna with saltwater:
- Pour warm water in bathtub or bucket.
- Take half cup of salt and dilute it in the water.
- Soak your henna area for about twenty minutes. You can dip your whole body for a rejuvenating bath.
2. The scrubbing method
Skin scrub can also help remove henna tattoos faster. Use natural scrubs that contain apricot, brown sugar, or other natural ingredients.
Organic or natural exfoliating agents help soothe the skin irritability while scrubbing.
Steps to remove henna with saltwater:
- Wash the henna area well.
- Apply a little portion of scrub on the area and scrub it well.
- Wash the area well with normal water.
- Use a moisturizer or coconut oil after exfoliating the henna tattoo area.
3. Antibacterial soap removal
Antibacterial soaps are strong on henna and help to take off the tattoo faster than its natural lifeline. You must use a good-quality antibacterial soap for taking off the henna tattoo.
Steps to remove henna tattoo with antibacterial soap:
- Scrub the henna hands or the tattooed area a few times a day with an antibacterial soap.
- Multiple washes can make the skin dry so keep a good moisturizer ready.
- Apply some moisturizer on your hands every time you scrub your hands.
Our recommendations:
4. Salt and Olive Oil Mixture
A combination of olive oil and sea salt can help get rid of henna pigments smoothly and sooner. The mixture loosens the henna dye from the skin and safely removes the pigment.
Olive oil is anyway natural and great for the skin. It acts as a natural skin moisturizer and salt acts as a scrub.
Steps to remove henna tattoo with antibacterial soap:
- Mix 1 cup of olive oil with 3 to 4 tablespoons of sea salt to make a balanced mixture.
- Take a cotton swab, dip it in the mixture, and coat your skin.
- Allow some time for the mixture to soak in completely.
- Gently rub off the mixture with a wet washcloth.
5. Lemon juice and baking soda mixture
Lemon juice is a known skin lightening agent. Most people use lemon juice for scar-free and fair skin. A combination of baking soda and lemon juice can work wonders to lighten the henna tattoo. Avoid using the mixture on your face.
Steps to remove henna dye with lemon juice and baking soda:
- Take half a cup of warm water (not boiling).
- Add one tablespoon of baking soda and two tablespoons of lemon juice to the water.
- Stir well so that the mixture gets dissolved properly.
- Dip a cotton swab and apply the swab on the tattoo area.
- Let the mixture soak in henna tattoo.
- Wash off the mixture or scrub it with a soft cloth.
- Repeat the process a few times until the henna is gone.
6. Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide helps to lighten the henna pigment and makes it look as good as nil on your skin. You may need several attempts to get rid of the henna tattoo completely.
Our recommendations:
Steps to remove henna tattoo using hydrogen peroxide:
You may need to follow the method several times and so you must use diluted hydrogen peroxide to remove henna from your hands.
- You will get diluted formula that is sold for cosmetic use.
- Apply the solution using a cotton swab gently on the tattooed area.
- Rub it after few minutes.
- Apply it again until you see that the henna tattoo has faded beyond its visibility.
7. Sugar and Coconut Oil
You need raw sugar for this method to lighten henna tattoo properly. Ensure that your coconut oil is at room temperature (in melted form). A combination of these makes an amazing exfoliating agent.
Steps to remove henna tattoo with sugar and coconut oil mixture:
- Do not mix both the ingredients together.
- Take some coconut oil and gently massage it on your henna tattoo.
- Let the oil settle on your skin completely.
- Now, rub the raw sugar over the same area like how you use a scrub.
- Take support of a loofah and put little pressure while removing the mixture. As an alternative to loofah, you can also use a wash cloth.
8. Get exposed to water!
Chlorinated water makes it difficult for henna tattoos to last long. It is one of the best methods if you wish to exercise, rejuvenate, and remove unwanted tattoos together.
We wouldn’t mention many steps here as the method is quite simple to follow. All you need to do is swim at least for 40 minutes so that your henna tattoo becomes beyond visibility.
9. Hair conditioner method
A hair conditioner is a good moisturizer for hair. However, here we will use it to lighten and finally remove a henna tattoo.
Apply conditioner to the henna tattoo and let your skin absorb it completely. Rinse off the conditioner with normal or warm water. You will see major differences in henna tattoo fading.
10. Toothpaste application
Again, another simpler method to remove a henna tattoo is by applying some toothpaste onto the tattoo. Allow the toothpaste to dry.
Use a toothbrush to scrub off the henna from the skin. Henna in contact with the toothpaste comes off easily.
Final Words:
Removing the henna needs patience and care. Do not be frustrated or impatient while removing henna tattoos or the results will be incomplete.
Even if you leave it as it is, henna will go within a few weeks with a daily shower and soap. Any negative reactions to henna tattoos can be shown to a dermatologist.
