10 Top Tips on Removing a Henna Stain
Henna is a beautiful tradition used all around the world. For years Henna was used to symbolise joy, beauty and offerings. It is also believed to symbolise devotion and vitality, and this is why it is so commonly used for ceremonial purposes, such as Weddings.
Henna has developed massively over the years and people have started utilising it elsewhere. It is now done for Festivals, Holidays, Parties and even just for show. However, if you have had a Henna Tattoo you would know that not long after having the tattoo done, it can start to fade and look less like its original state. At this point it is understandable to want to remove the henna as soon as you can.
As a henna artist I am constantly trying out new designs on myself, meaning that I am always looking for easy ways to remove the henna quickly. Here I will share with you the Top 10 Tips on removing henna, having tried most of them myself I can give a honest and realistic opinion on which methods are the best to use. Beforehand, I would like to add that these methods work at their best if the henna stain is older, as if the henna stain is fresh, it will be a lot harder to remove, the methods I will provide can help lighten the stain but are not likely to remove it completely.
1) Toothpaste
This was actually the first method I tried. It definitely sounds strange to rub toothpaste on your skin but when it comes to henna it makes the removal process much easier. This is one of my favourite methods so far, it is quick and easy.
To try this method you will need; Toothpaste, warm/hot water and a flannel or towel. I also use soap as I feel it makes the removal process a little more soothing on the skin (You won't need to scrub as much), and although it may not be needed, I always apply moisturiser to the area of skin afterwards as the scrubbing can cause dry or irritated skin,
All you need to do is spread out a thick layer of toothpaste over the design and leave it to dry for 20-30 minutes. I use an old foundation brush to do this as it's flat and spreads out the toothpaste evenly, this also helps the toothpaste dry more evenly and at a faster pace.
After the toothpaste has dried and you feel it has sat over the design for long enough, rinse a flannel/towel in hot soapy water and start rubbing the toothpaste off with firm, circular motions.
Some parts of the design may be harder to get off but this all depends on what area of skin the henna was applied to and the amount of time it has lasted for, other parts of the design may have been left on for longer when drying or may have been scrubbed less throughout the duration of having the design. Warm water is much better for removing both the toothpaste and the henna, as well as being much more soothing than cold water.
Once you have removed the design, simply dry off the area with a towel and you're done. (Personally, this is when I apply moisturiser as it makes the skin feel a lot smoother, it also helps to cool the area after scrubbing and keeps the skin hydrated).