Removing Henna Tattoos
To remove henna tattoos, one method is to wet the tattooed area so that the pores open up, causing the color to come out. Another way is to apply exfoliating shower gel or hair conditioner to the tattoo and scrub with a sponge. If not available, a mixture of coarse salt and olive oil can be used. Be careful not to scrub too hard to avoid irritation. If it doesn’t completely remove, repeat after a few hours. Some also use toothpaste or solutions of water and lemon. Others expose themselves to a lot of sun or go swimming for the exfoliating effect of chlorine. If challenging, hydrogen peroxide can be used carefully to avoid irritation.
Removing Henna from Skin
A mask with shea butter, coconut oil, or other vegetable oils can lighten henna. Apply it to damp hair, cover, and leave it on for an hour. Rinse with a mild shampoo. A mask with coconut milk and fenugreek powder, cassia, lemon juice, or a "ButterBeer" made with beer, shea butter, and lemon also helps in color removal. The approach varies according to the intensity of the color to be removed.
Removing Henna Stains
Longé Hair Easy, with its special fibers, gently removes color residue. It is reusable and suitable for all skin types. Dampen the cloth, wring it out, and rub it on the stained areas. For stubborn stains, add detergent to the cloth and massage. It can be washed in the washing machine at 60° without additives.
Washing Henna
To remove henna stains, use laundry detergent and scrub with a brush, then rinse. If it persists, soak in warm milk for half an hour.
Duration of Henna on Hands
Henna tattoos last for several days, decreasing with washing and cream application.
Post-Henna Care
After rinsing off the henna, pure katam or indigo can be applied for a more intense color. You can return to chemical dye if pure henna was used. Henna on white hair gives a coppery red color, and for dark shades, a two-step coloring is recommended. It doesn’t lighten hair, but to avoid layering, use henna on the roots or mix with a high percentage of cassia for the lengths. Henna is mixed with hot water, and the use of acids can help release more pigment. It can be used on both dry and wet hair, preferably clean to facilitate color release. Adding a moisturizing gel or a light conditioner can counteract dryness on normal or dry hair. Henna makes hair stronger and fuller, defines curls without straightening them. An acidic rinse helps make hair softer and shinier. Henna binds to keratin and is permanent, losing intensity over time.