How to Remove Henna Tattoos

Henna is a popular alternative to standard tattoos as it is not permanent and involves no needles. Henna is a natural dye used primarily in the Indian art of mehndi, or henna tattoos. The dye lasts anywhere from two to six weeks, but there are ways to speed up the removal of henna tattoos. If the tattoo is new, you may be able to fade it considerably, but full removal is unlikely. Older henna is more likely to be removed completely with less effort.

Things You'll Need

• Soap
• Exfoliating brush
• Bleach

Instructions

1. Remove the paste immediately if the henna is freshly applied. Wash it off under the hottest water you can stand to keep it from penetrating deep into the skin.

2. Soak the area in hot, soapy water for at least 10 minutes.

3. Scrub the area with an exfoliating brush. This will remove the henna on the surface but may not fade it completely, as henna penetrates into the layers of the skin.

4. Mix 1 cap of bleach into a bowl of hot water. Soak the area in the water for one or two minutes, then scrub again with an exfoliating brush.

Tips & Warnings

• A soak in a hot tub will fade henna tattoos considerably.

• Use caution with the bleach method and stop if there are any signs of irritation.

References

• Henna Caravan: Henna Care and Removal