How To Remove Henna From Hair In 4 Quick Ways (Hairstylist Approved!)

Bid farewell to stubborn henna with these 5 expert-approved ways on how to remove henna from hair from a experienced hairstylist.

In This Article:

1. How To Remove Henna From Hair
   • Remove Henna Using Hot Oils (coconut, argan, essential oils)
   • Remove Henna Using Vitamin C
   • Remove Henna Using Vodka
   • Remove Henna Using Baking Soda
2. How Long Does It Take For Henna To Come Off Hair?
3. Why You Should Trust Us?

Key Takeaways:

• Henna dye penetrates deep into your hair cuticles, hence it is very difficult to remove
• You must remove henna before applying hair dye or bleach as the chemicals in dye can react with henna molecules and damage hair.
• If you want to remove henna from hair at home you can use hot oil treatments using coconut, argan, jojoba and other carrier oils. This is the most effective home remedy to remove henna.
• You can also use methods like baking soda, vitamin c, etc.

As a hairstylist and hair care expert with over a decade of experience in the US, I’ve encountered countless clients seeking effective henna removal methods. While henna is a natural and popular hair dye option, removing it can be challenging due to its strong binding properties.

How To Remove Henna From Hair

Remove Henna Using Hot Oils (coconut, argan, essential oils)

A hot oil treatment can be a helpful method for removing henna from hair. The oil helps to break down the henna molecules and fade the color. Here’s how to do a hot oil treatment to remove henna from hair:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of your preferred carrier oil, such as coconut oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil
• Shower cap

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil: Warm the carrier oil in a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan over low heat until it is lukewarm.
2. Apply the oil to your hair: Apply the warm oil generously to your hair, making sure to saturate all of the strands. You can use your fingers or a comb to distribute the oil evenly.
3. Cover your hair with a shower cap: Put on a shower cap to trap the heat and allow the oil to penetrate your hair shaft.
4. Let the oil sit for 30 minutes to an hour: The longer you leave the oil in your hair, the more effective it will be at removing henna.
5. Rinse your hair with shampoo: Rinse your hair thoroughly with shampoo until the oil is completely removed. You may need to shampoo twice to remove all of the oil.
6. Condition your hair: Apply a deep conditioner to your hair to replenish moisture and prevent dryness, as oil treatments can be slightly drying.

Remove Henna Using Vitamin C

Removing henna from hair can be a challenging task, but there are a few methods that you can try at home. One popular method is to use vitamin C. Vitamin C is a natural acid that can help to break down the henna molecules and fade the color.

Here is a recipe for a vitamin C hair mask:

• 1/2 cup ascorbic acid powder or 15-30 white, powdered vitamin C tablets, crushed
• Dye-free clarifying shampoo
• Shower cap
• Mixing bowl

Instructions:

1. Mix the powdered vitamin C with the dye-free clarifying shampoo in a bowl.
2. Apply the mixture to your hair, making sure to saturate all of the strands.
3. Put on a shower cap and leave the mixture on your hair for 30-60 minutes.
4. Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water.
5. Repeat the process as needed until you are satisfied with the results.

Here are some additional tips for removing henna from hair with vitamin C:

• Use the freshest vitamin C powder or tablets that you can find.
• Do not use liquid vitamin C capsules, as they will not mix well with the shampoo.
• If you have sensitive skin, you may want to do a patch test on a small area of your skin before applying the mixture to your entire head.
• Be patient, as it may take several treatments to remove all of the henna from your hair.

Remove Henna Using Vodka

While vodka is not a traditional hair removal product, it has been anecdotally reported to be effective at fading or removing henna from hair. The alcohol in vodka is thought to help break down the henna molecules, making them easier to remove.

Here is a method for using vodka to remove henna from hair:

1. Gather your supplies: You will need vodka, a clarifying shampoo, a shower cap, and gloves.
2. Apply vodka to your hair: Pour a generous amount of vodka onto your hair, making sure to saturate all of the strands. Work the vodka into your hair with your fingers.
3. Cover your hair with a shower cap: Put on a shower cap to keep the vodka in contact with your hair.
4. Let the vodka sit for 30 minutes to an hour: The longer you leave the vodka in your hair, the more effective it will be at removing henna.
5. Rinse your hair with clarifying shampoo: Rinse your hair thoroughly with clarifying shampoo until the vodka is completely removed.
6. Condition your hair: Apply a deep conditioner to your hair to help restore moisture and prevent dryness.

Here are some additional tips for using vodka to remove henna from hair:

• Use the highest-proof vodka that you can find.
• Do not use vodka on your scalp, as it can cause irritation.
• If you have sensitive skin, you may want to do a patch test on a small area of your skin before applying the vodka to your entire head.
• Be patient, as it may take several treatments to remove all of the henna from your hair.

Remove Henna Using Baking Soda

Baking soda can be a helpful tool in removing henna from hair, as its mild abrasive properties can help scrub away the henna molecules. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use baking soda to remove henna from hair:

1. Gather your supplies: You will need baking soda, clarifying shampoo, a shower cap, and gloves.
2. Create a baking soda paste: Mix equal parts baking soda and water to form a thick paste. The consistency should be similar to peanut butter.
3. Apply the baking soda paste to your hair: Apply the paste generously to your hair, ensuring it covers all the strands. Wear gloves to protect your hands from the baking soda’s abrasive nature.
4. Leave the paste on for 30 minutes: Allow the baking soda paste to sit on your hair for about 30 minutes. This gives it time to work its magic and break down the henna molecules.
5. Rinse your hair with clarifying shampoo: Rinse your hair thoroughly with clarifying shampoo until the baking soda paste is completely removed. Clarifying shampoo will help eliminate any remaining henna residue.
6. Condition your hair: Apply a deep conditioner to your hair to replenish moisture and prevent dryness, as baking soda can be slightly drying.
7. Repeat if necessary: Depending on the intensity of the henna color, you may need to repeat the process a few times to achieve the desired results.

Additional tips:

• Use lukewarm water to rinse the baking soda paste, as hot water can open up the hair cuticle and make it more susceptible to damage.
• Perform a strand test on a small, inconspicuous section of your hair before applying the baking soda paste to your entire head. This will help you assess any potential allergic reactions or damage to your hair.
• If you have sensitive skin, consider mixing the baking soda with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil, to reduce the abrasive nature of the baking soda.
• Be patient, as removing henna takes time and patience. Repeated applications may be necessary to achieve the desired results.

Remember, baking soda is a mild abrasive, so it’s important to use it gently and avoid harsh scrubbing. If you experience any discomfort or irritation, discontinue use immediately and consult a hair care professional.

How Long Does It Take For Henna To Come Off Hair?

The amount of time it takes for henna to come off hair depends on several factors, including the type of henna used, the length of time it has been on the hair, and the individual’s hair type. In general, henna is considered to be a permanent hair dye, and it will gradually fade over time. However, it may never completely disappear from the hair.

Here are some general estimates of how long it takes for henna to fade from hair:

• Light henna: 4-6 weeks
• Natural henna: 6-8 weeks
• Dark henna: 8-12 weeks

If you want to speed up the fading process, there are a few things you can do. These include:

• Washing your hair frequently: Washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo can help to strip away some of the henna molecules.
• Using hot water: Hot water can open up the hair cuticle, allowing the henna molecules to escape.
• Exposing your hair to sunlight: Sunlight can help to bleach henna.
• Using a baking soda paste: Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help to scrub away henna.
• Using a vitamin C mask: Vitamin C is an acid that can help to break down henna molecules.

Why You Should Trust Us?

The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.

To sum it all up…

Removing henna from your hair can be quite a challenge, but fear not, because there are ways to bid farewell to that stubborn color.

While the effectiveness of each method may vary, there are several options you can try.

Vitamin C, with its acidic properties, can help in lightening the henna color, while bleach can be a powerful ally, lifting the dye away.

Vodka and baking soda may possess some fading powers too, although results can differ depending on various factors.

Additionally, a hot oil treatment might be useful in breaking down the henna pigment.

Patience is key, as it may take some time to completely remove henna from your hair.

Remember, everyone’s hair is different, so trial and error may be necessary to find the best solution for you.

Also Read:

• Ways to Remove Hair Gel from Hair Without Washing
• Can I Use Lush Henna On Grey Hair
• Can I Apply Henna On Oiled Hair
• Can I Use Henna Dye On My Eyebrows
• How To Mix Henna For Dry And Damaged Hair
• Important Disadvantages Of Using Henna On Hair
• How To Mix Henna With Lemon Juice For Unbleached Hair