Buzz
Using henna to dye hair has emerged as a favored technique for achieving lasting hair color. Henna acts as a permanent hair dye, and many salons refrain from applying chemical dyes over henna-treated hair. Therefore, if you intend to alter your hair color or revert to your natural shade, you may need to attempt henna removal yourself. After significantly reducing the henna from your hair, you may seek salon assistance.
Procedure
Diminishing Henna with Oil
Purchase a generous amount of oil. While anecdotal evidence favors mineral oil, experimentation with various oils may yield optimal results for your hair.
- You can concoct your oil blend using olive, argan, and coconut oils.
- Multiple applications may be necessary, so ensure you acquire sufficient oil to cover your head several times.
Saturate your hair with oil. Stand in the bathtub or outdoors and massage oil from roots to ends and onto your scalp.
- Once your hair is completely coated, apply more oil to your palms and massage it through your hair again to ensure thorough saturation.
- Oil should drip from your hair. If it's not dripping slightly, apply more oil as needed.
Wrap your oiled hair with plastic. Utilize either a plastic shower cap or kitchen plastic wrap. Wrap your hair to maintain oil moisture and aid in absorption.
Apply heat to your oiled hair. While optional, this step may enhance results. Use a hairdryer to apply heat or bask in the sun if it's warm outside.
Allow the oil to remain on your hair. Extended oil application contributes to lightening henna color. Aim for at least 2-3 hours, with overnight application being beneficial.
- When leaving oil overnight, protect your pillow with a towel to prevent oil transfer during sleep.
- Research suggests a 12-hour oil application significantly impacts hair color more than shorter durations.
Cleanse your hair with clarifying shampoo. Use a potent clarifying shampoo to remove oil buildup from your hair.
- Before wetting your hair, massage the first shampoo application over the oil, then rinse thoroughly.
- Lather and rinse multiple times until your hair no longer feels oily. This may require several repetitions depending on oil type, shampoo potency, and water hardness.
- Use hot water and ensure thorough rinsing.
Reapply the oiling technique. Consistent oil applications over time are more likely to yield significant results, so repeating the process multiple times will lead to improved outcomes.
- Allow a week between oil applications to allow your hair to recuperate and regain its natural moisture.
Experiment with alternative products. Grape seed oil and whitening toothpaste are other products that may assist in fading or lightening henna from your hair. Follow the same procedure as with mineral oil.
Removing the Color
Utilize alcohol on your hair. This method is most effective when immediately followed by an oil treatment. Alcohol may strip some henna and prepare the hair to better absorb oil, enhancing the fading effects of the oil.
Apply lemon juice to your hair. Lemon juice, particularly when combined with sunlight, can help strip henna from your hair and lighten its effects.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice is preferable to concentrated lemon juice.
- Mix lemon juice with water and immerse your hair to ensure complete coverage.
- Expose your hair to direct sunlight and periodically fluff it with your hand to ensure all layers benefit from the sunlight.
- Moisturize your hair or use a deep conditioning treatment after using acidic products.
Apply raw honey to your hair. Despite its sweet taste, honey possesses acidic properties that may aid in removing henna from your hair with less damage compared to harsher, more acidic treatments.
- Leave the honey on for a minimum of 3 hours, longer for optimal results.
- Thoroughly wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo afterward.
- Consider staying indoors while letting your hair soak to avoid attracting bugs or bees.
Opt for peroxide. While not recommended due to its potential to severely damage hair, peroxide can be considered as a last resort for eliminating henna.
- Coat your hair with hydrogen peroxide, ensuring to avoid contact with your eyes.
- Leave the peroxide on for one hour.
- Expose your hair to heat by either sunlight or blow drying on high heat.
- Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo.
- Follow up with a deep conditioning or hot wax treatment to help repair damaged hair.
Exploring Alternative Solutions
Try a non-oxidizing dye to conceal the henna. Hair dye devoid of peroxide might offer better coverage for henna compared to traditional dyes, which could lead to a blue tint in the hair.
Allow the henna to grow out. Although it may take a considerable amount of time, allowing your hair to naturally grow out the henna dye might be the most suitable option if you've previously dyed your hair with henna. Experimenting with different hairstyles during this period may help alleviate frustration.
Opt for a very short haircut. By choosing a short haircut, you may be able to remove most or all of the henna-dyed hair. Short haircuts facilitate quicker color growth compared to long haircuts as there is less hair to grow out.
Consider wearing a hat or wig. As a final option, consider wearing a hat or wig until your hair has fully recovered from the henna treatment.
Useful Tips
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Prioritize consulting a professional before trying home remedies. They can offer guidance on the most suitable option for your hair.
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If you plan to grow out your hair after a short cut, avoid using henna for temporary color. It's best reserved for permanent color or if you're open to cutting most of your hair later.
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Prevention is key. If you anticipate wanting to remove henna, it's advisable not to use it in the first place.
Important Warnings
- If you resort to drastic measures like peroxide, be prepared to undergo a complete hair cut if the outcome is disastrous.
- Keep in mind that any of these methods could potentially harm your hair. Using any method to remove henna will dehydrate and potentially damage your hair.
- Exercise caution when applying products to your hair. Avoid getting products in your eyes or on your face.
