How to Remove Henna from Eyebrows
Henna is only a semi-permanent brow enhancement, so it will fade on its own after a few weeks. But if you can’t wait, here’s how to remove henna from eyebrows.
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Henna brows are a semi-permanent brow enhancement method. It’s essentially a brow tinting with a natural dye. It colors the brow hairs, but also stains the skin underneath for a shaded effect.
It can be a great way to darken your brows, since it lasts a few weeks, during which you don’t have to apply makeup to your brows. But in case you got henna brows and you don’t like how it turned out, even those few weeks are too long a wait.
Read this short guide to find out how to remove henna from eyebrows.
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How Long Do Henna Brows Last?
Henna is a natural, plant-based dye that has been used for centuries to create body art or dye hair, but it’s also very often used for coloring eyebrows.
Henna brows combine 2 effects – coloring the hairs, and staining the skin underneath them – but its longevity is not the same on both:
- The skin stays tinted for up to 2 weeks.
- The hairs stay colored for up to 5 weeks.
So henna brows last a relatively short time, especially when compared to brow PMU, but if you get them and hate them, it will feel like ages. So it’s a good thing there are ways how to remove henna from eyebrows.
How to Remove Henna from Eyebrows?
Henna is applied topically, meaning it only goes onto the surface of the skin. As such, it’s much easier to remove than brow tattoos, and the removal process is completely safe and non-invasive.
It basically comes down to using certain products to lift the color and wash it away, gradually fading the henna into invisibility. Note that henna can sometimes be persistent, especially if it’s dark or has reddish hues.
Here’s a list of methods you can try:
1. Do the Opposite of Aftercare Instructions
There are certain things you need to avoid after you get henna brows in order to keep the color vivid. If you decide you hate your henna brows as soon as you get them done, you can just do the opposite and double up on all the products and activities that can ruin it:
- Get them wet.
- Sweat them off.
- Expose them to steam and heat.
- Use harsh skincare on the area.
This can work, but if your skin really soaked up the henna, there will probably be some residues left.
For more information on henna brows aftercare, read this guide.
2. Soak Your Brows in Baby Oil
Oils generally dissolve tints – that’s why you need to avoid oil-based products if you got a brow tint (both with regular dye and henna). Your brow tech probably advised you to stay away from cleansers and moisturizers which contain oils.
So, if you’re wondering how to remove henna brows, oils are the most obvious answer. It will remove the stain from the skin, and perhaps even lighten the hairs a bit.
Baby oil is the most effective type of oil you can use for this purpose, plus it’s much more affordable than skincare oils. Olive oil is also a good option.
- Soak a cotton pad or swab in baby oil.
- Apply a thick coat of it onto your brows.
- Let them soak for 10-20 minutes.
- Wipe and rinse.
- Repeat until henna has faded.
A potential problem here could be the fact that oils can clog pores, so make sure to remove all traces of them from your skin afterwards.
3. Scrub the Henna Away with Salt
Exfoliation will gradually remove the pigmented skin from your brows, and with it, the henna stain. Salt is the best choice for this scrub – its texture is great for exfoliation, and its chemical composition can contribute to henna fading.
Mix salt with an oil of your choice (if you mix it with a lifting oil like baby oil or olive oil, that’s a double attack on henna), and rub your brows with this concoction in circular motions.
You will probably need to repeat this several times.
4. Make a Baking Soda + Lemon Juice Paste
Baking soda and lemon juice are natural brightening agents, and they can fade henna on their own to a point, but when mixed together, the unwanted henna stands no chance. The grainy texture of baking soda exfoliates the skin, while also lifting the color.
- Prepare the paste. Squeeze juice from a lemon and mix enough baking soda into it to form a thick paste. Mix them until the consistency is smooth.
- Apply the paste to your brows. Rub it in with circular motions.
- Leave it on for about 10 minutes, then rinse.
You will probably need to repeat this several times.
5. If All Else Fails, Try a Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste can also lift the henna from your brows, but this should be your last resort. Toothpaste can be very drying and applying it to your skin can really dry it out. Still, if you’re so set on fading your henna, it’s worth it.
Apply a thicker layer of whitening toothpaste on your brows. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse. Repeat this 3-4 times and you should see significant results.
Bear in mind that leaving toothpaste on your skin can tingle, but if it stings or burns, wash it off – you don’t want to irritate your skin.
6. Or Alcohol
Another option that can remove henna, but won’t be very comfortable for your skin. Alcohol is very drying, even more so than toothpaste, so your skin won’t be too happy about it.
Dampen a cotton pad with isopropyl alcohol and rub your brows. That’s it! The color should be coming off.
Bear in mind that alcohol can sting. Be careful not to let it get into your eyes.
Can I Mix These Brow Henna Remover Methods?
Whichever method you choose, you will need to repeat the procedure multiple times, especially if the color of your henna is mid to dark. So you can try out different methods and see which one works best.
In fact, it’s advisable to switch them up, so you don’t over-exfoliate or dry out your skin too much. Our advice is to combine one of the scrubs with the oil lift.
How to Remove Henna from Eyebrows – Main Takeaways
If left untouched, henna will fade from your skin within 2 weeks, and from your brow hairs within 5 weeks. But if you don’t want to wait that long, there are several ways how to remove henna eyebrows. They can all be done at home and using products and ingredients you probably already have at home. Just be prepared to repeat these procedures multiple times before you get satisfactory results, as they provide a gradual fade.
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