Henna brows are a popular semi-permanent beauty enhancement, similar to brow tinting, but with a longer-lasting effect. While this natural, plant-based dye can offer beautifully defined eyebrows, you might find yourself wanting to remove it sooner than expected.
Thankfully, there are several effective methods to remove henna from your eyebrows quickly and easily, which we will explore in this article.
Let’s get straight to the point
Henna brows are a semi-permanent beauty treatment that can sometimes need removal if the results are too dark or uneven. Several methods can help remove henna from eyebrows more quickly, including using baby oil, salt scrubs, baking soda and lemon juice paste, oil-based makeup removers, coconut oil, and micellar water.
Harsher methods, like whitening toothpaste and isopropyl alcohol, can be effective but may cause skin irritation. Professional stain removers are also available for quicker results.
Depending on the skin type and exposure to water, the longevity of henna brows can vary.
Why Would You Want to Remove Henna from Eyebrows?
Sometimes, people are unsatisfied with the way henna brows turn out. They may appear too dark or uneven. In these cases, waiting for the dye to fade naturally can be too long, and a quicker solution may be necessary.
How to Remove Henna from Eyebrows: Quick Methods
1. Follow the Aftercare Instructions—In Reverse
When henna is applied, there are specific aftercare instructions that help the dye last longer, such as avoiding moisture and heat. If you want to remove henna quickly, do the opposite of the recommended care instructions:
- Get your brows wet often.
- Expose your brows to steam (such as during a shower).
- Use skincare products with strong exfoliating agents on the area.
2. Baby Oil Method
Using baby oil is one of the simplest methods to break down henna pigments:
- Soak a cotton ball or pad in baby oil.
- Apply the soaked pad to your eyebrows, covering them completely.
- Leave it on for at least 20 minutes.
- Wipe away the oil and henna using a clean cotton swab or cloth.
This method works best when combined with heat, such as in a warm bath, which helps emulsify the oil and break down the henna.
3. Salt Scrub
A salt scrub can be used to gently exfoliate the skin, removing henna stains over time:
- Mix fine salt with a lifting oil like olive oil or baby oil.
- Rub the mixture onto your brows in circular motions.
- Repeat this process multiple times until you see the henna start to fade.
Salt works effectively because of its grainy texture and its ability to speed up the exfoliation process.
4. Oil-Based Makeup Remover
Professional-grade oil-based makeup removers are excellent for removing henna:
- Soak cotton pads with oil-based remover.
- Place the pads on your brows and leave them for 20 minutes.
- Wipe off with firm, sweeping motions.
The oil helps dissolve the henna pigments, allowing for easier removal. This method also minimizes irritation since oil is gentle on the skin.
5. Baking Soda and Lemon Juice Paste
A combination of baking soda and lemon juice acts as a natural bleaching and exfoliating agent:
- Mix baking soda with freshly squeezed lemon juice until it forms a thick paste.
- Apply the paste to your eyebrows using circular motions.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse off.
This method may need to be repeated several times to fully remove the henna.
6. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a popular and mild method for removing henna:
- Apply a generous amount of coconut oil to your brows.
- Comb the oil through the brow hairs and cover them with plastic wrap.
- Leave the oil on for 8 hours (overnight is ideal).
- In the morning, wipe off the oil and henna.
While this method might take several applications, it is very gentle on the skin and won’t cause irritation.
7. Whitening Toothpaste
Surprisingly, whitening toothpaste can also work to remove henna:
- Apply a thick layer of toothpaste to your brows.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes.
- Rinse off and repeat 3-4 times.
Keep in mind that whitening toothpaste can dry out the skin, so be cautious about using it too frequently.
8. Stain Remover
Professional-grade stain removers designed for brow tints are also highly effective. Many brow professionals use them to correct mistakes in tinting.
These stain removers often contain natural ingredients like Himalayan spring water and lemon peel, which make them gentle on the skin while effectively removing henna stains.
9. Alcohol
Another method for removing henna is to use isopropyl alcohol:
- Soak a cotton pad in alcohol.
- Rub the pad over your eyebrows until the henna fades.
Although effective, alcohol can be extremely drying and irritating, so use this method with caution.
10. Micellar Water
Micellar water is a gentle yet effective solution for removing henna:
- Wet a cotton pad with micellar water.
- Wipe your brows using firm, sweeping motions.
Micellar water binds with the henna pigments, allowing you to remove the dye without harsh rubbing or scrubbing.
Conclusion
Henna is a natural, semi-permanent dye used to stain eyebrows, but it can be removed or lightened using various home remedies like baby oil, salt scrubs, baking soda, and oil-based makeup removers. For a quicker solution, professional-grade stain removers are available.
Be cautious of harsher methods like alcohol and whitening toothpaste, as they can cause dryness and irritation. The longevity of henna brows depends on your skin type and how often you are exposed to water.
By following these steps, you can successfully remove henna from your eyebrows, whether you want to correct a mistake or simply change your look.
FAQs About Henna Brows
How Long Does Henna Last on Eyebrows?
Henna typically lasts up to two weeks on the skin and four weeks on brow hairs, though this can vary depending on skin type and aftercare.
Can You Lighten Henna on Eyebrows?
Yes, using silicone-based makeup removers or shampoos can help lighten henna stains if they are too dark.
Does Showering Make Henna Fade?
Yes, frequent exposure to water and steam will cause henna to fade faster, especially on the skin.
Do Henna Brows Get Darker Over Time?
Henna brows usually appear darker right after application, but the color will gradually soften after a few days.
What Happens If You Leave The Henna On Your Eyebrows Too Long?
If you leave the henna on your skin and hair for a longer period of time, the colour will become more saturated. Hence, if you keep it on for a longer period of time than what is specified in the directions, your eyebrows may end up looking overly black.