after applying mehndi on hair how to wash - #38987
I am super confused after applying mehndi on my hair for the first time. Like, I was really excited, but now I’m not sure how to wash it out properly. I applied this mix of henna and some natural oils, which I thought would help with my dry scalp. Honestly, I got a bit carried away, and now I've kinda got this intense red-orange color! 😅 I’ve heard different things about washing it out; some say use just water, while others recommend a specific method or even certain shampoos. I really don’t want to mess it up or have the color fade too quickly. Can someone tell me what’s the best way to wash it after applying mehndi on hair? Like, should I use conditioner first? Should I let it sit for a while before rinsing? I do want to keep my hair healthy and not end up with an overly messy wash. I've been worried I might end up staining my skin or even my shower! Is there any tips on what to do after applying mehndi on hair that could help make this whole process smoother? Thanks in advance!
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Doctors' responses
After applying mehndi on your hair, rinse it thoroughly with lukewarm water. Water should be your initial go-to. Avoid using hot water as it can damage your hair and potentially strip the color much faster than desired. Gently knead your scalp and hair with fingertips, allowing the water to saturate and wash away the mehndi paste fully.
Henna typically needs some time to bind properly with the keratin in the hair. The longer it’s left before washing, the deeper color you might achieve. Once you’ve decided you had enough of the color developing, focus on rinsing the hair multiple times until the water starts to run almost clear. This will help avoid staining your towels.
Using conditioner is optional in the first wash, but it can help to remove any remaining traces of mehndi. After the initial rinse, you can apply a small amount of conditioner through the lengths of your hair, avoiding the scalp, and then rinse again thoroughly. Conditioners can provide extra moisturizing benefits, considering you’ve mentioned a dry scalp. But remember, don’t use shampoo immediately after mehndi as it can alter or fade the color.
Henna might have stained the bathroom, but oils mean its easier to wipe off—easy cleaning but act fast. Lastly, to avoid staining your skin, apply a layer of oil (coconut, almond or even olive oil) around the hairline and ears prior to mehndi application next time. If the skin already stained, it will fade over time, but gentle exfoliation using a mixture of sugar and lemon might speed up the process.
Keeping your hair color vibrant requires avoiding shampoos with sulfates, as they’re harsh and erode color. If the mehndi feels too vibrant, don’t worry, it tends to settle and soften in color after a few washes. And, while your hair may feel gritty or dry initially, this will lessen with regular conditioning treatments to enhance the shininess and health of the hair.

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