how to wash henna from hair - #43535
I am really struggling with how to wash henna from hair. Last week, I decided to try henna for the first time, thinking it would give me that beautiful rich color I've always wanted. But now I’m kinda regretting it. My hair feels stiff, and no matter how much I shampoo, there’s still this weird residue left behind! I tried rinsing with water for what felt like an hour, but somehow it feels like it’s still stuck. Like, I read somewhere that you should mix lemon juice with your shampoo?? Also, I didn’t know henna would be so hard to get out! I’ve got a wedding coming up soon and I’d love to avoid looking like I've got a messy dye job. I’m worried the color’s gonna leave me looking all drab while others are glowing! Can someone with experience share how to wash henna from hair without damaging it even more? I just wanna go back to my original shade without wrecking my hair. And is there anything I can do to speed up the process?? I’ve already tried some coconut oil, but maybe that's not enough? Any tips or tricks would be super helpful! Thanks in advance, really appreciate it!
Doctor-recommended remedies for this condition


Doctors' responses
To remove henna from your hair, patience and the right strategies are key. Henna naturally bonds tightly with the hair shaft, making it challenging to wash out entirely, yet with the right steps, you can significantly reduce residue and restore softness to your hair.
First, let’s address shampoos and lemon juice. While lemon juice can be somewhat effective durring the dyeing process to boost color, it might not be the best option for removal due to its drying properties, particularly if your hair is feeling stiff already. Shampooing excessive may also dry out hair, so consider using a mild, sulfate-free clarifying shampoo to help loosen the residue.
Try this: prepare a paste with yogurt and egg whites (1 cup yogurt with 2 egg whites), as yogurt’s lactic acid and egg white’s proteins can gently cleanse and nourish the hair. Apply the mixture to damp hair, leave it on for about 30 minutes, then rinse well with lukewarm water. This may aid in loosening the henna particles and adding moisture.
Aloe vera gel can also be beneficial. Mix pure aloe vera gel with a few drops of essential oil like rosemary or lavender, which can help soothe the scalp and reduce stiffness. Massage into your scalp, leave it for 30-40 minutes, and rinse thoroughly.
The method of oil removal can work over time, as you’ve already experienced with coconot oil. Opt for a hot oil treatment with another penetrating oil like olive or almond oil. Warm the oil, apply it generously to your hair, wrap it in a warm towel for about an hour, and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. This may require several applications over days or weeks to see a cumulative effect.
Hydration plays a big role here too. Drink plenty of water to ensure your hair and scalp receive adequate hydration from within. Minimize the use of hot hair tools temporarily, as they can exacerbate dryness and damage.
Bear in mind that henna may not completely fade away if the initial color was much darker than your natural shade. If you’re aiming to lighten or change the color significantly before an event, visiting a professional colorist might be beneficial, they can assess your hair and provide treatments that align with your hair health goals.
These steps should aid in gently and safely managing henna until it naturally diminishes over time.

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