Caleb Foster
Mehndi, or henna, is a natural dye that is commonly used to create beautiful, intricate designs on the skin, especially during special occasions and celebrations. While it is traditionally applied to the hands and arms, sometimes it may stain the nails, resulting in an unwanted appearance. Removing mehndi from nails can be challenging due to its staining properties, but several methods can help fade and eliminate the colour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Natural Methods | Baking soda and lemon juice, sea salt, coconut oil, olive oil, lemon and sugar, jojoba oil |
| Soaking | Soak nails in warm water, saltwater, or lemon juice |
| Exfoliation | Use a soft buffer block or a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub nails |
| Sanitizer | Use a cotton ball soaked in sanitizer to rub nails |
| Nail Polish Remover | Choose one containing acetone |
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What You'll Learn
Soak nails in saltwater
Soaking your nails in saltwater is a simple and effective way to remove mehndi stains. This method has been used for a long time, and as salt is a natural substance, it is unlikely to cause any adverse reactions.
To begin the process, prepare a saltwater bath by mixing two to four tablespoons of sea salt into a bowl of warm water. Ensure the water is not too hot, as this may irritate the skin. The warm water will help to soften the henna stains, making them easier to remove. Next, soak your hands in the saltwater solution for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. The saltwater will help to loosen and gently exfoliate any henna particles on your skin.
After soaking your hands, gently scrub them using a soft-bristled brush or a washcloth in circular motions until all the mehndi stains have disappeared. Finally, rinse your hands with lukewarm water only, as hot water can dry out the skin. Be sure to apply a moisturiser after this process, as saltwater can be drying.
For best results, repeat this process daily until the colour completely fades away.
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Lemon and baking soda paste
To make the paste, combine equal parts baking soda and freshly-squeezed lemon juice in a bowl. You can also add a few drops of water to create a thick paste. Baking soda has exfoliating properties, and lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent, so this combination is an excellent way to lift and dissolve stubborn particles of mehndi.
Once you have created the paste, apply it to your nails, focusing on the stained areas. Leave the paste on for around 10 minutes. You can also try leaving it on for 5 minutes or up to 2 hours, depending on the severity of the stain. After the paste has worked its magic, rinse it off with warm water. Use gentle circular motions to wash away the paste and lift the stains effectively.
Finally, wash your hands with soap and water, and apply some moisturiser. Baking soda can dry out your skin, so moisturising after this treatment is essential to keep your hands soft and smooth.
This method may not work on all types or shades of henna, but it is a safe and natural way to remove mehndi stains from your nails.
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Coconut oil
To use this method, start by applying a small amount of coconut oil directly to the stained nail. Next, sprinkle some sugar over the coconut oil to create an exfoliating surface. Use your fingertips or a loofah to gently scrub the sugar over the mehndi stains in circular motions. This will help to loosen and lighten the colour. After a few minutes of scrubbing, use a damp cloth to wipe away the remaining sugar and oil. Finally, rinse your hands with lukewarm water and pat them dry with a clean towel.
Another variation of this method is to mix lemon juice with sugar instead of coconut oil. Apply this mixture to your nails with a cotton ball and keep rubbing for a few minutes. The acid in the lemon juice will help to break down the henna stains, while the sugar provides gentle exfoliation.
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Nail polish remover
When using nail polish remover, gently wipe your nails with the solution and scrub until the mehndi starts to fade. It is advisable to perform a patch test before proceeding, as some removers contain harsh chemicals that may irritate the skin. Natural alternatives, such as olive oil and salt, can be used instead of nail polish remover to avoid potential skin reactions.
For those seeking a more intensive treatment, a paste made from baking soda and lemon juice can be applied directly to the nails. This paste should be left on for around 5-10 minutes before being rinsed off with warm water. Baking soda has exfoliating properties that effectively lift mehndi stains. However, it may not work for all types and shades of henna. Additionally, it can cause dryness, so moisturising after its application is recommended.
Another natural approach involves creating a solution of chlorine and hot water. Hands should be soaked in this solution for 5-10 minutes, ensuring that the water temperature is comfortable before immersion. This method effectively saturates the hands and helps remove mehndi stains.
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Buffing
Step 1: Choose the Right Buffer
Select a soft buffer block specifically designed for nails. Avoid using anything too harsh, as it may damage your nails and the surrounding skin. Soft buffer blocks are widely available at beauty supply stores or online.
Step 2: Prepare Your Nails
Before you begin buffing, ensure your nails are clean and dry. If you have any moisturiser or oil on your nails, gently remove it with a mild soap and water. Clean nails will allow the buffer to work more effectively.
Step 3: Start Buffing
Gently glide the buffer across your nails, using light pressure and following the natural direction of nail growth. Avoid pressing too hard or buffing back and forth, as this can cause nail damage and weaken your nails over time. Take your time and be careful not to buff too much off your nails.
Step 4: Buff in a Well-Lit Area
Ensure you have good lighting while buffing to help you gauge your progress and avoid overdoing it. Step outside into natural light or work near a window to benefit from the sun's rays, which can also help fade the mehndi stains.
Step 5: Moisturise After Buffing
Step 6: Repeat as Needed
You may need to repeat the buffing process several times to completely remove the mehndi stains. Allow some time between each buffing session to give your nails a rest and assess the fading of the stains. With patience and gentle buffing, you'll successfully remove the mehndi without compromising the health of your nails.
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