Before Oxidization

• The first step to removing henna is to remove the paste as soon as possible. The less time the paste is in contact with your skin, the less chance that the design beneath the paste will oxidize and last. Remove the paste with soap and water.
  
  When henna paste is removed, it leaves a light orange stain that has not yet oxidized. Washing your hands immediately and using a gentle exfoliant will help to lighten the design. Soaking your hands in a shower, hot tub or pool immediately after the design is applied can help stop the oxidization process. Use an antibacterial soap instead of a plain, glycerine-based soap to help the removal process along.
  
  

After Oxidization

• To remove henna that has already dried and oxidized, the skin layers that have been dyed should also be removed. Exfoliation is a beauty treatment using abrasive substances to remove the skin and promote circulation. Using an exfoliant causes the skin to flake off more quickly, and as the skin flakes off, so will your henna design. This process can take several days, and you will need to take care that you do not irritate the skin by over exfoliating.
  
  Exposing the henna design to the sun can also speed the henna removal process. This can help fade the pigment and will also speed the shedding of the dyed layer of skin. Sun exposure can be dangerous, so precautions such as sunscreen should still be taken even when trying to remove a henna design from your hands.
  
  Finally, swim or bathe regularly, particularly in chlorinated water or hot tubs. Soaking in plain water will help soften and shed the skin. If your water is chlorinated, such as a pool or hot tub, this can also help to lighten the dye of the design.