We’ve all been there. You’re back from a wedding, your mehendi looked absolutely stunning for the photos, but now, it’s turning into that awkward brown-orange colour that just won’t budge. You’ve scrubbed and washed, but it’s still there, and you have another function to attend, which you can’t with this mehendi. What to do now? Here’s how to gently get rid of mehendi fast.

1. Gentle exfoliation

Before you go at your skin like it’s a kitchen floor, remember — mehendi stains the top layer of your skin. Over-scrubbing will only leave you red and sore, not stain-free. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub like sugar mixed with olive oil. A store-bought body scrub could also work wonders. Massage it in circular motions for a few minutes and rinse with warm water. Do this twice a day, and you’ll see the stain fading without harming your skin.

2. Lemon and baking soda

This combo is like the natural bleach of the beauty world. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a few drops of lemon juice until it forms a paste. Rub it gently on your mehendi and rinse after a few minutes. You’ll notice the colour lightening pretty quickly, but beware if you’ve got sensitive skin. Do a patch test first, or dilute the paste with water.

3. Go for a swim

If you happen to have access to a swimming pool, lucky you! The chlorine in the water can break down the mehendi pigment faster than anything else. Just a short dip can make a noticeable difference. But remember to moisturise well afterwards, as chlorine can dry out your skin.

4. Salt water soak

If swimming isn’t an option, the saltwater method is another great way to get rid of mehendi fast. Fill a bowl with warm water and add a handful of salt. Soak your hands (or feet) for about 20 minutes. Salt helps exfoliate and lift the pigment, and it’s one of the least harmful ways to do it. You can repeat this a couple of times a day.

5. Toothpaste

Yes, the same thing that brightens your teeth can help lighten your mehendi too. Apply a thin layer of white toothpaste (not gel-based) over your mehendi and let it dry. Once it hardens, rub it off with your fingers. The mild abrasives help lift the pigment.

6. Oil and steam

Oil helps break down the pigment, and steam opens your pores so the colour lifts more easily. Heat some coconut or olive oil and massage it onto your mehendi. Then, hover your hands over a bowl of hot water. Wipe off the oil afterwards with a towel. You’ll notice the colour softening after a couple of rounds.

7. Micellar water

If you thought micellar water was just for removing makeup, you’re wrong. It’s surprisingly effective at breaking down mehendi pigments, especially when used regularly. Soak a cotton pad in micellar water and gently rub it over your mehendi stains for a few minutes. Do this a couple of times a day, and you’ll notice the colour lightening gradually.

Even with all these hacks, mehendi stains don’t vanish overnight. It takes a few days to fade completely. The trick is to stay consistent and be kind to your skin.

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