Henna Aftercare: The Key to an Amazing Henna Stain

Henna stains are the real reason why people get their henna done. What good is paying for a henna design, if it's not going to show? Growing up, getting my henna done for weddings, was the true decor of the wedding. Adorning your hands, the (hopefully) dark color on your hands... it was the life of the wedding. Everyone admiring the designs, the color, the elegance and beauty of all of it. I've always gotten stains with henna but there was one time I didn't- it was a store bought, orange, disgusting cone. I don't even remember what it was, but It was horrible. It was light orange, and if you washed your hands it all came out. Luckily, it wasn't due to the lack of my henna after-care... it was because it was a bad cone.

So now, I'm going to advise you guys on how to take care of your henna after application. Ready? Ok good, me too.

Once the henna is on, wait for it to dry. I wish I didn't have to emphasize that but I do. If you try doing things to it when it's wet, it'll smudge the design, and then ruin your mood since it's ruined. The best way to get a dark stain is by keeping the dry paste on your hands for as long as possible- the longer it's on, the better it will stain. Keep it on, and avoid water on the area you applied the henna on.

Here are some ways to keep the henna on your skin:

1. Sugar and Lemon mix- makes the henna stick to your skin, but will make you sticky as well.

2. Hairspray- not the best sealant, but it works especially if you have to drive, or move around a lot.

3. MeFix tape- BEST THING EVER, it's a little expensive but does wonders. Then you just have to remove the tape in one shot and the design comes off too!

Other ways to get a dark stain:

Keep your body warm (warm body temp gives you a good stain), put some oil on it when removing it and some oil on it (no baby oils- natural oils) oil like Mustard oil (stinky), coconut oil, or olive oil. Hand salve does wonders as well.

I understand we all need to shower, trust me, I shower too. It's not recommended to shower with henna (12+ hours after removal) so if you are showering, cover your design in one of the oils or salve I mentioned before, then shower. It protects the stain from water.

1 hour after paste removal + Burts Bees Hand Salve+ removal with mefix tape: a bright orange