To ensure the longevity and vibrancy of your henna stain, it’s important to take proper care of it both before and after application. Here are some tips for before and after care.
Before Application
- Plan Ahead – (for events) Make your appointment 2-3 days before your event to ensure you show off the darkest stain on the day of the event.
- Trim or Remove Hair (optional) – Hair removal is not essential as the henna paste can be applied over hair. However, it may be more difficult to achieve a clear and defined henna design on areas with thick hair, and the hair may also interfere with the henna stain. If you have hair on the area where you want to apply henna, you may want to consider trimming or shaving the hair to achieve a cleaner and more defined henna design.
- Clean and Exfoliate – It is important clean and exfoliate the skin to remove any dead skin cells or oils that may prevent the henna from staining the skin.
- Avoid Oils and/or Lotions – Avoid applying any lotions or oils to the area where henna will be applied as they can create a barrier that will prevent the henna from staining the skin.
- Choose Proper Clothing – Be sure to wear the appropriate clothing that will expose the areas of the body you will want henna applied to.
After Application
- Plan for Drying Time – Plan to wait 15-30 mins for your henna to dry after application
- Seal It – Seal with sugar lemon sealant spray (We will have this spray for your appointment)
- Heat It – Henna stains best in warm temperatures, so try to keep the area where the henna was applied warm for the first few hours after application. You can next to the fireplace or space heater to higher your body temperature a bit.
- Avoid Water – Try to avoid getting the henna area wet for at least 12-24 hours after application, as this can cause the henna to fade more quickly. For the first 24 hours after henna is applied, avoid getting the area wet as this can cause the henna to fade or smear.
- Keep it on – Leave henna paste on for several hours: The longer the henna paste is left on, the darker the stain will be. Leave it on for at least 4-6 hours, but preferably overnight if possible.
- Moisturize – Moisturize regularly: To help maintain the henna stain, moisturize the area regularly with natural oils or lotions. This will help to prevent the skin from drying out and flaking, which can cause the henna to fade more quickly.
Removal of Paste and Stain Progression
Removal
- Gently scrape off the dried henna paste: You can use a credit card, spoon or similar blunt object
- Use oil to remove any remaining henna: a natural oil such as coconut oil, olive oil, or sesame oil and gently rub it in. You can also use a cotton ball or soft cloth to apply and rub the oil into the skin.
- Avoid water for the first 12-24 hours after henna is applied as this can cause the henna to have a lighter stain. Also try to avoid anything that may dry out the skin.
Stain Progression
The henna stain starts off bright orange right after removal then will continue to darken over the next 48 hours.