How to prepare for henna: 

Be sure that the area to be hennaed is well washed and free from any lotions or oils. If you're planning a mani or pedi where the henna will be, plan to do this a day or two before you get henna.  (Be sure to avoid paraffin dip mani's and pedi's, as they can repel the henna stain for up to 3 weeks afterwards!)

 

Henna care instructions:

Henna looks different on everyone. Body chemistry, temperature and location on the body have a lot to do with how dark the stain will be. Drier skin on the hands and feet stains much darker than the softer skin on the upper arm or back. Henna stains are darkest during the first 7-10 days, then gradually fade.  The following are some steps you can follow to ensure a nice stain:

 

LEAVE PASTE ON AS LONG AS POSSIBLE 
It is recommended to leave the paste on at least 5-6 hours or more. Leave paste on overnight for best results. The longer the paste stays on the skin, the darker the stain will be.

 

HEAT AND MOISTURE HELP
The warmer the body temperature, the faster the henna will stain. If you are cold, try drinking something hot before you start. Gently steaming the area while the paste is on, or using a heating pad (after covering the dried paste) also helps.

 

WRAP IT UP
You can wrap the area with an elastic bandage, paper medical tape or toilet paper. Wrapping isn't required but it helps conserve heat and moisture, which help to make the stain darker. Also protects sheets if the paste is left on overnight. I usually put a piece of toilet paper over the design, then wrap with an elastic bandage. If you want to use plastic wrap, be sure to wrap with toilet paper first to soak up any perspiration and to prevent smudges.

 

REMOVE THE PASTE
DO NOT USE WATER!! You can use lemon juice or olive oil to remove the paste. You can also gently scrape the paste off or let it fall off naturally. Try not to get the area wet for at least 6-12 hours after paste removal although waiting a full 24 hours is best. The longer you prevent the area from getting wet with water, the better. The design will be bright orange at first and then gradually darken to brown. Henna stains take 48 hours to develop.

 

MOISTURIZE 
Apply some kind of natural oil or butter after the paste is removed to protect the henna design and prevent exfoliation. A lot of store-bought moisturizers contain chemicals that can prematurely lighten the stain, so it's best to use something natural like olive or coconut oil.

 

AVOID FRICTION
Exfoliation of the skin is what causes henna to fade. Excess washing and friction from clothing will make the stain fade faster. The less you touch the area, the better. Wear gloves when washing dishes if the design is on your hand, and coat the design with oil before bathing.

 

**Please remember, henna body art is not an exact science. Everyone stains differently due to countless variables. If you follow the above guidelines, your henna stain should last 1-3 weeks depending on body location and aftercare.**