AFTER CARE FOR HENNA
The Henna will dry after thirty minutes of application, at the most.
Before it dries completely, a mixture of half lemon and 5 tbsp of sugar should be applied over the henna. This will not allow the henna to dry and as long as it stays wet, it will be imparting the color. If this soultion seems to be sticky, try steaming the henna design repeatedly, but gently too.
Henna can be sealed using super hold hair gel, liquid latex, aerosol new skin, a mixture of white glue and water, peel off facial gel, hypoallergenic micropore tape and plastic wrap over absorbent tissue . Sealant helps to keep the henna design in place and will keep the area warm and moist. But before sealing it is good to check that the person dosent sweat profusely.
The henna paste should be left for at least 4 hours. But the longer you leave the paste on the darker will be the stain and it will also last longer. The appropriate time for hands and feet are 4-5 hours and for the rest of the body is 6-12 hours.
Do not expose the hennaed area to water for twenty four hours.
To remove the sticky solution and henna, first scrape the henna with a spoon. To get rid of the stickiness, never use water. Instead apply coconut oil or olive oil to the area and then use a paper towel to clean. The oil also makes the area waterproof. Some people expose the henned area to clove smoke, do not do this as the vapors can damage the lungs. After the henna is removed, the contact with air, mild alkaline liquids and heat will make the henna stain dark.
After removing the henna paste, apply Vicks Vaporub on the hennaed area. This will make the area warm. The more the temperature, the darker will be the stain. It is best to carry out this step before going to bed. This tip is very important for people with cold hands and feet or low body temperature.
At first the henna color will be orange and as time progresses it will become a deep brown or burgundy color. This transition will take time of 24-48 hours.The intensity of the color and the time taken for fading of henna dye depends on skin chemistry of the region of the body where the henna is applied. Henna paste imparts a darker color stain and stays longer on the palm and sole and shortest on upper arm, chest and back. The farther you get away from the hands and the feet, the poorer your stain will be.
Try not to scrub your hands while bathing, doing the dishes or doing any task which will expose the hennaed area to water and will scrub the hennaed area. If care is taken henna your henna design can last for 2-3 weeks on the hands and feet, and for 1-2 weeks on the rest of your body. Henna color is absorbed by the top layer of the skin. The faster it exfoliates, the lesser the henna lasts. Keep away bleaches and chlorine and moisturize frequently as it will make the stain last longer.
Also, stay away from chlorine(applies especially to swimmers), some oil based products like vaseline, contact lens cleaning solution, and baby oil.
P.S: It is the best opportunities for the ladies to make their husband do the dishes and laundry.
So flaunt your henna tattoo and watch out for those envious eyes!!!
If you want to remove the henna stain faster, exfoliate your skin frequently after soaking in warm water, apply extra whitening toothpaste over the henna stain and scrub, or by soaking the area in peroxide.