Aftercare

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 fades.


Your henna stain should last 1-4 weeks depending on body location and aftercare. The following are some steps you can follow to ensure a nice stain:

1. 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.

2. HEAT AND MOISTURE HELPS
The warmer the body temperature, the faster the henna will stain. If you are cold, try drinking something hot before you start. Do not dry the henna under a fan or in a AC room. Leave it to dry in normal room temperature.

3. 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. It also protects your bed sheets if paste is left on overnight. If you want to use plastic wrap, be sure to wrap with toilet paper first to soak up any perspiration and to prevent smudges.

4. 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. The longer you prevent the area from getting wet with water, the better. Design will be bright orange at first and then gradually darken to brown. Henna stains take 48 hours to develop.

5. MOISTURIZE
Apply some kind of natural oil or butter after the paste is removed to protect 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. Avoid moisturizers with fruit acids (Alpha-Hydroxy Acid) or bleaching agents.

6. 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.
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Before Henna Application

The following are a few tips to ensure that you will get the most out of your henna experience:

Have your henna done at least 2 days prior to your Big Day/occasion.

It is a good idea to get any needed bathing, soaking, swimming, shaving or waxing done before your session.

Same goes for manicures and pedicures. Get them done beforehand.

Keep in mind that the henna paste must remain on the skin for at least 5 hours or more. Leave paste on overnight for best results.

Once the paste is removed, another 6-12 hours without contact with water is recommended.

Exfoliation is beneficial prior to henna for it removes loose dead skin cells that are ready to be shed.

Do not apply moisturizer to the area you wish to henna. Clean skin will allow the paste to stick to the skin better.
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What Is Henna?

Henna is an open shrub with heavily scented, small cream flowers and blue black fruit.

The leaves, flowers and the twigs of the plant are ground into fine powder containing natural dying properties called tannings; the powder is then mixed with hot water.

Various shades are procured by mixing henna with the leaves and fruit of other plants, such as indigo, tea, coffee, cloves and lemon.

Henna designs are used to celebrate any special occasion – weddings, birth of an baby, coming of age etc.

As a healing plant, henna conditions, cleanses, colors and cools the skin, and provides softness, strength and shine if used for hair care.

During hot weather, henna acts as a cooling agent when applied to the palms of the hands and the bottoms of the feet.

Henna based colors and dyes are extremely popular and safe to use.

It is very unusual for anyone to have an adverse reaction to natural henna as it is one of the safest cosmetics ever used, but if one is concerned then a patch test could be done a few months in advance.

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Henna Design 14 - Maheswari - 20.03.09

Hey guys...

This is Maheswari's Engagement Henna =)

Henna Design 13 - Jenice - 16.03.09

Vanakkam! =D

Here's one of my designs that I did for my cousin Jenice. =)

Henna Design 12 - Shweta - 29.11.08

Hey Guys!

These are the pics of my henna design done on Mrs Shweta. Thx for de pics!! =)


Adios...

Henna Design 11 - Sarie - 04.12.08

Hello!

These are some of the pics from de wedding shoots of Ms Sarie =) Thx for de pics!

Henna Design 10 - Diana - 13.11.08

Hey Guys!

These designs were done on Ms Diana =) Thx for the photos Diana!

Ciao!

Jess

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The Mehandi Corner Gallery: Bridal Hands

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The Mehandi Corner Gallery: Bridal Legs

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