Henna Aftercare

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Preparation/Aftercare/Maintenance

Proper preparation, after care, and maintenance will help you obtain a darker, longer lasting stain.

Preparation:

Gently exfoliate the area before your henna appointment
Depending on where you plan to have your design applied, it may be helpful to remove any hair on the area before your appointment
If you are having your palms or feet done, you may need to plan for someone else to be your driver for the day.
On the day of your appointment, keep your skin clean and oil/lotion-free which can interfere with the henna stain

Aftercare:

Leave the henna paste on for at least 4 hours but no more than 12 — 6 to 8 hours is optimal. The longer the paste is on your skin, the deeper the stain.
Heat helps intensify the stain, so try to keep your skin warm while the paste is on and through the first 24 hours if possible
When you’re ready to remove the paste, scrape it off with your fingernails or a credit card. Do not use water to wash it off! Use a little olive oil or lemon juice to remove any stubborn bits.
Avoid contact with water for 12-24 hours – delaying exposure to water will help maximize the darkness and longevity of your henna stain

Ongoing Maintenance:

A well-cared for design will last about 2 weeks. One week of strong color, and another week of fading. Ultimately, it depends on how quickly your skin exfoliates. These tips can help to prolong the stain.

Avoid scrubbing the area – instead, wash gently and pat dry
Avoid petroleum-based products such as Vaseline or baby oil
Avoid pools, hot tubs and Jacuzzis (chlorine and other chemicals can speed up fading)
Frequent showering, bathing and swimming will all cause the henna to fade more quickly
Avoid overexposure to harsh soaps and use natural, gentler products if possible
When using cleaning supplies, use gloves
Protect the design with a natural oil such as olive or coconut oil each day, particularly before exposure to water. Avoid scrubbing the area – instead, wash gently and pat dry