Double your joys during festivals with these easy-to-follow tips on making henna darker.
Henna aftercare is one of the most crucial things to guarantee you get a vibrant dark natural shade.
Sure, you can buy one of the best henna powder, make your own henna paste and follow the entire application process; getting a darker color is still dependent on how well you manage it.
So next time, if you don't get your desired color, it's on you too!
How to make your henna darker?
From leaving it longer on your scalp to protecting it with adhesive tape, there are plenty of ways you can follow to make your henna stain darker.
And if we're to believe the old wives' tale, the darker the color, the deeper the bond.
So, no matter your motivation, follow the tips provided below and make your Henna DIY experience awesome!
Aftercare Tips for Henna Darker Shade
Initially, after application, the henna stain will look a bit lighter because the pigments, called lawsone, will bond with your skin cells to give a dark brown-red color.
Read More:Â What is White Henna? Is it a clear alternative to brown henna?
- Leave it on longer
Before your henna session, ensure that your skin is clean and avoid using any lotion or oil. Once you're done with the application, it is always advisable to leave your wet henna paste for a minimum of 6 hours. In fact, if you want to get the best color - Like one of the best then leave your paste overnight.
But what about all the dry particles henna leaves?
Well, for these, you can use adhesive tape. Wrap it around your hand before you're off to bed, and you'll surely enjoy the deep color.
It is recommended to leave it on for so long because you're allowing your skin to complete its oxidation process. The more henna that is included in your skin's natural process, the better.
- Protect your Henna
No dishes, no wash, no nothing - When you apply henna, just sit tight and relax. We know it can be frustrating, leaving henna on your hands for 6 straight hours or overnight - It can be hard.
But that's the way it has to be. Because henna cones don't include any chemicals, the darkening process takes a bit of time. You can protect your henna with adhesive tape, a shopping bag, or any unused cloth in your house.
Just make sure the paste is dry before you proceed to cover it.
- Mixing Henna Powder with Coffee
Here's a fun recipe, use black brewed coffee as a liquid instead of water to add more consistency to the mixture. Coffee tends to create a darker shade, and we always recommend it for our hair dye collection. But before you apply it, make sure to do a patch test.
- Or Mix it with Black Tea
Black tea is also a great ingredient to add to your henna mixture. It contains tannin concentrates that can darken your body art. Just brew some fresh tea leaves with water, add them to the henna powder mixture, mix, and apply.
- Stay away from water
Ideally, allow 6 hours to lapse before exposing your henna to water. If you want to wash your skin, do it before the application.
Water will wash away the top layer of the body art, which is not a great sign to get vibrant color. It easily penetrates your skin, leading to patches of red and brown.
Also Read:Â Henna Stencils - An easy to make henna tattoo design
- No Beauty Makeover
Book all the manicure, pedicure, waxing appointments before the henna application. If you must do it later, do it at least after 1-2 days, or else you will end up with an uneven design as exfoliating affect the top layer of your skin.
If you really want to get rid of your body hair, use shaving butter for a soothing shave. But only do this if it is an extreme necessity.Â
- Use Essential Oils
Adding essential oils like eucalyptus, rosemary, or clove oil can darken the henna stains. It is believed that some essential oils are hot in nature and produce heat when applied to your body. Using the oil, we've just mentioned will help the henna stain become darker.
- Use Amla Oil
With its bountiful benefits in the hair growth department, amla oil is equally beneficial for your skin alike. Adding it into your henna mixture or using it after the application will seal the natural stain, allowing a radiant shine and color.
- Scrub the area before applying
We all know that scrubbing a henna tattoo can make it fade. What most of us don't know is that cleansing before applying mehndi can aid its life.
Washing hands thoroughly and exfoliating reduces dead skin cells that may dull the tattoo area. As these cells are dead, you can't revive them with any ingredients. Therefore, removing them beforehand is the best way to get the color and avoid white or dry patches.
- Preparing your own pasteÂ
Henna cones present in the market are not entirely pure and are full of synthetic ingredients. These chemicals affect the efficacy of henna tattoo and may also harm your skin.
Fresh organic henna is not only safe but also delivers better results. So, if you want darker, long-lasting results, it's better to get the organic henna powder and make your own paste. You can mix henna powder with rosewater, lemon juice, or coffee to enhance its potential. The resulting henna paste will be freshly-made and free from any chemicals.
- Let it dry naturally
If you are one of those people who get too excited to get the tattoo, you may be too impatient to let it dry. Yes, you should let it dry naturally!
Swinging your hands in the air or using a fan to dry the henna tattoo quickly can affect its efficacy. When you let henna dry naturally, you actually let it absorb and work better. So, next time you can't wait to let it dry, think about the lush maroon impression of patience.
- Steaming it (not online!)
We need warm hugs to keep our personality colors vibrant. You can try this technique with anyone, even your henna tattoo.
Take a boiling water pot and place your tattooed skin fairly far from the steam. Let it warm your skin for a couple of minutes. You can also add clove into the water to enhance the benefits. Steam or clove fumes are noted to darken the henna hair color.
Do and Don'ts to make your henna stain last longer
Dos
- Leave the henna on for about 6 hours to get a vibrant color
- Once you wash your henna, dip your hand in cold water to close the skin pores
- Use Amla oil or essential oils to massage your design. This gives intense color.
- Cover the area with adhesive tape or use an old cloth
Don'ts
- Do not wash your skin with soap or any other lubricant. Use cold water to remove the henna particles.
- Do not exfoliate the area for at least 2-3 days.
- Avoid moisture exposure and only use recommended products
- Avoid using a hairdryer or any other heating product to dry the henna.
- Do not apply skin-lightening products such as creams or bleach on the area of application
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should you keep henna on your skin?
Keep the henna on your skin for at least 3-6 hours. The longer you leave it, the stronger the color gets. But make sure to do a patch test to check if you're not allergic to it.
Can you use Coconut oil to darken henna?
Traditionally, coconut oil is used to darken the henna stain. It is mainly because coconut oil control moisture exposure, keeping the henna intact to your skin as it oxidizes. This helps darken the stain and make it last longer.
Can you use lemon to darken the henna color?
Lemon contains a lot of citric acids, which lightens the henna color. Also, lemon can be a bit sensitive, so make sure to do a patch test if you want to go this path.
Can I apply moisturizer to my henna tattoo?
If you are going for a darker henna shade, using any chemical ingredient may hinder the process. If you feel dryness in the area, prefer natural moisturizers like essential oils.
How can I remove my half-faded henna after the event?
It's okay if you liked the henna tattoo before when it was handsome dark maroon. You can do exfoliation, use lemon juice, or try other natural remedies to eliminate the light orange/yellow hue of floating tattoo fragments.
Does darker henna have any traditional significance?
Applying henna at weddings is a traditional custom in middle east Asia. It is mostly used on occasions as a sign of celebration. Brides in India especially apply mehndi before their wedding day as a gesture of happiness and goodwill.
The color of the henna signifies a certain value, like if it’s dark then the couple will have a prosperous life.