Although Henna tattoos are best known as "temporary tattoos", are the ones that wear off from your skin in a day or two. However, there can be circumstances when you want your design to look its best for as long as possible.
Because, wouldn't you?
We spend so much time making these beautiful designs and we want them to look as fresh as possible. So, if you're someone who is looking for ways to care for their henna tattoo, you're in the right place. Below we’ve shared some tips and tricks you can follow to make this happen.
Things to do before you start your tattoo application
Henna tattoos are wearable art that can be applied on your skin including hands, elbow, feet, and other body parts. While henna is a natural ingredient, it can still be mixed around with other ingredients, to make it last longer. In general, the Henna tattoo design, the one made without preservatives will last anywhere from 3-7 days.
Some henna cones can last even longer, but it is not recommended to use them as they are mixed with preservatives. The best way to make your tattoo last longer is to first follow the pre-application requirements such as:
- Wash your skin properly before the application
- Remove chemical products such as nail polish from your skin
- Make sure your hands are a bit moisturized
- Try to refrain from doing work once you've done the application
- Make sure to not touch anything once your tattoo design is complete
There’s no guarantee as to how long the tattoo will last on your skin but with a little care, can help make the stain lasts much longer.
Let it Sit Properly
Now, let the dye sit on your skin properly. The longer the paste stays on your skin, the darker the color. Some suggest leaving it overnight, while others recommend leaving for an hour or two.
Read More:Â Henna Stencils - An easy way to make henna design
Henna paste, in particular, dries off more quickly so it doesn't hurt if you do the application and continue on with the stuff you're doing. Flakes are much easier to clean.
If you’re using pre-made henna cones, then leave the stain on your skin for 4-6 hours. If you’ve made your own henna paste from powder, then leave it overnight to get the best results.
Mix your Paste Properly
In case you're making your own henna paste, then the mixing process is the main step to get a vibrant color.
You can mix henna powder with both water and coffee. Start by adding the powder to a non-metallic bowl, and gradually mix it with the liquid of your choice. Once you get a thin batter-like paste, cover it with plastic wrap and let it sit overnight to fully develop.
Note: You can also add drops of lemon juice or essential oil such as clove oil to make the paste lasts much longer.
Buy a Good Quality Henna
No matter if you buy Henna powder or Cones, make sure it's natural and free from any chemicals. Most of the henna cones are mixed with preservatives to increase the shelf life of the product. Although they do offer a vibrant and dark henna stain, they are not so good for your skin.
Whether you're buying online or from a retailer shop, look at the ingredients to find out what it is made of. Try to stay away from cones mixed with preservatives. Use cones that are made with natural ingredients such as pure henna, natural oils, water, etc.
Wash your skin less often
We know personal hygiene is important, but it's not so good for your henna stain. When you wash the area where you have applied henna dye , it will automatically fade off the design. Avoid using rough scrubs or exfoliators, which take off the top-most layer of your skin that holds the color.
Try to do any shaving, exfoliation, scrubbing, or any other of your beauty routine, before you go for a henna tattoo application. Simple water contact, even without any soap can degrade the tattoo stain.
Try to keep your body moist and warm
Your henna stain will last longer if you have a warmer body temperature. This is a very basic trick to make your stain absorb faster and make it last much longer. If you're cold, try to eat and drink hot meals for a day or two. You can also steam the area where you have applied the stain to make it moist.
Use Sugar and lemon juice
One of the best DIY methods to make your henna stain last much longer is to use sugar and lemon juice paste. Once the henna is dried, coat it with the mixture of your choice and let it soak for a few hours.
The acidity of the lemon can help seal the henna design. Be careful not to oversaturate, as lemon can cause irritation to sensitive skin.
Moisturize your Skin
Moisturization has also proven effective to make the stain last longer. After removing the flakes, apply some coconut, almond, or clove oil to moisturize your skin. Apply this 2-3 times a day and you will see significant improvement.
Repeat the Henna Application
Finally, it doesn't hurt to repeat your henna application. We know it won't be as precise as the first one, but you can surely work on the highlights. When your henna tattoo design starts to fade off (after 2-3 days), you can repeat the same process for application. In case you don't know, you can store your freshly made henna cones in the freezer as well. Just defrost them before usage.
Also Read: How to make fake freckles with Henna?
Wrap the Tattoo Design
The henna stain will flake off and crumble as it dries, so try to cover the area where you have done the application. Wrapping not only protects you from the flakes but also makes your stain last much longer. You can wrap the area with saran wrap, elastic tape, paper medical tape, toilet paper, or simply a plastic bag.
Stay away from Swimming Pool
Chlorine is a chemical often mixed in swimming pools to protect it from bacteria and germs. If you've recently gone through body art then try to restrict from going to pools as it can discolor the body stain. If you really have to go swimming then cover the area of the body part where you have applied the henna.
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And that’s how you take care of your henna tattoo. Sharing is caring, let your friends or family know how simple it is to make your henna design lasts much longer. Let us know if you have any questions down in the comment section.