When we get a henna tattoo we want it to keep well as long as possible. Henna ink holds for 1-3 weeks before it begins to fade and flake off. During this time, keep your skin moisturized so that the tattoo lasts longer, avoid washing it with abrasive cleansers and try not to rub it. If you take good care of your tattoo, you will have a better chance of making it last for several weeks - or even longer.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Allow the Henna to Solidify
Step 1. Avoid touching the tattoo immediately after doing it
When applied, the henna paste is moist, so after application you must keep the area in question away from any kind of contact - with clothing, hair and environmental factors - so that no smudges are created in the design. Pasta usually dries in 5-10 minutes, but it is best to take extra care. It will take about half an hour before it is dry to the point that you no longer have to worry about any smudging.
Step 2. Leave the henna paste on the skin as long as possible
The more it remains in contact with the skin, the darker the drawing will be. Let it dry for at least 6 hours and consider leaving it on even overnight. Don't wash it off, don't rub it, and don't accidentally rub it.
Step 3. Use sugar and lemon juice
As soon as the dough starts to dry, cover it with a mixture of sugar and lemon juice. Let the skin absorb it for a few hours, or even overnight: it will keep the paste moist longer and make the drawing even darker. Fill a small bowl with lemon juice, then mix it with the sugar until the solution becomes thick and viscous. Use a cotton ball to dab it on the dry design.
- This solution helps keep henna hydrated as well as fix and protect it. The acidity of the lemon can also help bring out the color of the tattoo.
- Be careful not to over-impregnate the design. The important thing is that it is barely moist: if you use an excessive amount of the mixture, the henna may smudge and drip, especially at the beginning.
- If you decide to leave the solution on overnight, it is important to wrap the tattoo or otherwise protect it from any rubbing and smudging.
Step 4. Try to keep your skin warm and moist
The higher the body temperature, the faster the henna will set. If you have a low temperature, try drinking something hot before you start getting the tattoo. Gently steaming the affected area can also help increase heat and hydration.
Step 5. Wrap the tattoo
As it dries, the henna paste will flake and crumble, so consider covering the affected area to avoid scattering the flakes. This process will also help darken the tattoo, retaining the warmth and moisture of the skin. You can wrap the area with an elastic bandage, surgical paper tape, or toilet paper. Try covering the bandage with a stocking to secure it further.
- Try spreading a small piece of toilet paper over the tattoo and covering it with an elastic bandage. If you prefer to use cling film, be sure to wrap the area in toilet paper first to absorb any sweat and to prevent smudging.
- Be aware that henna can stain clothes, sheets and towels. If you leave the paste on overnight, a bandage may help to protect the sheets.
- Some people believe this is the only way to protect a henna tattoo, while others say it is only necessary for a particularly large tattoo.
Step 6. Wash off the henna flakes
Use room temperature water and mild soap. Lightly blot the design with a light cloth. If you scrub it right away, it may start to fade faster.
Part 2 of 3: Remove the Pasta
Step 1. Scrape off the henna paste after 6-24 hours
Use any clean, blunt tool suitable for the purpose: a toothpick, fingernail, file, or the dull side of a knife. Rinse the skin with water at room temperature after removing most of the paste. Avoid using soap on fresh henna.
After cleaning the skin, pat it dry. Then gently moisten the design with a little oil or lotion
Step 2. Do not wet the tattoo area and do not use soap for 24 hours
Try not to get it wet for at least 6-12 hours after removing the paste, although the result will be better if you wait 24 hours. Water can interrupt the oxidation process and prevent the design from darkening.
Step 3. Watch the color get darker
After removing the bandage and removing the dried paste, you will be able to watch the ink settle in its final form. The design should first appear in a varying hue from bright orange to pumpkin, while over the next 48 hours it should darken to a reddish-brown color. At the end of the process the streaks will be a shade between orange-brown, garnet red and chocolate brown. The drawing will reach its darkest tones within 2-3 days of application.
The final color will depend on your skin type and the chemical characteristics of your body. Usually the tattoo is darker on the hands and feet
Part 3 of 3: Caring for the Tattoo
Step 1. The tattoo should last for one to three weeks
The duration depends a lot on the care you take for your skin. If you keep it hydrated and avoid rubbing against other objects, it could last three weeks or even longer. If you don't take care of it at all, it can start to fade or peel off as early as the first week.
The duration of the tattoo will also depend on where on the body it was done. The ink appears darker on the hands and feet, but these areas are also more frequently subjected to rubbing with external elements
Step 2. Hydrate it
After removing the paste, apply a layer of natural oil, butter or lotion. As long as the henna is visible on the skin, moisturize it regularly to protect the tattoo and prevent it from peeling. Many store-bought moisturizers contain chemicals that can help lighten the pattern, so it's best to use natural products.
- Do not use a moisturizer that contains lightening agents and / or fruit acids (alpha hydroxy acids). These components tend to reduce skin hydration and deprive the skin of nutrients and can cause henna to fade prematurely.
- Apply a layer of essential oil to the drawing. It will keep the skin moist, thus preventing the henna from fading or flaking prematurely. Try using lip balm, coconut or olive oil, or oils specifically for henna treatment.
Step 3. Try not to remove the tattoo
Exfoliation can fade the pattern. Even too vigorous washing and rubbing from clothes can make it disappear faster. Therefore it touches the affected area as little as possible. If you got the tattoo on your hands, consider wearing gloves when washing the dishes.
Step 4. Wash your skin with a mild soap
Apply it with your hand or with a soft towel and, if possible, spread it along the edges of the design, but not directly on its surface. Avoid using acetone (a component of nail polish removers) and hand sanitizers - these chemicals are strong enough to exfoliate the skin and make the pattern fade faster.
Advice
- The night after applying the tattoo, rub it with olive oil and lemon juice, then wrap it in a plastic bag. Leave it in place while you sleep and the drawing will appear darker the next day.
- Using petroleum jelly or any other product that contains petroleum will make the tattoo fade faster. Alternatively, use natural oils.
Warnings
- Henna stains clothes - be careful when applying it.
- If the tattoo doesn't show an orange or red color after getting it done, keep an eye on it. Many people use dangerous chemicals and pass them off as henna. See your doctor if you develop flu symptoms or an itchy, blistering skin rash and tell your doctor that you have applied chemicals to your skin. Ignoring these symptoms could also damage the skin permanently.
