henna aftercare
There are a number of things that can impact the quality of your henna stain, but the development process is pretty standard.
Paste should be left on for a minimum of 4-6 hours but can be left on up to 12 hours. Longer than 12 hours won’t hurt you, but oxidization is part of the process, so your stain does need to breathe. After the paste is removed your stain will deepen in color for the first 48-72 hours.
Freshly removed paste generally reveals a pumpkin colored stain that will deepen to a rich, red-brown. Appropriate aftercare is the best way to ensure proper stain development and make your stain last as long as possible.
01 // should i wash the paste off?
No, you should not use water to remove your paste. You should be able to scrape most of the paste off with a stiff edge like a business card. If there are any stubborn bits of paste that won’t come off, it’s safe to use lemon juice, or any natural plant-based oil to remove it.
02 // how can i make my stain last longer?
Ideally, you want to keep your henna dry for the first 24 hours. When you do have to get your design wet, covering it with either a henna aftercare balm or any natural, plant-based oil will create a barrier to protect your stain.
03 // How long will my henna last?
The average stain, depending on placement and care, will 10-14 days and begin fading as your skin renews itself. Keeping the area well moisturized will help a great deal to keep your stain going strong for a good long time.
