Henna (Mehndi)Art

Here I am with my youngest daughter with a design by Henna artist Jessica at the Goleta Lemon Festival.

Making Mehndi Last

Once the artist is done applying Mehndi, you need to take proper care of it if you want it to last. Water is the enemy to Henna. It will negate the curing process to a degree. So here are some tips to make the most of your henna art.
1. Henna is the wet state smears easily. Let it dry and don't smear it, pick at it or fuss with it. You want to keep the paste in contact with your skin as long as you can. To prevent the paste from drying out, mix 3 tsp. lemon juice with 1 tsp. sugar and apply gently with a cotton ball, dabbing it. Don't rub. I find it easier to spritz it on with a spray bottle. Or if you are really planning to make henna a big part of your life, spritz it with 'Liguid Bandage', a product sold at drug stores.
2. For the best 'darkest' results leave the paste on from 4 to 12 hours if possible, and keep the body warm. Carefully wrap dried design in plastic wrap and secure with tape, if you plan to sleep in it.
3. Eventually the paste will flake off. Remove excess with a tiny bit of vegetable oil. Do not use water. The stain will be a light orange or tannish color. It will get darker as it oxidizes over the next 36 hours. Keep in mind that everyone has different skin, and every batch of henna is a different color. Results will vary every time.
4. If possible, avoid contact with water for 36 hours, for the darkest results.
5. Don't rub or shave the area, or it will lighten the design as the old layer of skin is removed.
6. If you will be going in a pool, try a light coat of oil smeared over the design to help repel water.
Henna designs seem to be the darkest when done on the palms and bottom of the feet. Enjoy your henna art.

Here are some photos of what Mehndi (Henna) Tattoos look like when the paste is first applied.

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Links and Resources:
Directory of Mehndi Artists
All Henna Art is original and copyrighted by Fayme Harper 2000