Henna is a traditional beauty staple in Dubai, especially around Eid or Diwali. Women of all age groups like to apply it and often make an event of it by getting an expert from salon services at home Some of the popular henna options include traditional Arabic henna, glitter henna, white henna, and Jagua henna application in bold or intricate designs.
Although henna quality matters if you want to get a rich and long-lasting stain, proper care is still quite essential.
How Long Does Henna Last?
A henna stain usually lasts for 1–3 weeks, based on multiple factors:
- Henna lasts longer on thicker skin areas, such as palms than on thinner areas like arms.
- Natural and high-quality henna is known to give a deeper and richer stain.
- The application time also affects the henna stain. Keeping it overnight will get you the best results.
- Frequent exposure to water or harsh chemicals in soaps and shower gels can cause it to fade early.
- Aftercare can help the henna stain to last longer.
Keeping your henna vibrant and long-lasting requires proper aftercare:
1. Leave It On Overnight
After you get the henna application, make sure you leave it on overnight for better results. If that is not possible, then try to keep it on for at least 5–6 hours.
2. Stay Away from Hot Water
Stay away from water as long as you can, as water can cause the henna to fade early. This is ideal for major henna types. However, for white henna, you must stay away from hot water as well. It can turn the white design yellowish, leaving it patchy.
3. Avoid Scrubs and Harsh Chemicals
Avoid using body scrubs and exfoliators after the henna application, as sugar and coffee scrubs exfoliate the skin, leaving the design patchy. Also, do not use any harsh soaps and shower gels.
4. Ensure Aftercare Oiling and Moisturizing
Apply henna aftercare oil or vegetable oil before washing hands and showering so the stain remains intact. You can also use petroleum jelly for the same purpose. Another tip is to keep the hands moisturized; it will reduce dryness and lock the color for a longer time.
5. Wrap with Cotton Cloth
For longer preservation and intense color, consider wrapping your hands in a cotton cloth or plastic wrap after the henna has dried. This prevents exposure to moisture and air, which can affect color development.
6. Use Powder
Apply baby powder and oil on your white henna. This will make the stain more prominent while giving the design more longevity.
7. Keep It Clean
Keep your hands dry and clean for enhanced results. If you get them dirty, you will have to wash them, which in turn will fade the color.
8. Wear Gloves
If you need to do any water-based task after getting your henna done, then use gloves after it has dried. This will prevent the water from reaching the design and ultimately ruining it.
9. Avoid Peeling and Rubbing
After the henna has dried, there is often a strong temptation to peel it off. Do not peel the henna, as this will reduce the time required for the stain. If you have gotten a henna tattoo, then scratching it will take the design off.
10. Get a Henna Sealant
If you have opted for a henna tattoo, invest in either a fixative or a sealant for its preservation. This helps keep it in place and adds moisture, which in turn leads to enhanced color development and a rich stain.
Other DIY Home Remedies
- Mix lemon juice and sugar in equal parts, and using a cotton swab, lightly dab it into the dried henna paste.
- Heat some cloves in a pan and hold your hands above it. The steam from the cloves intensifies the color.
- Rub eucalyptus oil on the palms. This helps open the pores, which enables the henna to penetrate deeper.
- Warm mustard oil also prolongs the stain intensity. Apply it after removing the paste.
- Soak a cotton pad in black tea or coffee. Dab it lightly on the design after scraping off the dried paste.
Hope this blog answers your question, ‘how do I make my henna last longer?’. Now, if you are planning to get a henna application, go to the ServiceMarket website and book a home service salon in Dubai. Experience convenience with quality as you relax and enjoy professional henna application with your friends and family in the comfort of your home.