Simple Tips To Darken Mehendi And Make It Long Lasting

Why Does Mehendi Turn Black?

Initially, after application, the mehendi color appears light. But it darkens as you leave it on for a longer time. It is because of the pigment called lawsone. It bonds with the skin cells, collageni A natural protein produced in the connective tissues, providing a structural framework for the skin and making it elastic. , and keratini A protein in the human body that keeps nails and hair healthy and shiny, supports the outer layer of the skin, and heals skin wounds. (in nails and hair) to give a dark brown-black color (2). There are three types of henna (3):

Red Henna: It gives an orangish-brown and reddish-brown tint to the skin. Neutral Henna: It does not have any color. Black Henna: It dyes the skin black.

Black henna combines regular henna and PPD or para-phenylenediamine, a type of coal-tar dye. It is often mixed with henna for temporary black body art tattoos and skin painting. PPD is a contact allergen, and hence, it is advised to avoid using black henna (4), (5). Some readymade store-bought henna packs may contain ingredients like indigo and lime to darken the mehendi shade and make it last longer. You may try the following ways to darken mehendi so it lasts longer.

How To Darken Mehendi

You may use these ingredients to darken the mehendi mixture before application. However, if you are purchasing mehendi from the market, look for the following ingredients: However, ammonia and sodium methylparabeni A chemical compound used as a preservative in foods and sometimes also used in medicinal drugs and cosmetic products. may damage the skin. It is best to stick to natural options and avoid these chemicals. In a nutshell, proper application technique, right ingredients, and aftercare all team up to ensure that your mehendi color is darker and more beautiful. Different techniques like leaving the henna on for a longer period and adding lemon juice, coffee, or essential oils all help you achieve a deep color. It really pays to use natural options rather than chemicals for safety and the best result. With the following tips, you can ensure that your mehendi looks beautiful and remains vibrant for days longer as you bask in its rich designs. Here are some pointers to help you enhance the color and longevity of mehndi.

Dos And Don’ts To Make Mehendi Last Longer

Dos

Leave the mehendi on for about 2-6 hours to get an intense color. Once you wash off the henna, dip your hands in cold water for two minutes. Cold water closes the skin pores and may seal the color for a longer time. Massage the dried henna on your hands with oil and let it soak. This gives deep and strong color. Cover the area of application when going out in the sun. Sun exposure may lighten the mehendi.

Avoid moisture exposure, and keep the henna on your hands or other body parts dry for as long as you can. This helps enhance its color. Do not wash the henna off your hands with soap, as it may fade the mehendi. Consider using cold water instead, as it is a well-known solution for how to remove mehendi effectively. Avoid using a hair dryer on a high heat setting to dry the mehendi. Use it on a low setting and keep it at a safe distance from your hands or feet. Holding the hair dryer too close to the area of application may cause color bleeding. Do not shave the area of application as it might scrape the top layer of the skin and affect the mehendi design. Do not apply skin-lightening products like skin bleach on the areas of application. This may fade the mehendi.

Follow these before and after-use henna tips to make your mehendi last longer. We have answered a few doubts that you may have in the following sections. Check them out.

How Long Should You Keep Mehendi On Your Hands?

Keep the mehendi for at least 2-6 hours. The longer you leave the henna on your skin, the stronger the color gets. Some women leave it overnight to obtain a dark shade of mehendi. However, be careful not to keep the mehndi for too long as it might turn black.

Does Vaseline Make Mehendi Darker?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that Vaseline might strengthen the color of mehendi. It traps the moisture and is water-resistant. As a result, it keeps the henna intact, allowing the color to seep into the skin. This may make the color last longer.

Does Coconut Oil Darken Mehendi?

Women traditionally use coconut oil to darken their mehendi design. It coats the application area and prevents moisture exposure, keeping the mehendi intact as it oxidizes. This helps intensify the color and make it last longer. Although coconut oil was traditionally used to darken mehendi and also protect it from moisture, it is equally important to prepare your skin before applying mehendi. Preparing the skin is essential to ensure proper adhesion of mehendi, thereby a deep long-lasting stain. So let’s have a look at how to prepare for a spotless mehendi application.

How To Prepare For Mehendi Application

Preparation is a prime step when applying mehendi. These pre-application preparation techniques will make the application process better and ensure you get a beautiful, dark mehendi stain:

Before applying mehendi, gently exfoliate the skin. A gentle scrub of sugar, honey, or olive oil would be fine. This will remove dead skin cells and allow the mehendi to stick closer to the skin for better color penetration. Clean the area nicely with soap and water to eliminate oil and dirt, which could hinder the application process. Gently pat dry with a towel to ensure that the skin is moisture-free. Mehendi sticks well to dry skin; therefore, this step is critical. Apply moisturizer to the skin, but avoid heavy creams or oils, as they will form a barrier between the skin and the mehendi. A thin layer of aloe vera gel or non-greasy lotion will maintain skin hydration without influencing the color. Refrain from using any perfumes, deodorants, or lotions containing alcohol to hinder the absorption of dye. Choose a comfortable place to sit with good lighting, as it will make handling the process that much easier, and a relaxed atmosphere will ensure that you enjoy every bit of the process.

If you choose to follow these preparation techniques, you’ll be setting yourself up for a beautiful mehendi application that lasts longer and is vibrant. Does olive oil darken henna? Check out the infographic below to know the top 5 natural ingredients to darken your mehendi designs.Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team Yes, olive oil may darken henna and make it long-lasting. You can apply it after scraping the henna paste off the skin. Does Vicks make mehndi darker? Yes, Vicks is known to make mehndi darker. The heat provided by it intensifies the shade. Is it better to use natural or store-bought mehendi to make it darker? Natural mehendi is better in terms of being long-lasting, natural in color, and safe from additives. Store-bought mehendi may stain quicker, but their chemicals may harm the skin. Is it better to apply mehendi at night or during the day to make it darker? Leaving the mehendi on the hands for 10-12 hours can make it dark, and this is more convenient to let it stay overnight. You can apply a lemon and sugar mixture or wrap your hands in cling film to keep the mehendi intact all night. Can I use a specific type of mehendi cone to make the design darker? Organic and pure henna cones made from natural henna powder are the best mehendi cones for dark color. Check the consistency of the henna in the cone, as a watered-down paste may fail to provide the desired stain. Should I avoid using certain oils or lotions before or after applying mehendi to make it darker? Do not apply any lotion or oil before applying the henna, as it will act as a barrier to pigment absorption. Avoid using oils or lotions on the design for at least 24 hours after removing the mehendi to prevent fading. How long does it take for the mehendi to darken after removing it? The henna stain may be orange while you remove it, gaining color over time. The shade darkens in 48-60 hours.