How To Take Care Of Your Henna Tattoo 

      Once the dry henna paste has fallen or been scrapped off you will see an orange-yellow stain left on your skin. The stain will deepen into a richer reddish-brown tone over the next 48 hours. Henna looks different on everyone. Body chemistry, temperature and location on the body have a lot to do with how dark the stain will be. Drier skin on the hands and feet stains much darker than the softer skin on the upper arm or back. Henna stains are darkest during the first 7-10 days, then gradually fade.
        The following are some steps you can follow to ensure a nice stain: 
    1. Let the henna dry.
        This takes approx. 20-30 mins before the henna paste is dry enough that you do not have to worry about smudging it. Keep all clothing, hair, etc. away from your henna design for at least half an hour.

    2. Leave the henna on.
        Leave the henna on as long as possible! The longer you leave the henna on, the darker the color will be and the longer it will last. Leave it of for at least 1 hour; overnight is best. 

    3. Take an extra step for a better stain. *optional*
          Warm your hands - with steam, a heating pad, or a blowdryer once the henna paste is dry.

      4. Take the henna off.
          Remember...you want to leave the henna on as long as possible. But you will eventually have to take it off.
          When taking off the henna, brush it off with your hand - again, only do this after it has been on as long as possible. DO NOT USE WATER!! You can use lemon juice, coconut oil or olive oil to remove the paste. You can also gently scrape the paste off or let it fall off naturally. Try not to get the area wet for at least 6-12 hours after paste removal. The longer you prevent the area from getting wet with water, the better. To protect the area from getting wet dab some coconut oil or olive oil on the design to protect it from water. Design will be bright orange at first and then gradually darken to brown. Henna stains take 48 hours to develop. 
      5. Take care to maintain your henna as long as possible.
           Apply coconut oil or olive oil to the henna area before shower. You can bathe and shower as usual. Avoid chlorine, salt water, dish soap, bleach, other cleaning materials, and any other harsh chemicals. Excess washing and friction from clothing will make the stain fade faster. The less you touch the area, the better. Wear gloves when washing dishes if the design is on your hand
          Avoid using body lotion with lots of artificial fragrances.
            Please remember, henna body art is not an exact science. Everyone stains differently due to countless variables. If you follow the above guidelines, your henna stain should last 1-3 weeks depending on body location and aftercare.