Secrets to getting Dark Henna Stains
"The darker the henna, the more your husband loves you."
Who can say for sure if this is true, but regardless, getting a dark henna stain is always desirable! The process is simple, but just requires some patience.
- Have your henna applied by an expert who mixes their own paste using fresh, natural henna and pure essential oils. Never ever let someone use a store-bought cone on your skin.
- Once your henna has been applied, have the artist apply a "top coat" of a sugar solution or "nimbu pani". One or two coats is sufficient.
- Leave the henna on for 6-8 hours or overnight. You can wrap it in tissue to keep bits from coming off in your bed. If you're going to follow the advice of plastic bags or saran wrap you should still wrap your hands in something absorbent in case you sweat in the night.
- Gently pick off the henna paste, or let it fall off naturally. It should look orange - don't panic, and don't get water on it!! Never use water to wash off the paste.
- If you must get water on your henna stain, coat it in a thick oil like coconut oil or shea butter to protect the stain.
- Watch as the stain goes from orange to a rich reddish brown to a nearly black-cherry on your palms. Backs of hands and body will always yield a fainter color.
