Kayla Young
Henna is a popular alternative to painful, permanent tattoos and is also used in traditional ceremonies. Derived from the Henna or Lawsonia Inermis plant, it is a natural product used to dye the skin and hair.
Sometimes it comes out perfectly, but sometimes the henna doesn’t show up the way it is expected to. Occasionally, you may wonder why is my henna so light?
A light henna stain can be the result of improper preparation and several other factors.
Achieving an even, dark stain can be challenging. But by following the tips in this article, you, too, can get the best results from your henna application.
Let’s look at how to achieve the best stain by focusing on three elements:
- Possible reasons for a light stain
- Proper preparation and application techniques
- How to prevent fading and increase the lifespan of your henna design
Contents
Why Is My Henna So Light? – Possible Causes
There are several reasons your henna stain has not come out as dark and dramatic as you would like it to be. The following are the most likely causes of a light stain:
There are several reasons your henna stain has not come out as dark and dramatic as you would like it to be.
1. Skin Not Cleaned Properly
Cleaning and preparing your skin for a henna application is crucial.
Exfoliating the skin in advance, washing it with soap and water, and rubbing the area with a good amount of rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad can help remove any oiliness and residue on your skin.
2. Product Not Left to Develop
Henna products should be left on for as long as possible to develop a good, dark stain. Most henna artists recommend no less than four hours of developing time, but you cannot go wrong with leaving it on for longer.
The longer you leave any henna product on your skin, the darker the stain will be.
The longer you leave any henna product on your skin, the darker the stain will be.
3. The Use of Chemicals and Water
After applying henna, one of the worst things you could do would be to use chemicals (like those found in cleaning products), suntan lotions, and get your hand or the area wet.
While henna thrives on moisture, it should be kept away from water for at least 24 hours after application to ensure that the product has soaked in and stained as many layers as possible.
4. The Use of Creams, Cleansers, and Exfoliants
Just like you should not use any chemicals on your skin after a henna application, the use of creams, lotions, cleansers, and exfoliants should be avoided too. These can lighten your henna design significantly.
A dab of olive oil on your design at least once a day can help lengthen the lifespan of your henna tattoo, and should also be applied before bathing or showering.
5. Skin Is Too Dry
Wet skin is not recommended when applying henna. But skin that is too dry will also not hold the product well, resulting in a lighter stain.
Dry skin flakes and can cause damage to your design. Exfoliate the skin well before application to remove dead skin cells and create a good base for the henna.
Tips and Tricks for Proper Preparation and Application of Henna
Applying henna is a little more tricky and involves more than just going to the store, buying a tube of henna, and applying it at home.
Proper preparation and application can go a long way in ensuring a good stain that will last longer, and look better particularly on dark skin.Â
Applying henna is tricky and involves more than just going to the store, buying a tube of henna, and applying it at home.
Let’s look at a few tips and tricks you should follow when preparing or applying your henna:
Tip 1: Clean and prepare skin thoroughly before application
As mentioned above, cleaning the area thoroughly with soap and water and drying it properly will create a good, clean base for applying henna. A good wipe with a cotton ball and some rubbing alcohol will also remove any greasy residue from your skin.
Keep in mind that hand creams and lotions can stay on the skin for a few days and should be avoided if you are going to be using henna.
Tip 2: Prepare the mixture correctly and read the application instructions carefully
If you are doing the henna design yourself, be sure to follow all preparation instructions carefully. If possible, purchase good quality henna from a reputable seller, and use only as directed. The high-quality stuff will smell pretty bad, but the smell goes away.
If someone else is going to do the design for you, use a recommended artist with good reviews.
Tip 3: Avoid chemicals, lotions, and water after application
Once you have applied the henna, do not get the area wet for at least 24 hours. Henna needs proper time to set, and you should not wet the area, use chemicals and lotions, or wash it off on the first day. The longer henna has time to set, the darker the stain.
Tip 4: Make olive oil your friend
Dabbing alcohol onto your henna design can act as a barrier against water. Use before a shower or bath to prevent the henna from being washed away. Use at least once a day to lengthen the lifespan of your henna design.
Henna Care Tips to Prevent Fading
By now, you should have more insight into what to do and what to avoid when using henna. Here are a few extra handy tips that you can use to ensure that your henna design stays darker for longer and that you achieve a dark stain.
- Use good quality, natural henna
- Have your design done by a reputable artist
- Leave the henna on for no less than four to six hours. You can leave the henna paste on for up to eight hours to ensure a dark stain
- Use olive oil to keep the henna looking good and as a barrier for showering or bathing
- Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading
- Apply a heating pad after application to increase the depth of the stain
- Avoid all chemicals after use
Conclusion
Henna can be tricky to apply, but there are many tips and tricks that you can use to prepare and apply your henna correctly, ensure a good stain, and prevent fading.
Henna is a great, natural alternative to permanent tattoos and is great for special events and traditional ceremonies.
Store-bought henna should always be used with caution. And remember to read the instructions on how to prepare and apply the henna mixture correctly.
