How to Get Dark Henna/Mehndi Stain - Butterflyangel112

Usually Indian Mehndi Designs consists of drawings patterns on the palms, hands and feet. These designs may be of peacocks, flowers, idols etc. 

Indian women usually draw these patterns during wedding, special occasions, festivals etc. Once we apply the henna paste, it should be kept for a long time in order to gain the perfect colour. This henna stain will last upto 2 weeks if taken care of. The major factors of darker henna stain are the following:

1. Body Temperature.
2. Quality of the henna paste.
3. The duration of henna paste left on hand.

However, there are some techniques to get dark henna stain. They are:

• Keep the henna paste on your hand for about 8-10 hours.

I know that it's really tiring to keep the henna paste that long and wait for it patiently. In order to get  a dark and beautiful colour, you must keep the henna paste at least for 8 hours. Some of the mehndi pastes available in the market need less time, but they may contain a lot of chemicals harmful for the skin. DON'T BUY HENNA THAT CONTAINS HARMFUL CHEMICALS. They might give a burn or allergy to your sensitive skin. Once I used a black henna paste and got burns on my palm and therefor I will never suggest henna cones with harmful chemicals. I was not able to go out with the burn and it was really devastating. 

Once the henna paste is dry, it will start to fall off. Only remove the henna after 8 - 10 hours for best results.

• Do not wash the henna paste with water

When the henna paste reacts with water, it will not give a dark stain. Try to peel or scrape off the dried henna from your skin gently. The dried henna will fall off once you touch it and therefore you can easily remove it from your hands. 

• Heat a pan with cloves and keep your hand above it.

Once you peel off the dried henna paste, heat a frying pan with a handful of cloves. Once the cloves are hot, keep you hand with the henna stain on top of the steam. TRY NOT TO BURN YOURSELF. Be really careful while doing this step. Henna loves heat and therefore the heat coming from the cloves will help the stain to be darker and deeper. 

The active principles in the clove are known to have antioxidant, anti-septic, local anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, rubefacient (warming and soothing), carminative and anti-flatulent properties. The spice contains health benefiting essential oils such as eugenol.

I hope this was helpful... GOOD LUCK!!

Much Love,

Butterflyangel112