All About Henna

• Make sure that the area to be hennaed is freshly clean and free of any lotion or oil. Remember you won't be able to shower for 24 hours after application.
• Manicures and waxing should be done in advance.
• Spray tans can inhibit the henna stain and are not recommended.
• Wear loose or comfortable clothing that doesn't cover the area to be hennaed.
• For feet, flip flops, or bare feet are advisable.

• Henna is applied to clean, dry skin. This can take anywhere from a few minutes for a simple design to 4 or 5+ hours for a heavy bridal mehndi.
• Once dry, it will be sealed with a sugar solution.
• Let henna paste set for 8 hours, though overnight is traditional and guarantees the best color.
• After 8 hours, the paste is gently removed by picking it off or removing the medical tape. NEVER WASH IT OFF!
• You should avoid water for 24 hours after removing the paste for best color results. You should also avoid detergents, exfoliants, manual labor, weight-lifting, yoga, or swimming in chlorinated water, as these things will fade the henna faster.
• Applying a natural vegetable or beeswax based oil/balm before bathing can help prolong the life of your henna design. You can do this several times a day to keep skin supple.
• For best results, henna should be applied 2-3 days prior to your important event (such as wedding or photoshoot) so that the stain is at its peak on your special occasion.

 Henna is a plant, Lawsonia Inermis, thought to be indigenous to Egypt and in use for at least 5000 years. Useful both as a folk medicine and as a decorative cosmetic, the henna plant was eventually spread around the Middle East, North Africa, and the Persian Gulf, finally reaching the Indian Subcontinent and Central Asia. The leaves of the plant contain a dye molecule, lawsone, which is responsible for coloring the skin. At Pure Soul Henna, we use organic henna from India. This henna has superior staining ability and a fine sift, which is essential for doing detailed work.  

 Henna is safe for use on the skin and hair. Although it has been taken internally as a folk remedy for various stomach ailments, we do not recommend eating it! It tastes disgusting, and for those with the condition known as G6PD, it would be toxic (as would Fava Beans). Henna is also effective in treating athlete's foot and dandruff, due to its anti-fungal properties. Some people report henna to be soothing for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, though it should never be applied to broken skin.   

Swimming in chlorinated water such as pool-water, soaking in a Jacuzzi, washing dishes, and doing housework or strenuous activity like rock-climbing or yoga can accelerate the fading process. Exposure to household detergents and bleaches will also fade it, but you should never apply these strong chemicals directly to the skin. Your best bet is to soak in a Jacuzzi and gently exfoliate your skin once or twice a day, using a loofah or other scrubbing cloth. Henna is permanent on the hair and nails until they grow out. 

 Henna works by staining your dead skin cells. You have 7-10 layers of them on you. Right now. Even if you exfoliated this morning! Henna can last 1-4 weeks, but usually it looks fresh for about a week and fades after that, depending on how fast your skin is renewing itself.