Ways to Keep Henna Dark

Apply Heat

• For the first 24 hours after receiving your Mehndi, apply heat to the tattoo as much as possible. This will cause the ink to darken even after the henna paste has been removed from your skin. Periodically use a hair dryer to blow warm air on the Mehendi for a few minutes several times throughout the day. The darker your henna is initially, the longer it will take for the ink to fade.
  
  

Avoid Chlorine

• Chlorine will quickly wash away and fade your henna tattoo, so avoid swimming pools and hot tubs while you have your Mehndi. If you must go swimming or come into contact with chlorine, wrap your tattoo with plastic wrap to waterproof the area.
  
  

Use Oil

• Before showering or bathing, rub a thin layer of vegetable or corn oil onto your henna. This will create a protective barrier on your skin that will keep the water from fading the henna ink. Some henna artists sell their own oils and balms designed to prevent henna from fading while bathing, but any natural oil will produce the same results.
  
  

Don't Scrub

• While showering, do not use a washcloth or loofah on your Mehndi. Scrubbing at your tattoo will exfoliate the top layer of your skin, causing the henna to fade. Washing the rest of your body as normal is perfectly acceptable; just avoid your tattoo.
  
  

Avoid Lotion

• Many lotions contain antioxidants and exfoliants that will cause your henna ink to fade rapidly. When applying lotion, avoid applying any to the area where henna ink is present to maximize the duration of your tattoo.