The lemon sugar helps moisturize the henna. It also serves to seal the henna and protect the design. The acidity of the lemon can also help highlight the color of the henna. Be careful not to oversaturate the henna; you just want it very slightly damp. If you use too much moisture, the dye may smear and drip – especially at first. If you leave the sugar-and-lemon-juice solution on your skin overnight, it’s important to wrap or otherwise protect your skin from rubbing and smearing.
Try laying a piece of toilet paper over the design, then wrapping the area with an elastic bandage. If you want to use plastic wrap, be sure to wrap with toilet paper first to soak up any perspiration and to prevent smudges. Know that henna stains textiles like clothing, sheets, and towels. If you leave the paste on overnight, wrapping may protect your sheets. Some claim that wrapping is the only way to care for a henna design, but others say that you only need to wrap your ink if you’ve gotten extensive work done.
When your skin is clean, pat it dry. Then, gently moisturize the design with oil or lotion. [5] X Expert Source Moushami IyerHenna Artist Expert Interview. 12 July 2021.
The final color hinges on your skin type and your body chemistry. [8] X Expert Source Moushami IyerHenna Artist Expert Interview. 12 July 2021. The ink usually looks darker on hands and feet.
The longevity of the henna stain also depends where the design is located on your body. The ink tends to show up darker on your hands and feet, but those areas also tend to exchange the most friction as you interact with your environment.
Do not use moisturizers that contain bleaching agents and/or fruit acids (Alpha-Hydroxy Acid). These chemicals tend to strip your skin of moisture and nutrients, and they can make the henna fade prematurely. Spread a coat of essential oils over the design. Oils will keep your skin moist, which may prevent the henna from fading or flaking prematurely. Try using wax lip balm, coconut oil, or olive oil. Look for specialized henna-care oils.
