10 Things Brides must know before applying henna
Henna is one of the most important accessories of South Asian customs and weddings. Getting your bridal henna done is an intimate part of your wedding preparations for a lot of cultures in Sri Lanka as the Mehendi party trend is in full swing. Wedo spoke to Sadaf Jawahir, a selftaught mehendi artist and owner of Henna
Habeeb, who is known for her intricate henna designs since 2016. According to Sadaf here are 10 things brides must know before applying henna in preparation for their big day.
1 Make suitable arrangements beforehand
Choose a good henna artist and make sure that you've discussed the rates, final quotation, time, style and other details prior to your henna application.
2 Manicure, pedicure & waxing
Waxing must be done a day prior to your henna application, to avoid any reaction or allergies since the pores would be open if done with less than a 24 hour gap. It is best you wax for a better application of henna. If you plan on doing a manicure and pedicure it's best you do it before your henna application, as chemicals used and scrubbing can fade the henna colour.
3 Keep your skin bare prior to henna application
Don't apply any oil, crème, gel or lotion before applying henna as colour develops best on bare skin. Moisturisers act as a hindrance between your skin and henna and might slow down the absorption process.
4 Get your henna applied a day prior to your Mehendi ceremony
Make it a point that you get your henna applied either a day prior to your henna function or maybe on the morning of your ceremony. This way your henna artist will be able to focus well on doing your bridal henna with no disturbance and you too will be able to enjoy your henna ceremony to the fullest.
5 Don’t sit in a crowded place during henna application
Since you're the bride, it's obvious that you'll be surrounded by friends and family throughout your wedding festivities. However this could cause your henna artist to lose focus on your application and be disturbed by people bumping into your hands. Therefore, it's best to avoid having too many people around you while getting your henna applied.
6 Environmental temperature matters
Temperature plays a very crucial role in the henna staining process. If you tend to have cold hands and feet or even spend more time in a cold environment, it may affect your henna stain.
Keeping your hands and feet warm after henna application is very important. It is a common aftercare procedure to hold your hands over heated cloves to obtain a rich, dark stain.
7 Henna must be intact for 6 hours minimum
It is completely normal for your henna to flake off once it has dried. However, it must be intact for 6 hours minimum for a very good stain. The longer it is intact, the deeper and darker the stain!
8 Allow your henna to dry naturally
Leave the henna until it dries and then just scrape it off once it starts flaking. Using a blow dryer can always help in drying your henna faster but it is always best to allow your henna to dry naturally, because this natural process can help you get a darker stain.
9 Do not have any water contact after removal
Once you've removed your henna, apply olive oil, Vaseline or any other aftercare balm for the colour to deepen and darken.
Most importantly, do not have any water contact for an hour or two immediately after removal.
10 Aftercare and other tips
If you want your henna stain to stay longer, then avoid a lot of contact with soap or chlorine. Avoid exfoliating or scrubbing your henna. If your henna artist has advised you with aftercare tips, follow that regime.