How your Henna Tales mehendi stain deepens over two days
Natural henna stains bright orange at first and oxidises to a deep maroon over 48 hours. Plan your application so the colour peaks on the wedding day.
Tip for brides: schedule bridal mehendi one to two days before the wedding.
Plan my mehendi date0 hrs Paste applied
Fresh green-brown paste. Sit still and let it dry for 30–45 minutes before moving your hands.
1–8 hrs Seal and wait
Dab lemon-sugar sealant once dry. Keep the paste on for 6 to 8 hours, or overnight for bridal work.
8 hrs Scrape, don't wash
Remove the dry paste with a butter knife or your fingers. The first stain will look bright orange.
24 hrs Turning red
Avoid water for the first 12–24 hours. Keep hands warm and rub in clove or coconut oil.
48 hrs Peak maroon
The stain reaches its darkest. It lasts 1–3 weeks on palms, longer when you avoid soaps and scrubbing.
Henna Tales aftercare tips for a darker stain
Follow these steps after your mehendi to get the deepest colour and make it last longer.
Before your appointment
- Wash hands and feet with soap and keep them free of lotion, oil and wax.
- Finish waxing, manicure and pedicure a day before.
- Wear comfortable clothes you can leave on for a few hours and eat beforehand.
While the paste is on
- Let the paste dry for 30–45 minutes before moving your hands.
- Dab lemon-sugar sealant once dry so the paste stays in contact with the skin.
- Keep the paste on for 6–8 hours, or overnight for bridal mehendi.
After removing the paste
- Scrape the dry paste off instead of washing it.
- Avoid water for 12–24 hours and keep your hands warm.
- Rub in clove or coconut oil, and avoid soaps and scrubbing to make the stain last 1–3 weeks.
Planning your wedding mehendi? See the Henna Tales design gallery or read the mehendi FAQ.