Getting a mehndi design on your either hand or feet is no easy task. One needs to sit patiently for a long time, sometimes for hours, to get the design done. This is not when the task is over. The task begins when you have to wait for it to get dry and try everything to get the dark color.
There are so many dos and don’ts one should keep in mind for getting the mehndi.
1. Leave it for a long duration
This is the unsaid rule for applying mehndi. You don’t have to remove it the moment it dries off. Try to keep it at least 7-8 hours. The longer you keep, better it will be.
2. Don’t wash it off
For removing the dry henna don’t wash it off. Instead, scrap it off by rubbing both your hands with each other.
3. Dab with sugar lemon mix
Once the henna has dried apply sugar lemon mix on it for a rich color. The sugar keeps the mehndi in contact with the skin for deeper penetration and the lemon juice acts as a catalyst for dye release and deep penetration of color. But don’t overdo it as it will make mehndi turn deep brown.
4. Run your hands over clove fumes
Once you have applied sugar lemon mix, heat a few cloves on a tawa and run your hands over the clove fumes. Do this till the sugar lemon mix dries. This allows the color to penetrate better.
5. Apply balm
You can also apply some pain relieving balm on the design as the heat generated by the balm brings out a rich color.
6. Get your mani/pedi before it
Before getting the henna applied, get your manicure or pedicure. Getting that after the mehndi can fade the color or spoil the design.
7. Avoid liquids
Avoid having too many liquids before getting the henna applied. This can make you visit the washroom often with your mehndi.
8. Let it dry naturally
Don’t use blow dryers to make it dry faster. Also, don’t move your hands much expecting that it will help in drying. This will make the mehndi design bleed resulting in a spoiled one.
9. Wash your hands
Before getting the mehndi, wash your hands and feet properly and pat them dry. Don’t apply any cream or moisturizer on them as the moisturizer will act as a barrier between mehndi and your skin and won’t let the mehndi stick to your skin properly.