How Long Does A Henna Tattoo Last & How to Make the Henna Tattoos Last Longer?

Henna experts have come a long way in experimenting with Henna designs and creativity. The only reason people get disappointed with Henna is its limited lifespan.

We understand it is sad to see the beautiful artwork fading out so soon. Don’t worry; we have few ways that will in handy for you to stay longer with Henna.

In this article, we shall discuss all the possible ways to make henna tattoos stay longer. Do share with us your experience of following the methods that we discuss ahead.

Before we jump to the main topic, let’s quickly take a look at the lifespan of Henna tattoos.

How long does a henna tattoo last?

Henna is not a permanent ink and thus the effects of the tattoos may last up to a few days or weeks at a stretch.

Although there are ways to stretch the lifespan of Henna tattoos you must know that these are yet not permanent. According to Henna tattoo experts, normal Henna tattoos last for up to 2 weeks.

Those who know the tricks and tips to stretch the lifespan may enjoy Henna tattoos for up to a month on them. Henna ink is derived from a plant and thus it is one of the most natural forms of dyes.

Some people also use it on their hair to give a golden blonde look. Henna also acts as a natural hair conditioner.

Coming back to the lifespan, some Henna tattoos stay up to a week only as they are not mixed with other contents to make the tattoo life longer.

Due to their temporary life, one has to be careful with it. There are certain aftercare tips that one has to follow sincerely to allow the design to stay longer with them. You must also consider the time of the Henna paste.

A period of 4 to 8 hours is good enough for the paste to grow darker so that your Henna tattoo gives you excellent results.

Now that you know the limited lifespan of Henna, let’s understand the various ways that can help us keep the tattoo for longer periods.

Few Popular Henna Tattoo Stencils

How to make the henna tattoo last longer?

1. Saniderm

Keeping your Henna tattoo moist is important as the ink starts cracking within a few minutes of application. You get Saniderm wraps and bandages to seal the design when it cracks so that the area of the Henna sustains its moisture.

You may also apply Saniderm cream once the Henna tattoo completely dries on your skin. Leave the cream for up to 12 top 24 hours. By doing so, you can enjoy the Henna tattoo for up to 3 weeks!

*To follow the above, let the Henna stick for at least 6 hours on your skin until you follow this tip so that it is completely dried.

2. Henna Paste

The longer you keep the paste before application, the better results you will get. When you make the Henna paste, leave it be for at least 4 to 8 hours before you apply it. You will experience a dark mahogany-colored paste in few hours.

The dark henna paste is the best if you wish for darker tattoos that stay longer. All you need to do is keep the Henna paste in a darker area and away from the sun.

3. Lemon and Sugar

The longer the Henna paste sticks to your hand, the better results it will give. Lemon and sugar are amongst most traditional methods of helping Henna stick to your hand to give longer life of the tattoo.

Mix lemon and sugar to form a thick paste. When Henna gets dried up and starts to crack from the skin, dab a cotton ball into the lemon and sugar mixture and pat all over the Henna tattoo.

*To follow the above, let the Henna stick for at least 6 hours on your skin until you follow this tip so that it is completely dried.

4. Zero Water Contact

The more contact you make with water, the sooner your Henna tattoo will fade out. For longer life, you must avoid using water on your Henna. Cover your hands with waterproof gloves when you have to work in water.

Also, avoid water activities such as swimming, diving, river rafting, sauna baths, and longer shower baths for extended Henna life.

5. Sprain Ointment

Some people also follow the traditional method of applying a sprain balm on their hands before applying Henna.

It is because sprain balms and ointments provide the required heat for the Henna to grow darker in color after you scrape the dried Henna paste.

To enjoy better results, you may also apply the balm both the times, before applying Henna and after scraping the Henna from the skin.

*Leave the balm overnight on your hands for excellent Henna shade.

6. Vaseline

One of the best alternatives to those smelly ointments or balms is Vaseline. After you have scraped off the Henna tattoo, rub Vaseline on the skin to get some warmth.

The heat gets trapped making the Henna color darker and stay longer.

7. Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil is another traditional and the most preferred method to help Henna tattoos stay longer on the skin.

Coconut oil also acts as a natural moisturizer that conditions the skin and protects the Henna ink from fading out.  

You may run some coconut oil on your Henna tattoo area after scraping off the Henna. The darker the Henna color on your skin, the longer it will stay with you.

*To follow the above, let the Henna stick for at least 6 hours on your skin until you follow this tip so that it is completely dried.

8. Heat Pad Therapy

Keeping the heat pad on the skin also helps in extending Henna’s life. To avoid henna fading prematurely, you may continue to use the heat pad for at least a few hours at intervals after you have scraped off the design.

Few Popular Henna Tattoo Kits

How do you maintain a henna tattoo?

You may enjoy longer Henna life with the help of certain Dos and Don’ts. All the above methods will work only if you protect your tattoo well.

Follow the below guidelines to prevent your Henna tattoo from fading out soon. By applying the below methods, you will also enjoy darker and greater tattoo results.

Henna tattoo care tips:

  1. Clean your hands well before applying the Henna paste. Do not let any dust or dirt spoil the Henna ink quality.
  2. Avoid coming in contact with water at least for the first 24 hours of applying design and scraping off the dried Henna.
  3. Use a butter knife to scrape off the dried Henna from the skin and avoid washing your hands with water.
  4. You will find bright orange color after scraping off the dried Henna, which is natural. Don’t worry, by following the aftercare tips you will see the desired results in the next few hours.
  5. Avoid coming in contact with the sun. The sun’s heat will dry the Mehendi sooner than the required period. Before you follow the care process, it will give up.
  6. Wear gloves and apply some warm ointment to get the required amount of heat essential for the design to grow darker. Follow it overnight to wake up happy with the results.
  7. Avoid waxing after you have applied Henna. You will have to wax before the Henna process as the waxing process will destroy your design.
  8. Prevent friction from clothes for the first 12 to 48 hours of your Henna tattoo especially until the Henna paste is there on your skin. You don’t wish for the design to spread out or go messed up, do you?
  9. Clove oil has the required heat that is essential for better results of Henna tattoos. Rub some clove oil before applying Henna on your skin. The heat trapped in the skin through the clove oil will give you darker henna shade and also protect the tattoo from fading out soon.
  10. Apply natural oils such as coconut oil. Butter, cocoa butter, olive oil, or baby oil to protect your tattoo from fading out. Moist skin helps to protect the henna from fading out prematurely.

Final Words:

If you are looking for premium henna tattoo ink, then, we recommend you to try Henna City Premium Jagua Gel, which received excellent feedback from its users.

The smell of Henna gives a rejuvenating feeling not only to the person who is applying it but also to the others around. Thus, people prefer this temporary art regularly and love to try new designs with every different occasion. We hope you enjoyed reading this article as much as we enjoyed writing for you.