Henna Pre-appointment & Aftercare Instructions

Before Your Appointment:

• We do recommend shaving or waxing any part of the body you plan to have decorated. Even very light, fine hairs can interfere with the way the paste lies on the skin.
• Shave or wax skin at least 1 day before your henna session to give any micro-abrasions time to heal.
• If you plan to use self-tanner or get a spray tan, have it done at least 1 day before.
• Get your manicure and pedicure done before your session. Same day is okay.
• Remember that it takes up to 48 hours for a henna stain to fully develop. The ideal day to get your henna done is two days before your wedding or special event.
• If you have booked a long session (such as a bridal), have a friend on hand to help you with drinks, snacks, etc. Their responsibility is to keep you from smudging your paste! If you are driving to our store or another location for your session, consider getting a friend to do the driving.

During Your Appointment

• Take one last bathroom break before we start. 
• Relax! Enjoy yourself. Feel free to bring along a book to read, a movie to watch, music to listen to, etc.
• Be prepared to be still. Even turning your head to talk to someone can shift your body enough to disturb the design.
• Please speak up if you are at all uncomfortable or need a break.

If We're at Your Home

• Please make sure pets and small children won't be in danger of bumping or jostling you.
• Let your family and friends know this is not the time to give you hugs!

After Your Appointment

• Leave the paste on as long as possible – at least 1 hour. We recommend 3-4 hours.
• Brides: Plan to keep your paste on for anywhere from 6 hours to overnight. We will wrap your henna with paper or cloth tape to keep it secure.
• Star warm but don't get sweaty. Warmth helps the henna dye your skin.
• When it's time to remove the paste, gently scrape or peel it off. Do not wash it off. Your stain will appear orange at first. This is normal.
• Apply a vegetable-based oil or butter to your design after paste removal. Examples: olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, sesame oil, cocoa butter, shea butter. (Anything you could eat is okay.) Avoid products that contain mineral oil or petrolatum such as baby oil or Vaseline. We also do not recommend Tiger Balm or muscle rub creams for aftercare.
• It is not necessary to apply lemon juice or lemon sugar.
• Avoid baths or showers for at least 8 hours after you take off the paste. If you need to wash your hands, use gentle soap and cool water.
• Apply oil or vegetable butter to your design before and after bathing or showering to help your design last longer.
• Allow 24-48 hours for your color to fully develop. The final color will be reddish brown.

Based on our experience, we also recommend the following:

• Wear latex or nitrile gloves while showering and washing hair. Better yet, get someone else to wash your hair for you.
• Keep your feet bare as much as possible after the paste is removed. Sandal straps can wear a "hole" in your design by sloughing off skin cells. If your feet are cold, apply oil or cream and soft socks.
• Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, Jacuzzis and long bathtub soaks.
• Avoid handling anything containing bleach or harsh detergents. No housecleaning!