Why Does Mehendi Turn Black?
Initially, after application, the mehendi color appears light. But it darkens as you leave it on for a longer time. It is because of the pigment called lawsone. It bonds with the skin cells, collagen, and keratin (in nails and hair) to give a dark brown-black color (2). There are three types of henna (3):
Red Henna: It gives an orangish-brown and reddish-brown tint to the skin. Neutral Henna: It does not have any color. Black Henna: It dyes the skin black.
Black henna combines regular henna and PPD or para-phenylenediamine, a type of coal-tar dye. It is often mixed with henna for temporary black body art tattoos and skin painting. PPD is a contact allergen, and hence, it is advised to avoid using black henna (4), (5). Some readymade store-bought henna packs may contain ingredients like indigo and lime to darken the mehendi shade and make it last longer. You may try the following ways to darken mehendi so it lasts longer.
How To Darken Mehendi
You may use these ingredients to darken the mehendi mixture before application. However, if you are purchasing mehendi from the market, look for the following ingredients: However, ammonia and sodium methylparaben may damage the skin. It is best to stick to natural options and avoid these chemicals. Here are some pointers to help you enhance the color and longevity of mehndi.
Dos And Don’ts To Make Mehendi Last Longer
Dos
Leave the mehendi on for about 2-6 hours to get an intense color. Once you wash off the henna, dip your hands in cold water for two minutes. Cold water closes the skin pores and may seal the color for a longer time. Massage the dried henna on your hands with oil and let it soak. This gives deep and strong color. Cover the area of application when going out in the sun. Sun exposure may lighten the mehendi.
Donts
Avoid moisture exposure, and keep the henna on your hands or other body parts dry for as long as you can. This helps enhance its color. Do not wash the henna off your hands with soap, as it may fade the mehendi. Use cold water to remove henna. Avoid using a hair dryer on a high heat setting to dry the mehendi. Use it on a low setting and keep it at a safe distance from your hands or feet. Holding the hair dryer too close to the area of application may cause color bleeding. Do not shave the area of application as it might scrape the top layer of the skin and affect the mehendi design. Do not apply skin-lightening products like skin bleach on the areas of application. This may fade the mehendi.
Follow these tips to make your mehendi last longer. We have answered a few doubts that you may have in the following sections. Check them out.
How Long Should You Keep Mehendi On Your Hands?
Keep the mehendi for at least 2-6 hours. The longer you leave the henna on your skin, the stronger the color gets. Some women leave it overnight to obtain a dark shade of mehendi. However, be careful not to keep the mehndi for too long as it might turn black.
Does Vaseline Make Mehendi Darker?
Anecdotal evidence suggests that Vaseline might strengthen the color of mehendi. It traps the moisture and is water-resistant. As a result, it keeps the henna intact, allowing the color to seep into the skin. This may make the color last longer.
Does Coconut Oil Darken Mehendi?
Women traditionally use coconut oil to darken their mehendi design. It coats the application area and prevents moisture exposure, keeping the mehendi intact as it oxidizes. This helps intensify the color and make it last longer. Does olive oil darken henna? Check out the infographic below to know the top 5 natural ingredients to darken your mehendi designs. Yes, olive oil may darken henna and make it long-lasting. You can apply it after scraping the henna paste off the skin. Does Vicks make mehndi darker? Yes, Vicks is known to make mehndi darker. The heat provided by it intensifies the shade.
Sources
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