How to get the darkest stain

Before your appointment

1. Start with clean, bare skin. Wash your hands and feet with soap on the day and skip lotion, oil, sunscreen and makeup where the henna will go. Anything on the skin sits between the paste and the stain.
2. Exfoliate a day or two before, not on the day. Gentle exfoliation helps the colour take evenly.
3. Book waxing, shaving, manicures and pedicures before your henna. Anything done afterwards wears the stain away early.
4. Eat, use the washroom and get comfortable before you sit down. Bridal henna takes time and you will want to stay still.
5. Wear something loose with sleeves that roll above the elbow, and bring someone who can help while your hands dry.

While the paste is on

1. Keep the paste on as long as you can. Six to eight hours is a good minimum for a bridal stain, and many brides sleep in it.
2. Seal it with lemon and sugar once the paste is dry to the touch. Dab the mixture on lightly with a cotton ball rather than soaking it. The seal helps the paste stay moist and in contact with the skin.
3. Stay warm. Warmth helps the stain develop, so keep the room cosy and your hands and feet covered once the paste has set.
4. If you sleep in it, wrap loosely: tissue with cotton gloves or socks over the top keeps the paste in place overnight.

Removing the paste

• Scrape the dried paste off with a blunt edge, such as the back of a butter knife, or rub it away with your fingers.
• Do not wash it off. Water at this stage interrupts the stain while it is still developing.
• Rub a little natural balm or oil over the design once the paste is off to protect it.

The first 12 to 24 hours

• Avoid water for 12 to 24 hours. If you must, wash around the design and pat dry straight away.
• The stain starts bright orange. That is normal: it darkens to a deep red brown over the next 24 to 48 hours.
• Keep warm and let gentle heat do its work. Warm hands and feet develop a richer colour.
• No scrubbing, no hand sanitiser and no harsh soaps on the design.

Keeping the stain through the wedding

• Moisturise with a natural balm, especially before showering, so water runs off the design.
• Wear gloves for dishes and cleaning.
• Avoid chlorine pools and hot tubs until after your events.
• Skip exfoliating scrubs and loofahs where the henna is.
• Expect a gradual fade as the skin renews. Hands fade faster than feet.