Do’s and Don’ts for Mehndi

Wedding bridal mehndi, with its intricate designs and rich hues, is an essential part of any Indian wedding.

To ensure your mehndi looks its best, there are several important considerations to keep in mind both before and after the application process.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to the do's and don'ts for creating a stunning and long-lasting wedding bridal mehndi.

Do's:

• Schedule the Mehndi Application Strategically:

The ideal time to get your mehndi done is a day before the wedding or on the wedding morning itself.

This timing ensures that the mehndi has enough time to develop its color fully, giving you the best possible stain for your special day.

• Prepare Your Skin Beforehand:

Exfoliate your hands and arms a few days before the mehndi application. This helps remove dead skin cells, promoting better mehndi stain.

On the day of the application, wash and dry your hands thoroughly to ensure a clean surface for the henna to adhere to.

• Dress Comfortably:

Wear loose-fitting clothes made from natural fabrics like cotton on the day of your mehndi application.

This will allow for easy movement and prevent the mehndi from smudging on your clothes.

Comfortable attire also ensures that you remain relaxed throughout the process.

• Stay Hydrated:

Drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to your mehndi appointment helps your skin absorb the henna better.

Hydrated skin tends to produce a darker and richer stain, enhancing the overall appearance of your mehndi.

• Relax and Be Comfortable:

Find a well-lit and quiet space for the mehndi application. Ensuring you have enough sleep and proper nutrition before the appointment helps you stay relaxed during the process.

A calm and composed demeanor will make the experience more enjoyable and prevent unnecessary movements.

• Let the Mehndi Dry Completely:

Once the mehndi design is applied, resist the urge to move your hands around too much.

This will help prevent smudging and ensure a clean design. Let the mehndi dry naturally for several hours to allow the henna to release its color fully.

• Take Care of the Mehndi:

After the mehndi dries, apply a mixture of lemon juice and sugar using a cotton ball. This helps deepen the color stain.

You can also cover your hands with gloves or loose socks to protect the mehndi overnight, ensuring that the design remains intact and achieves the desired dark stain.

• Maintain Aftercare:

Avoid washing your hands with water for at least 24 hours after the mehndi application. Instead, use a damp cloth to wipe your hands clean.

After 24 hours, you can gently wash your hands with lukewarm water, but avoid using soap for a few more days to maintain the intensity of the color.

Don'ts:

• Skip Prepping Your Skin:

Avoid applying creams, lotions, or oils to your hands or arms before the mehndi application.

These products can create a barrier that prevents the henna from staining properly, resulting in a less vibrant color.

• Expose Yourself to the Sun:

Direct sunlight can lighten the stain of the mehndi. While the mehndi is drying, stay indoors or in a shaded area to ensure the color develops correctly.

• Drink Excessively During Application:

While staying hydrated is important, avoid drinking too much water right before or during the mehndi application.

Excessive hydration can dilute the henna paste and make it harder for it to adhere to your skin.

• Move Your Hands Too Much:

Once the mehndi design is applied, minimize hand movement to prevent smudging.

Keeping your hands still ensures a neat and clean design, allowing the mehndi to dry without any disruptions.

• Wash the Mehndi with Water Too Soon:

Avoid washing your hands with water, especially with soap, for at least 24 hours after the mehndi application.

This allows the henna to release its color and stain your skin properly, resulting in a darker and longer-lasting design.

• Skip Aftercare:

Don’t pick or scratch at the drying mehndi, as this can create breaks in the design.

Let the mehndi flake off naturally to maintain the integrity of the pattern and ensure a consistent color.