-Leave paste on for a minimum of 6 hours. Overnight makes for the best results. Henna stains fabric, designs can be wrapped in toilet paper (NO plastic wrap) before going to bed to protect sheets.

-Design will progress from being orange to reddish brown or dark brown over the next 48 hours.

-Keep design warm while paste is on and for the first 24 hours after paste removal to help darken the design.

-Although a tradition for some DO NOT apply Vick's vapor rub, camphor, mustard oil or "mehandi" oil. Henna darkens by oxidization and thus needs to be exposed to the air. Applying an oil, cream or rub will create a barrier between the henna stain and the air, stopping the darkening of the henna.

-When removing paste, do not use water. Gently scrape or peel henna paste off.

-Avoid getting the henna design wet for as long as possible (preferably 12hrs) after removal of the paste. If sealant (lemon juice and sugar in a spray bottle) has been used to keep your henna in place and you wish to remove some of the stickiness use a cotton ball soaked in lemon juice and lightly rub to remove sealant.

-To keep your design longer avoid exfoliants on the design, such as contact lens solution, tomato juice, lotions containing alpha-hydroxy acid , chlorine. Pools and hot tubs cause designs to fade quicker.

- To slow fading, protect your design during water contact by using natural oils such as olive or coconut (NO vaseline). Henna balms (available from Mehandi by Maggie) and even lip balms work to protect henna stains.

Henna looks different on everyone. Body chemistry including stress and hormones, temperature and location on the body affects the stain.