Questions answered

One of the main questions I get asked when I'm working is:

#1) What is the shortest amount of time I have to leave this on to get a good stain?

The Answer: Well, if you want a rich dark stain, wrapped and overnight is recommended!
However! Many people , especially kids who would like to be hennaed just don't have the time/attention span for that! SO, the minimum amount of time you should leave henna on if you would like a semi decent stain that lasts about five days is 30 minutes. It won't be as pretty for as long, but its usually enough to satisfy a child's wish to have henna, then they can continue on with their day.
As an adult being hennaed , I would tell you 30 minutes is the minimum, but -
THE LONGER YOU LEAVE IT ON THE BETTER YOUR STAIN WILL BE!

So , I'm going to take photos of my henna, done May 31st 2014 and left on for 1 hour from the beginning of application **so about 40 minutes of absolute drying time**, 25 minutes of which I was on the balcony in the sun, every day until it fades just to show how and where henna will stain on my hands under the conditions above. ( Store bought cone for simplicity and ease of access)

Different times, store bought vs. home mixed, temperature, sun exposure, wrapped vs. not wrapped, skin tone, how often you wash your hands, and where you get your henna etc will all alter the results, but this is a pretty basic show and tell this week, I hope to be doing some experimenting this summer to see if I can darken the stain and lengthen the time it stays :)

May 31 Fresh henna application, one hour from beginning of application to removal, 25 minutes in the sun.

 Day 1 Henna paste removed, fresh orange stain

 Day 2, The stain is a deep red/brown colour , very pretty

 Day 3, The stain is lightening from natural wear, dishwashing , showering etc.

 Day 4 The stain on the palm side is decidedly wearing quickly, the top of the hand is still a lovely nut brown.

 Day 5 The stain on top is still lovely though lighter, the palm side is faded but still very visible, I'm enjoying the difference in tones and the popping colors on the deeper hues while the thin lines are disappearing quickly now.