HOW CAN I prepare my skin for a Dark Henna Stain?

You're reading this because you've experienced henna, but may not have had the best stain results.

I've composed a soothing holistic skin routine to help support your nerves during henna care.

Here is how I prepare my skin for the best stain possible, are you ready? 
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​​HOW CAN I prepare my skin 
for a Dark Henna Stain?

Photo of Bride: Hania Zaman by Athena Blude. 2016

Now that you've reflected on the process of recreating your ritual of self-love while planning your event, let's begin by diving deep with your skin.

How are you feeling today?

On a scale between 0-10 (10 being relieved and free), how are you feeling about planning your events or booking your personal care sessions during the pandemic?

FOR YOU...

1. If you're in the midst of transitioning into the next phase of your life, you may be feeling burnt-out, insomnia, skin health issues (acne, brittle hair, and digestive issues) if not more. The first part of any pre-bridal routine is to begin by taking care of your gut. I have witnessed countless brides go on extreme diets, which has only increased their limiting beliefs as people (mostly womxn) and categorized ideaology behind beauty.
Before beginning a new health regime, inquire with your GP and have your blood test done and ASK QUESTIONS that provoke confidence and wanting to know more about your body changes.

2, Hydration is key! I love taking care of my body's energy with ample water. A recommended hydration routine is between 1.5-2 L of water a day. In regards to your tastebuds not feeling too supportive about your filter, upgrade to a filtering system to make sure that you're not exposing your body to impurities like metals and other bacteria.

3. #Normalizeskintexture. I know that many of you have joined the journey with me on social media to speak about to embrace the skin we're in even if we have acne, eczema, dermatitis and others. It is important to inform us about your skin conditions before your appointment. If your skin is photosensitive than you may want to readdress your use of Vitamin C products with your physician. Another thing that we cannot use is our organic lemon juice and sugar ritual glaze. This is commonly seen in post-care henna rituals when the henna has dried. This topical concoction MAY cause further melanin depletion which is needed to protect your skin from UV exposure. If you are photosensitive, please let us know.

4. Hire a personable Artist who will guide you through your pre-care and post-care henna ritual. Remember, the industry is saturated and many of those using Henna are not aware of the chemicals (PPD, parabens, parfums) that are blended into 'store-bought' Henna which is done to keep the colour lasting longer. You want to make sure the Artist mixes their own (henna herb powder, sugar, essential oil and water are most common ingredients) blend and shares this information with you. If they do not, they are not educated or are unaware. This is your skin; your body you're adorning, be aware.

5. Observe your pre-henna schedule of events. If you need to book in appointments for your nails, hair removal (not necessary) or spa time know that it is important that your pores are closed and clean. Using a toner (rose water) and healing (I love using the aloe vera leaf) your skin plays a large role in evolving a consistent stain from your fingers to your elbow. 

6. Services and self-care that will lighten your Henna stain.
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ATTN. ALL HENNA ENTHUSIASTS...

• Avoid chlorine - no pools, soaking in bubble baths or bath salts. Take a quick shower the day after you've had your henna a few hours into your afternoon).
• Avoid exfoliation - no loofahs, lymphatic brushes or salts, coffee grinds or sugaring. Instead plan ahead and do this 5-10 days prior to your Henna session for excellent even toned Henna and lowering sebum production and increasing natural glow and circulation. 
• Do NOT wash Henna - washing your skin is a part of daily appropriate hygiene. If you need to go to the bathroom, wash your face, brush your teeth, rinse your hands after a delicious meal, we highly encourage wearing latex-free gloves throughout each of the above processes. 
• Keep it ON longer - Henna dye has 3-4 different stages. The first is a bright, golden-orange colour which deepens overnight. Day 2, the Henna begins to turn a blood-orange and peaks of dark maroon start to grow along popular acupuncture points (fingers and palm centers are visibly darker). Day 3, the Henna has now reached it's photo-ready stage where most brides and other life transition clients schedule their main event (wedding, maternity shoot, birthday and others).
• If you do not follow our post-care henna ritual instructions, you will not receive a luxurious henna stain. Cardamom, and clove are two herbal ingredients that are commonly known to invite heat into the cooled areas of your body. Henna is a natural coolant and so you may feel a tickle or cooling feeling around the now dried areas of your henna. You may also wish to try dried ginger or rosemary to increase circulation as they are great ways of promoting healthy circulation to your muscles and joints without straining the heart, Hoffman.
• Avoid using herbs and plant-based products that have melanin depleting agents POST henna. If you wish to treat any past skin burn areas or skin pigmentation, consult with your physician and encourage yourself to be gentle with your skin and hair. Treatments to these areas with aloe, turmeric and probiotics like yogurt are great to use for a gentle body mask to help brighten and give yourself the glow that you deserve. It's time to remove yourself from the confinements about your skin and freeing yourself to live in the vessel that you have. Treat her with love and restore your self-worth by hydrating, exfoliating, moisturizing, healing and provide her the time. She will flourish - you will be the womxn you want to be.

To those who have never witnessed a henna session before, it is one of many emotional experiences.
I hope this thoughtful share inspires those who have used henna to use organic and natural blends. To those who have never had henna and have other questions, please do connect with me here.


I hope the above helped clear any 'Henna Hesitations' that you may have had.
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Due to the pandemic, I recommend gentle rinses as opposed to stripping your skin of its natural flora due to over usage of hand-sanitizers and chemical peels. The above is the ritual that I use to take care of my skin prior to adorning myself. I have shared this with countless clients and hope that you will encourage yourselves to take time out to rest and reflect; take agency of your bodies. I highly recommend taking time off post Henna as your wedding is around the corner, but I also understand those individuals who cannot due to other financial, personal and familial adversities in their lives.

Be gentle.

Featuring our beautiful Bride, Hania Zaman.
Photographed by Athena Blude.
Stain results: 5 days post henna application

Written by: Saira Hussain, Founder
Breath of Henna
HHP, BFA, RAT, RCC

Holistic Health Practitioner
Energy worker
Artist
Womxn's Self-worth advocate


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