How to Care for Henna Tattoos

Henna tattoos are a great way to decorate the human body. They are applied for cultural purposes, as well as for enjoyment. They are not permanent, and can be a good determinant of whether or not a person wants a particular permanent tattoo. Regardless of the purpose for getting a henna tattoo, there are some simple steps that should be taken to preserve the tattoo so that it will last as long as possible. Henna tattoos can last anywhere from one to three weeks. The following is a simple guide to caring for a henna tattoo after it has been applied to the skin.

Things You'll Need

• Toilet tissue or facial tissues
• Plastic wrap
• Olive, corn or vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Avoid touching or exposing the tattoo to water for at least four hours.

2. 

   Cover the area around the four-hour old henna tattoo with toilet tissue or facial tissue. Cover or wrap in plastic wrap for up to one day.

3. Unwrap the tattoo. Remove the henna paste from the skin by pushing it off with your fingernail.

4. Moisturize the skin with a natural moisturizer. Olive, corn or canola oil, work well, or you can actually purchase a balm or lotion specifically made for henna tattooed skin.

5. Avoid exfoliating the skin. Take special care to avoid clothing, water or any kind of friction on the area of the body that has been tattooed.

6. Coat the tattoo with oil prior to swimming or showering.

Tips & Warnings

• Before you get a henna tattoo, exfoliate and moisturize your skin really well with oil. You can do this for a number of days prior to the tattoo being applied.

• If you want the henna design to come off, simply use an exfoliating scrub on the tattoo, and wash with soap and water. This will help speed the process of fading.

• Avoid chlorine and any type of lotion that is petroleum based. These both speed the fading of henna tattoos.