So, if you want your henna to last only a couple of days, simply don’t let it sit more than 20 to 30 minutes, up to an hour. For longer lasting results, you can let the henna sit for 3 to 4 hours.

Because henna tattoos are generally placed on feet and hands, they tend to fade faster due to exposure to water, soap, and other external factors.

Are Henna Tattoos Safe?

Henna tattoos are as safe as the henna itself is safe. Generally speaking, real henna (which is made only from the plant and the leaves) is of a reddish/orange color, that can have a red or brown tint. This type of henna, and tattoos made from it, are considered safe for the skin. In some cases, real, natural henna can be useful for different skin conditions.

However, many people tend to sell black henna, so appeal to the ‘temporary tattoo’ market where the majority of tattoos mimic ink and are black. Well, this is the type of henna that can get you in trouble.

Black henna is a paste made from a chemical known as paraphenylenediamine (PPD). This chemical is allowed for use in regular hair dyes but in a controlled amount. In black henna, these amounts are not controlled, and the amount of PPD in black henna surely is more than allowed.

Many people who were using black henna for hair dyeing and body art have experienced chemical burns and serious allergic reactions. The signs your skin is reacting to PPD in henna are following;

• The skin starts burning and tingling
• The skin starts feeling uncomfortable
• There is often severe redness and blistering of the skin
• Many people have reported swelling of the area where henna is placed
• Some people were left with scarred skin

So, what can you do to avoid serious damage from henna? 

First, buy from reputable, reliable sources. Only choose natural henna, with no additives and weird chemical composition.