Are you looking for a solution to tan your skin texture in a natural and effective way? Look no further: here we tell you all about the self-tanning power of henna.
Just because it's back-to-school time doesn't mean you have to let go of your golden complexion and only get it back next year! To make your tan last – without having to bask in the sun, use industrial products, or expose your skin to the risks of UV sessions in the cabin – several natural tips are available to you and henna is one of them. You certainly already know it for its virtues of hair dyeing, but when it comes to skin coloring, only henna tattoos come to mind … However, this vegetable dye also proves very promising when it comes to skin coloring. is used as a self-tanner. In this article, we explain how to get a nice tan with henna.
Zoom on henna
Used for thousands of years especially in the Maghreb countries, or even those of the Middle East, henna comes from the dried leaves of a shrub named Lawsonia inermis and the place it occupies in beauty rituals from elsewhere is absolutely unbeatable… Well, not only for the hair, but also for the skin, over time, this natural dye has ended up crossing borders and is today hui used for many purposes all over the world. But here we are, the self-tanning power of henna is still largely unknown even though it turns out to be a perfect alternative to the products and methods that many of us use on a daily basis. And you, what do you know about its many properties?
Why choose henna as a self-tanner?
Because of its naturalness, henna has nothing to envy to classic self-tanners, on the contrary! In addition to being effective and acting quickly, this vegetable dye also has many benefits for the skin. After use, you can of course admire your pretty golden complexion, but also appreciate the cleansing, purifying and exfoliating properties of henna which leaves your skin infinitely soft, smooth and radiant with beauty. In addition, if the latter is irritated – because of hair removal, for example – know that the naturally antiseptic and healing properties of this preparation can only do him the greatest good. You will understand: this real little miracle of nature that is henna has everything to please you …
Henna tan, for which skin tones?
If you have a fair complexion, using henna will allow you to achieve a natural tan, if your skin is rather dark, it will help you strengthen the intensity of your complexion. In fact: this natural dye is suitable for everyone! Note that although there are several different henna shades, you will not have to vary depending on the color of your complexion, both light and dark skin tones will need to use one and the same type of henna: the one in its purest form. and natural, which you will easily recognize by its light green color and its powerful and diffuse smell.
Be careful though, if you have particularly sensitive skin, this henna tanning technique may not be for you. Indeed – and we told you this previously – although 100% natural, this vegetable dye has exfoliating properties that can prove to be abrasive for the most reactive skin types. If you have any doubts, we recommend that you simply do a test on a small part of your body before you start and always keep your entire skin well hydrated after your henna tanning session.
How do you go about gilding your skin with henna?
Do you want to put the self-tanning qualities of henna at the service of the tan of your skin? We can only advise you to rely on the talents and professionalism of experts in the field, who will ensure you a result that meets your expectations, and without false notes. Spas, hammams, beauty institutes, some have made the self-tanning method with henna their specialty.
If you are more of a home-made fan, know that you can also practice it at home, being of course very careful: if the henna is not spread evenly, it may leave indelicate orange marks on your skin. . In addition, this vegetable dye being extremely staining, be careful not to dirty your furniture, your bathtub, your hands or your clothes, otherwise you will see marks appear which you will have a hard time getting rid of … You have been warned. !
Home henna tan step by step
Are you about to give the experience a try at home? Here are the different steps to follow in order to obtain a result worthy of the name:
- As before applying any type of self-tanner, start by exfoliating your skin to rid it of any dead cells that may dull your complexion's color radiance and reduce its consistency and hold.
- Next, take your natural henna powder – previously mixed with hot water using wooden utensils – and make sure the texture is thick enough to facilitate application.
- Once your pair of gloves are on, you can then start spreading the preparation on your skin from the bottom to the top. To do this, spread the henna using your hands without massaging the material or trying to make it penetrate.
- Now wait five to ten minutes for the magic to happen. We advise you not to move too much, or to wrap yourself in cellophane otherwise, in order to limit the damage… We remind you: henna is particularly staining.
- Finally, rinse your body with lukewarm water before hydrating it intensely, preferably with body oil. That's it !
Small tip: you can add a clove to your preparation to fix the color and prevent it from being too orange. In this case, you will need to prepare it in advance and let it sit for several hours.
The result of a henna tan
Natural and durable, the color thus obtained ensures a subtle and absolutely not garish rendering. Over the days, you will see your skin tan intensify – always in a very natural way – to your satisfaction. It's hard to say how long exactly this tan will last – on average, it takes between one and three weeks – but one thing is certain: you can only be satisfied! As a first step, it is recommended to renew this treatment every ten days – if you want a lasting result, of course – before you can then be satisfied with one henna tanning session per month. So when do you get started?
The editorial's shopping selection
Warning, you absolutely must make sure that the henna used is pure and without additives. Here are two products that are safe and suitable for your use:
Centifolia Natural Henna
Henna Sahara Tazarine 100% pure and natural – available from 16 euros on amazon.fr
Now that the henna tan has no secrets for you, you know what you have to do!
Read also: How to prepare your homemade henna for flamboyant hair?