The henna should be kept on the skin as long as possible, usually until it flakes off by itself. Preferably, seal the henna with a mixture of lemon juice and sugar. The lemon/sugar mixture helps keep the henna on the skin so a darker colour can be achieved.

Do not wash the area with henna for as long as possible. Once you have washed it off rub in a drop of oil and hold over heat, being careful not to burn yourself.