Henna is said to be an old trick for colouring not on the hair and hands but the nails too. It is considered to be a natural nail polish for the nails. It gave a lovely shade, ranging from light orange and mild red to dark brown. Mehndi for nails is similar to the mehndi applied to hands; however, the application process may differ.
How to Apply Mehndi on Nails for Beginners:
Here are a few steps to help you professionally apply mehndi on nails.
1. Prepare Your Mehndi Paste:
When making nail mehndi at home, the first thing you need to work on is preparing the mehndi paste. To make the paste, mix the henna powder with lemon juice and water, creating a thick paste. Keep a watch while adding water, as you need to keep the paste wide. Cover the bowl and leave the mixture aside for 4 to 6 hours to allow the dye to mix thoroughly.
2. Clean Your Nails:
The next step for mehndi nails is to get your nails prepared for it. Clean your nails properly, using witch hazel or dish soap, to remove all the dirt inside the nails. File them and cut them up to the proper shape. Avoid using soaps to clean your nails while applying mehndi, as they leave a film of the soap on the borders of the nails and cuticles. Trim them, giving them a perfect look.
3. Apply Petroleum Jelly:
Applying petroleum jelly is crucial when thinking about colouring only your nails. When you apply petroleum jelly on your nails and surrounding, only your nails would catch the colour of the mehndi. Hence, apply petroleum jelly a few minutes before you apply mehndi on the nails.
4. Apply Henna to The Nails:
When your nails are ready, it is time to apply mehndi nails on the fingers individually. You can apply the mehndi using a broad stick that has a broadness similar to the nails. Just apply a thick layer of mehndi on the nails one by one and allow the paste to dry completely. The more the mehndi would remain on your nails, the darker shade you would be able to get.
5. Cover Your Nails:
Once you have applied the mehndi on the nails and dried it, it is time to cover the fingertips or nails. Take a kitchen wrap and cut it into small pieces. You can also use foil paper or plastic for the same task. Cover your nails adequately, leaving no side open. You can also use cotton gloves for the night if keeping the mehndi overnight to obtain dark colour.
6. Remove The Paste from The Nails:
For removing the henna from the nails, avoid the use of water or any other liquids. Gently scrape the mehndi from the nails and damp dry them using a paper towel. Ensure you avoid using water for the next 2 to 3 days to allow the colour to darken and oxidize. To protect your nails during showers, you can use butter or aftercare henna balm to keep the colour stable.
7. Other Tips:
Girls looking for black nails naturally can also apply black mehndi for nails for long-lasting colour. Some also use diamonds, colour shades, etc., to decorate the nails by giving them a new pattern known as nail art. Such decorations are widely done in marriages and other such occasions.
When you apply mehndi on nails, you don’t only colour them but also protect them from becoming healthy and strong. They are also beneficial for reducing any fungal infection in a herbal way. It helps in making your nails strong and long.