How are henna tattoos made to last longer?

The most effective tip in preserving a henna tattoo is to avoid frequent washing of the hennaed area with soap. Other people suggest the application of Vaseline or baby oil on the henna tattoo before taking a shower or bath.

Henna, a shrub belonging to the genus Lawsonia, is indigenous to North African and South Asian countries. The plant, which constitutes a dye, is ground into a paste and often used to paint the skin, hair, fingernails and even fabrics. Its widespread application as a form of body art known as "mehndi" or "mehandi" is popular in Asian culture, particularly in India. Henna tattoos generally last for one to three weeks.