The secret to dark mehndi / henna is fresh henna powder. Mehndi / henna naturally stains anything and everything dark. Following are some of the tips for darkening mehndi / henna.

                   * Heat the tea back up before mixing it in.
                   * Eat spicy foods the day before.
                   * Stay out of the sun while applying and drying.
                   * Wrap tattoo in wool while sleeping.
                   * Allow mehndi / henna to dry by internal heat (Do NOT use a Hair Dryer).
                   * Use Tiger balm on tattoo after the paste is removed.
                   * Exfoliate your skin prior to applying your body art.
                   * Mix with stepped tea, hey, throw in as many bags of black tea as you like.
                   * Dab lemon and sugar mixture on tattoo several times after applying paste.
                   * You can add little coffee to your mix too, just make sure that you don't get any grinds                       in your mehndi / henna.