a word on color: for the most part, the color of a henna stain is indicative of how long it has been since the paste was removed. at first, the stain is a bright orange color, which darkens over the next few days until it reaches its peak (usually becoming more brown), then begins fading. also, please note that pictures in which the henna appears black were taken with the paste still on. 20 minutes after paste removal 72 hours after paste removal finger design by Catherine Cartwright-Jones; palm design my own. (48 hours after paste removed) [back]