Make sure that the henna is completely natural—there are a lot of artificial ones out there. The fresher the henna powder is, the better. Never use “black” henna powder or henna made for hair coloring. It is especially unsafe and banned in some countries. Henna may stain plastic bowls; a glass bowl will work the best.
Start with more henna than you think you need. You want to end up with 100 grams after sifting. If you start with 100 grams, you might end up with less after sifting. For best results, use a kitchen scale to measure out 100 grams of henna powder. This will be more accurate than using a measuring cup. [3] X Research source For a smaller batch, use 1/4 cup (25 g) of henna powder. [4] X Research source
If you live in a very humid climate, however, you may want to add more sugar. You want to mix the dry ingredients together first. This will make it easier to blend everything together later on. [6] X Research source For a smaller batch, use about 1½ teaspoons (13 g) of sugar. [7] X Research source
If you use fresh lemon juice, be sure to strain out all of the pulp and seeds first. You can use another liquid instead of lemon juice, such as water or tea. Be aware that this will cause the dye to release faster and become less stable. For a smaller batch, use about 1/4 cup (60 mL) of water or lemon juice. [9] X Research source
You can also try Nepali cajuput or frankincense as well. [11] X Research source Do not use more than 1 ounce (30 mL) of essential oil per 100 grams of henna powder. This will be too much for your skin and irritate it. For a smaller batch of henna paste, use about 1½ teaspoons (7. 5 mL) of essential oil. [12] X Research source
Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl to ensure that everything mixes evenly. Don’t be alarmed if the mixture starts to look greenish. This is normal with henna. Don’t worry if there are some lumps left in the paste; they will dissolve on their own.
ORa Rajasthani: 6 to 16 hours Jamila Henna: 24 to 36 hours General Henna: 4 to 24 hours
Stir the lemon juice in 1 tablespoon (15 mL) at a time. You may up use to 4 tablespoons (60 mL). If you used water or tea previously, then you should use water now.
You will eventually pipe it into henna cones; putting it into larger piping bag will make things easier. If you won’t be using the henna right away, put it into a plastic, zippered, freezer bag and place it into the freezer. It will keep for 3 to 4 months. If the henna feels clumpy, you can strain it through a fine cloth first. [17] X Research source
Make sure that there are no lumps or air bubbles that restrict the flow of the henna. Set the rest of the henna aside or use it to fill more henna cones. A henna cone is essentially a rolled up sheet of thin, stiff plastic. You can make it yourself or buy it pre-made online.
Look up terms like “henna designs” or “henna drawings. " The internet is a great resource, but you can also find samples in Zen coloring books. Because the best henna art is often very complex, it may be a good idea to draw out some patterns on paper before applying it to your skin. It can also help to practice applying the henna on paper so that your lines have a steady flow and the designs are continuous and intricate.
If you prefer a thicker line, apply more pressure. This is sort of like painting with a brush or using a calligraphy pen. Don’t let the tip touch your skin, especially if it is made from metal. This won’t harm your skin, but it will create light spots in the final design. Wipe away any smears with water quickly. A damp towel or Q-tip will work the best.
As the paste dries, it will lose its puffiness and flatten out.
Pick the dry henna off over a trash can. Use gloved fingers or a spoon to do this. Do not use your bare hands, or you risk staining them too. Rinse the henna off with water, then pat your skin dry with a towel. Do not rub the henna while rinsing it.
Just about any food-grade oil is fine for henna. Olive oil and jojoba oil are great options. Chlorine may cause henna tattoos to fade, so be sure to apply some petroleum jelly or chapstick to keep it from drying.
