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Making a henna tattoo is a real art. Review my favorite recipe for the darkest henna tattoos. Henna powder must not have a shelf date of more then 6 months because the paste will not stain as darkly. Never use henna that is for the hair or hair and skin.

Henna Paste Recipe
10g of fresh henna powder
2 cups of dark roast instant coffee
2 tablespoons of fresh squeezed lemon juice

20 drops eucalyptus oil
2 tablespoons of granulated sugar

Sift the henna powder and the granulated sugar into a glass bowl. Brew the coffee in the microwave until it is almost syrup in consistency. Heat the 2 tablespoons of lemon juice in the microwave until it turns a light brown. Carefully combine the sifted powder/sugar with the coffee and lemon juice. Do not worry, the hot liquids will make the paste originally lumpy. Keep adding until the consistency of toothpaste or cake icing.

Cover your henna with aluminum wrap. Set in a warm area (70 degrees Celsius or warmer) for 36 hours. Stir occasionally. Do NOT expose the henna to direct sunlight. Stir in the eucalyptus oil. Do NOT use clove oil because many people have sensitivity to it and it will not act as a terp. Spoon henna into a disposable cake decorating cone or into a zip lock sandwich baggies. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Henna paste can be used for 2 weeks after it has been made as long as it is refrigerated between uses.

The granulated sugar makes the henna flow more smoothly for finely detailed lines. Blot tattoo with lemon juice/sugar glaze to keep it moist longer. Blow tattoo with a low setting hair dryer for 10 minutes. Put a fresh glaze over the tattoo. Wrap tattoo area with tissue paper, cover with a sock or glove and let it remain on the skin overnight. Wash off the skin with clear water. Rub in cooking oil or hendi oil to make the tattoo last longer. Do not use soap on the area and cover with Vaseline prior to showers.

Learn more about this author, Joyce Priddy.
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