2 of 5

Write now Article Tools

How to mix henna paste for body art application is an easy 2 step process.
Begin by assembling your ingredients:
20 grams of fresh body art quality hennna,
one bottle of lemon juice,
therapeutic quality essential oil (lavender or cajeput are good),
regular table sugar.

In addition you will need a small mixing bowl, saran wrap or plastic wrap and a stirring utensil.

Start mixing your paste 24 hours before application to the body for best results.

Pour the henna into the bowl and add 1/4 cup strained fresh or bottled lemon juice and stir, this will be a thick consistency like mashed potatoes.
When using any type of dye it is necessary to create the chemical reaction to release the dye molecules.
Henna requires an acid to bring out the dye in the leaves of the plant and lemon juice is the perfect acid and readily available and very safe.
It is not recommended to heat the liquids as henna can be cooked and ruined.
Some recipes include spices , coffee, tea, water, tamarind, dried limes and other ingredients that will not make much of a difference in the dye power since they do not bind with the keratin in the skin like the henna dye.
You can get a fabulous stain with lemon juice , sugar, and essential oil in your henna.
Stir the mix until they are totally incorporated with no lumps of dry powder remaining.
Cover the paste with plastic wrap forcing all the air out so the wrap is touching the entire top of the paste .
Let the paste sit in a warm spot , 85 degrees F for 12 hours, this can be under a goose neck lamp or on the top of an appliance that is consistently warm.
Unwrap the paste after the 12 hours and add 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar. Sugar helps the paste to stick to the skin and helps smooth out the consistency.
Add 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons essential oil and stir.
I do not recommend eucalyptus, clove , mustard or mehndi oil as they can cause skin irritation.
The paste will by chunky at this point but keep stirring till it smooths out, and cover again making sure all air is out of the container. Replace the henna in the warm spot and leave for 8-12 hours.
After the 8-12 hours you can check your henna for consistency, this is the time to add more lemon juice if needed. It should be a smooth, creamy mix.
Add small amounts of liquid, 1/4 teaspoon at a time. It is impossible to thicken up your paste if you over add liquid.
It is easier to add till is is just right for your use.
When you have the desired thinness you can put it in your applicator of choice.
At this time you should either use your henna or put it in the freezer until you are ready to use it.
It will keep for a year if it is well sealed and in the freezer.

Learn more about this author, Flavia Mcqueen.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about How to make a henna tattoo?
We want to hear your view. Write now!