How to Make Black Henna Paste

Henna is an ancient, non-permanent tattoo method using the powder of the Henna plant that is found in Africa, South Africa and Australia. The powder is formed into a paste and then applied by various methods to create a tattoo that lasts up to a month. Henna is completely safe and natural. Natural black henna does not exist. The making of black henna requires using a substance that is dangerous to the skin. This article will show you how to make black henna paste using natural substances.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Henna Powder; Fresh, 1/4 Cup
• Lemon Juice
• Small Bowl (glass or plastic, metal can make it react)
• Measuring Spoons
• Sugar
• Henna Oil
• Plastic Baggie
• Applicator Bottle
• Black Food Coloring
• Plastic Wrap
• Heat Lamp, 75-85 Degrees

Mixing Henna Powder and Lemon Juice

1. Pour the fresh henna powder into a small bowl. Make a well in the center of the fresh henna powder and pour in the lemon juice. Stir the henna powder and lemon juice together until there are no lumps of powder remaining. Continue stirring until the henna paste is about as thick as mashed potatoes and dark green.

2. Add a small amount of black food coloring to darken up the paste and stir again until evenly distributed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and press down until the wrap touched the paste and press out air bubbles.

3. Place the bowl under a heat lamp for twelve hours. Remove from under the heat lamp and take off the plastic wrap. Measure out 1.5 teaspoons of sugar and 1.5 teaspoons of henna oil and add to the bowl mixing until it is smooth and silky.

4. Cover the paste with plastic wrap again pressing it against the paste to remove air pockets and place the bowl under the heat lamp for another twelve hours.

5. Stir the henna paste. It should be creamy like yogurt and smooth. If too thick add lemon juice by 1/4 teaspoonfuls until consistency is achieved then fill the applicator bottle.

6. Fill applicator bottle.

Tips & Warnings

• You can add food coloring to Henna Paste.
• If you are getting a Henna tattoo smell the paste. It should smell like cut grass or hay if it is fresh.
• Store henna powder sealed tightly away from light, air and moisture in the freezer.
• This article shows you how to make enough henna paste to do 75 small henna tattoos.
• Start mixing the henna paste 24 hours before you plan to use it.
• Leave the henna paste under the heat for the full time as it draws out the colors so it can stain the skin deeply.
• Do not use black henna paste! It is made by using a black dye known as PPD and is not approved by the FDA and is toxic to the skin.
• Henna needs an acid to bring out the natural dye in the leaves. Do not use water as lemon is very acidic and works perfectly.

Resources

• Fresh Henna Supplies

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[jmk3482]

on 6/19/2009 Although there is some truth to this article, it is very misleading. There is no such thing as "black henna." Natural henna is a plant based paste that will only produce red/brown stains on the skin. Adding black food coloring or any other color food coloring will not improve the stain of the henna and will not last nearly as long as natural henna does. Also, the article states you need "henna oil." That is also very misleading. There is no special brand of henna oil or mehndi oil as some kits you buy will give you. Adding essential oils to henna will help the stain but only certain ones. Tea Tree oil is the best oil to add to henna to help darken the stain. But you will still not have "black" stains. This recipe will work but I would omit the food coloring and add tea tree oil instead of "henna oil." Never put something on your skin if it doesn't have ingredients listed on it.

If y...