How to Make Your Own Henna Paint

Henna paint is used in traditional Indian henna tattoos. When you apply henna paint to your skin, the henna will create a natural stain that will be a rich, dark, brown color. While there are henna body artists that will apply henna tattoos for a fee, you can actually make your own henna paint at home so that you can do a henna tattoo for yourself or for someone else.

Things You'll Need

• Water -- 1 cup
• Coffee or black tea - 2 tsp.
• Sifted henna powder -- 3 tsp.
• Eucalyptus or lavender oil - 1 tsp.

Instructions

1. Boil the water. Place your cup of water in the microwave or in a pan on the stove and bring to a boil.

2. Make coffee or tea. Take your 2 tsp. of coffee or tea and add it to the boiling water. For best results, allow it to steep for a few hours. Then strain it to remove the coffee or tea grounds/leaves.

3. Put the other ingredients together. Take a small bowl and add your 3 tsp. of sifted henna powder and your 1 tsp. of eucalyptus or lavender oil. Do not actually mix these two items together!

4. Add your coffee or tea to the bowl. Take your cup of coffee or tea and slowly add it to your bowl of sifted henna powder and oil. For best results, use a small spoon to transfer 3 tsp. at a time. Do not mix the liquid in with the ingredients in the bowl--instead, press the liquid into the ingredients with your spoon.

5. Let your henna paint set. You will need to let your paint set for at least six hours, but it is preferred that you leave it for 12 hours. Once it has the consistency of toothpaste, it will be ready for use. Be careful not to let it get too dry so that it cracks.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have lumps, you can spoon those out once you have let the henna paste set.

Resources

• Mehndi Skin Art - Henna Recipe
• ChicaWithIssues.com - How to make your own henna paste