Things You'll Need:
- Henna powder
- Fresh lemon juice
- Small nonmetal bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Nonmetal mixing implement
- Sugar
- Essential oil
- Plastic wrap
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Step 1
For best results, henna must be mixed 24 hours before it is used, so be sure to plan in advance.
Squeeze the juice from two lemons and strain.
Pour 1/4 cup of fresh henna powder and 1/4 cup strained lemon juice into a bowl, and stir until no lumps of the dry henna powder can be seen. The paste should have the consistency of mashed potatoes. -
Step 2
Place a piece of plastic wrap over the paste. Push the wrap down gently to meet the surface of the paste and remove air pockets. Let the paste sit in a warm area for 12 hours.
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Step 3
After twelve hours, remove the plastic wrap and stir in 1 1/2 tsp. of sugar. The addition of sugar is important because it helps keep the paste moist and pliable on the skin or in the hair.
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Step 4
Add approximately 1 tsp. of essential oil. Some henna packages provide a vial of oil. If oil has not been provided for you, lavender, tea tree or eucalyptus oils are excellent and economical choices. Stir until the paste is smooth again. Cover the paste with plastic wrap as before, and let it sit for another 12 hours.
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Step 5
The dye from the henna powder will now be released, but you may need to adjust the consistency of the paste before it can be used. The finished product should be smooth without being runny; imagine a creamy texture that can be easily expelled from an applicator without dripping. If your paste is too thick, slowly stir in lemon juice 1/4 tsp. at a time until the correct consistency is met.
