How to Use Henna Paste

Create beautiful temporary body art with henna paste.

Lawsonia inermis, more commonly known as henna, has been used for thousands of years as a natural dye for skin and hair. Henna paste is applied to the skin to create exotic designs in a range of colors from reddish brown to dark maroon. Traditionally used for ceremonial decoration for weddings, burials and royalty dating back to the Babylonians, henna has recently gained popularity with young people as a chemical free and temporary body adornment.

Things You'll Need

• Henna paste
• Knee-high nylon
• Cup
• Disposable plastic gloves
• Carrot bag
• Rubbing alcohol
• Watercolor pencil or marker
• Spoon
• Applicator
• Paper towels
• Medical tape
• Lemon juice

Instructions

Straining the Henna

1. Stretch a knee-high nylon over a cup, pushing the toe into the cup and pour the Henna paste into the nylon. Put on disposable plastic gloves.

2. Remove the nylon from the cup and place the nylon into a clean bowl or a carrot bag.

3. Press firmly from the top of the nylon to the toe pushing the paste through the mesh of the nylon. The strained paste will now be in a container for you to store or transfer into an applicator.

Applying the Henna

1. Clean and exfoliate the area of skin with soap and water and then apply rubbing alcohol to ensure that all lotions and body oils have been removed from the area you are going to apply the henna.

2. Draw the desired design on the skin with a watercolor pencil or water-based marker.

3. Choose an applicator. A jac bottle is recommended for beginners because it mimics the motion of drawing with a pencil. You can also use a mylar cone, paintbrush, syringe or carrot bag. Fill the applicator with the henna paste.

4. Practice drawing shapes on a paper towel to determine the amount of pressure needed.

5. Rest the weight of your hand on your little finger for stability as you prepare to trace over the drawn design on the skin with the henna paste. Prevent the tip of the applicator from touching the skin and draw a smooth line of consistent width.

Sealing the Henna

1. Dry the henna for at least 20 minutes. It will be dry to the touch and dull instead of shiny.

2. Press overlapping 3-inch strips of medical tape directly on the area. Cover the taped area with a cloth to keep the henna warm and intensify the dye effect.

3. Remove the tape 6 to 12 hours after the tape is applied. Rub a small amount of lemon juice on the area to remove any remaining bits of paste.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid water exposure for the first 24 hours.

• Eucalyptus oil or mustard oil can be applied after removing the tape to intensify the dye result.

• Black henna is not a natural form of henna. It may contain chemicals that will blister and scar.

References

• Henna Page
• Henna Caravan

Resources

• Henna Supply