How to Make Henna Paint From Henna Powder

Henna is traditionally used to create temporary tattoos on the hands.

Henna body art has been used for hundreds of years in Eastern countries, traditionally to decorate the hands and feet for wedding ceremonies and other special occasion. Leaves of the henna plant are crushed to make a powder, which is then turned into a paste and painted onto the skin in intricate, deep reddish-brown patterns. Henna tattoos normally last up to four weeks. Before you start to make your henna paint, check that your powder is fresh, green and aromatic. Stale henna with no smell will not dye the skin.

Things You'll Need

• Small bowl
• Strained lemon juice
• Sugar
• Essential oil
• Plastic wrap

Instructions

1. Measure 1/4 cup of henna powder into a small bowl. Add 1/4 cup of strained lemon juice, 1/4 tsp. at a time. Mix thoroughly between each 1/4 teaspoon. Take your time over this stage; too much lemon juice will make your paste too runny, while too little will result in a thick paste that is difficult to squeeze from your applicator.

2. Stir to combine the powder and the lemon juice until no lumps of dry powder remain.

3. Check that you have the correct consistency of henna paste; aim for the consistency of mashed potatoes. It should be smooth, with no lumps, and murky green in color.

4. Add 1 1/2 tsp. sugar and and 1 1/2 tsp. essential oil, such as cajeput, eucalyptus, clove, camphor, tea tree, revensara or lavender. Mix the ingredients vigorously. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and silky.

5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and press it down against the top of the paste, using your fingers to get rid of any air pockets.

6. Put the bowl in a warm place -- a temperature of around 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal -- for 24 hours. This gives the henna time to release dye. Check your paste after this time and adjust consistency if necessary before transferring the paste into your applicator cones.

Tips & Warnings

• Henna powder is sensitive to heat and light; store it in a sealed container in the freezer.

• Mix henna powder in a clear container to allow you to watch the dye release. When there is a dark band at the top of the container, the henna is ready to use.

References

• Mehndi Skin: Henna Tattoo Recipe
• Henna Caravan: How to Mix Henna Paste: HC's tried and true "KISS" recipe