About Mixing Henna
As I try to brainstorm new content for this website, I’ve started thinking about getting back to basics. The most basic thing I can think of is mixing henna paste, and looking back at my previous posts I’ve spend some time going into great detail about henna chemistry, and special techniques in mixing henna, but what I haven’t done is post a very simple basic recipe. So here it is! This is the simple beginner’s recipe that I include in my henna kits.
Mixing Henna Paste
This is the most basic recipe for mixing paste. You may want to make changes based on your preferences or your local climate, but this is a great place to start.
Instructions
Mixing
- 25 grams (about 2 heaping table spoons) of henna powder
- lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1.5 ml (15-20 drops) Cajeput Essential Oil
- Mix lemon juice into henna powder and sugar until it is the consistency of stiff mashed potatoes.
- Add essential oil and adjust the consistency of the paste to about that of pancake batter by adding more lemon juice.
- Recover and let stand 5 – 24 hours until it’s ready. The cooler the temperature, the longer it will need to stand. You can tell when it’s ready by putting a dot of paste on the heal of your palm. Let the paste dry, and rinse it off. If there is a bright orange stain, your paste is ready. This is called dye release.
Filling applicators
Spoon the paste into the included pastry bag. Snip the pointy end with scissors. Gently squeeze paste into the applicators. Only fill them about 2/3 of the way and use the remaining plastic to fold into a triangle and roll down. Use a tab of tape to hold it closed.
Application
Apply to clean skin. Allow the paste to dry for 30 minutes before touching it or covering with clothing. Leave dry paste on for an additional 4-8 hours.
After care
When the paste is removed the design will be pale orange. Allow 1-3 days for the color to deepen. Avoid water as much as possible in these first days. Use lotion or lip balm to keep skin moisturized and to seal it away from exposure to water before bathing.
Next Steps
After you’ve tried mixing henna paste with this recipe you’re ready to study advanced henna chemistry and my trademark sugaring method.
