Henna Tattoos
How to Make Temporary Henna Tattoos!
Henna Tattoos: The History
How To Make Mehendi Henna Paste
- Body art quality henna powder (such as silkandstone or jamila)
- Room temperature lemon juice
- Plastic bag or pre made henna cone
- non-metallic mixing bowl
- plastic spoon
- plastic wrap
- plastic bag
- molasses or sugar/lemon juice mixture to help the henna stick to skin (optional)
- essential oil to make the henna darker
- artificial sweetener such as splenda to add a smoother texture to the paste
- Pour the henna powder and artificial sweetener into the small non-metallic mixing bowl.
- Slowly add lemon juice and stir until the paste is the consistency of mashed potatoes.
- Cover mixture with plastic wrap for 12-24 hours so that the henna paste could release the dye. You know when it releases the dye when the top section is darker than the bottom section.
- After you can see that the dye is released, the henna is ready to use. You can also add the essential oil at this time but it isn't necessary.
- At this point, also add more lemon juice a little at a time so that the henna is easier to apply to the hand, and it sticks better. You should then be able to make 4 inch long strands when you dip the spoon in and pull up.
- Spoon the henna paste into a small plastic bag and cut a small hole on one of the corners. Then squeeze the henna into a pre-made henna cone or keep it in the plastic bag. Henna cones are easier to draw and make designs with.
Unused henna paste can be put into a sealed bag and in the freezer. It could be good for about a year after you put it in the freezer.
Designs That Are Popular
Non-Traditional
Modern Traditional
Traditional
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is henna permanent?
Answer: NO! It lasts 1-3 weeks depending on the quality of the henna.
2. Is henna natural or made with chemicals?
Answer: If you buy the henna paste of of Amazon or some other website it will most likely have chemicals in it. If you buy the henna powder off of the internet or in an Indian store it will most likely be more natural and will not hurt your skin.
3. Should I wash henna off after leaving it on for a night?
Answer: It depends on what you want. I personally would wash it off for the stained look, that way it doesn't crack and it looks neater. It also stays on longer if you wash it off. If you don't want to wash it off that is okay but just keep in mind that it will look neater if you do wash it off.