|
|
Henna Recipes and Techniques
|
|
My current henna recipe:
1/2 oz. henna powder (presifted)
Lemon Juice (concentrate is fine, but if fresh, strain FIRST!)
Honey
Tea Tree Oil (optional)
Sugar (for Lemon/sugar step)
ALWAYS sift henna beforehand!! The BEST sifter I've yet used is the gold non-destructable coffee filter.
There are several varieties available, but they all get the henna SUPERFINE!
Try to use plastic bowls and spoons, as ceramic can stain, and metal may rust from the acidity!
Mix about a tablespoon of lemon juice into the henna powder, keep adding more a little at a time until about thick spackle consistancy, stir until large lumps are gone and has the consistency of thick yogurt. It should slowly drip off your spoon.
Add a few drops of tea tree oil, if desired. Let henna sit, covered, for 8 hours room temperature before using.
Just before using paste, stir in 1/4 teaspoon honey. This will help the paste stick to your skin. If you have trouble getting the henna to flow through your applicator, add more lemon juice.
Unused henna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and in the freezer for months. Thaw to room temperature before using.
LEMON/SUGAR: Mix 1/2 part lemon, 1/2 part sugar together until sugar dissolves. Use a cotton ball or facial puff to apply to the henna design once it has started to dry. Keep applying until henna paste cannot soak up any more! (Wet paste is shiny and brownish-green. Dry paste is dull and black) Be careful not to let the paste get TOO dry, or you could lift it off with the cotton ball!
WRAPPING: After lemon/sugar step, you can wrap your design. Take some toilet paper and wrap the areas securely. If wrapping your hand, make it look like a glove. The next layer (Saran or Cling wrap) should look like a mitten. Feet are a little more difficult, but can be held in place easily with a tube sock. Tape down securely, and leave on overnight, if possible.
|
|
My favorite way to apply henna:
JAQUARD BOTTLES: Fill Jaquard bottles by placing a tablespoon or so of henna into a small ziplock bag. Cut a small peice off one corner and squirt into Jaquard bottle. Make SURE you have a small pin handy to push out those clogs! As you run low on henna, you will notice it becomes harder to squeeze the bottle. Keep refilling often, or risk hand cramps. Still a great method for line control.
PASTRY CONES: Snip the tip off of a clear (disposable) pastry bag. Jam a metal pastry tip down in there and tape securely! Fill up with henna paste, and block its retreat out of the top of the bag with a twist-tie, or you'll end up with it all over the place. I use several sizes of tips, which can be easily changed if you get what's called a "coupler" from a cake or craft store. This is a plastic device that stays in the bag, and you can change tips and lock them in place with a plastic ring. Very handy when switching from tiny lacy Indian designs to big bold Arabic stuff. Again, keep that pin handy for clogs.
PRACTICE, PRACTICE!
*Start with paper! Try drawing the designs in pencil first, then go over them with henna. You will soon begin to realize just how small you can draw.
*Laying out your design with Crayola washable marker first on your skin is a good way to tell if it will "fit" and look good, then go over the lines with henna.
*Keep Q-tips and toothpicks handy for the occasional mistake-simply wipe off!
*You MUST NOT let the hennaed area get cold! Henna works best while warm!
*For best color results, wrap hennaed areas first with toilet paper, then saran wrap, tape down securely and let sit overnight before removing.
*Remove paste with vegetable oil, not water!! Water can interrupt the staining process, leaving you with only a faint orange design. Smear a little oil on and rub off over a sink. Scrub stubborn parts with a paper towel. Try not to wash the area for at least 12 hours.
*Re-moisturize your design with oil EVERY DAY! This will prevent your skin from drying out and exfoliating your henna design away!
| |
