For henna powder to release the dye you will have to make a paste of
the henna powder with water or lemon juice. There are a number of things
that can be added to the henna powder to make a paste that will stain
your skin or hair the color you desire. Most people follow a trial and
error method and finally come up with a recipe that suits their needs.
Given below is a basic henna paste recipe, you can try it out and add to
it to suit your needs. To make henna paste or mehendi
Boil the water and add the tea or coffee powder and
make a decoction. Let this decoction soak for a few hours. Strain the
decoction to remove any particles of tea or coffee. Place the henna
powder into a plastic or glass bowl and add eucalyptus oil. Now slowly
add the tea/coffee decoction a little at a time and stir the mixture.
Use the spoon to press the powder and water together. Make a smooth
paste of the henna powder. Allow the paste to stand for 6 to 12 hours.
The longer you allow the paste to stand the smoother the mixture will
become. Now apply this paste in any design you want and wait till the
mehndi is dry, but not cracking. Take a cotton ball and dab a little
lemon-sugar glaze to keep the henna moist. Keep the henna on for as long
as you want.
After you remove the henna paste design from your skin, try not to wet
the area for as long as possible. It is best to leave henna overnight.
Using lemon-sugar glaze will ensure that the mehndi stays overnight. The
less you wash the colored area of your skin the longer the design will
last. If the colored skin is constantly touching water then the color
will fade quickly. Applying lotions or creams will cause the design to
loose color. A henna tattoo cannot be removed; it will have to fade off
on its own. The color may last on your skin for two or three weeks or
longer.
