Henna Mehndi - Natural dye for body art Part 2

Today we will look at how to store henna and how to make henna cone to get those beautiful designs…

 How to Store Henna?

Keep fresh henna powder or henna paste in the freezer. It can be stored in a plastic applicator bottle or in cones and it should be sealed well. Wrap tightly to protect from light and moisture. Henna is perishable, so protect it from heat and light. Once opened, try to use it within 6-12 months for best results.

How to Mix Henna Paste?

1. Henna should be mixed 24 hours prior to use to get the best results. Get the below mentioned ingredients ready. Mix these ingredients into a fine paste and put it in a zip lock bag.

         

          20 grams packet of mehndi

1.5 teaspoons sugar

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1.5 teaspoons of essential Oils used to mix henna      

2. Watchfully mix the ingredients in the bag. Now continue to carefully mix the paste by massaging the bag until all the lumps are removed.

3. Keep the bag of henna paste in a warm place for 24 hours (on 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit).

4. After 24 hours has passed, open one small corner of the bag and fill your applicator bottle or the henna cone.

5. Now make beautiful henna body art!

6. Keep the leftover henna paste in the freezer to be used another time.

Not sure how to fill the storage carrot bag? Do not worry; here is how it is made…

 1.   Inside a tall glass place a large zip lock bag or storage carrot bag.

2.   Next step is to fold the top edge over the glass (Just as shown in the second image) so that it will stand up straight and will not collapse.

3.   Now pour the prepared mehndi paste into the bag.

4.   Completely lock the bag by twisting the tail 1 or 2 full twists above the filled portion.

5.   Close the bag with a knot or small rubber band. Then cut about 1/4 inch or preferably less off the tip of the storage carrot bag to fill the cones or applicator bottles.

Now get the cone ready to make the designs…

Gather cones, henna, a narrow glass, and rubber bands/tape.

Make several cones stand in the glass until there are enough cones that they support themselves. Then make sure the center cone stays upright to be filled with henna.

Now insert the storage carrot bag that is filled with henna down into the center cone and squeeze in henna paste gently.

Fill the cone about half to 3/4’ths full of the cone. Be watchful not to overfill the cone.

Points to remember: Try to keep the sides of the cone clean. Ensure the paste does not get to the edge of the cone making it a mess.

Now take hold of the end of the cone and squeeze it together the excess, empty Mylar.

Squeeze the empty end/tail tightly. To tightly seal the cone, squeeze and twist the Mylar. Be careful not to let any mehndi paste squeeze up to the end of the tail.

Seal the cone with a small rubber band. Ensue to wrap the rubber band on multiple times to ensure the cone is completely sealed and no mehndi explodes out while you make your designs.

As you use up the paste, keep sliding the rubber band down to maintain full pressure in the cone. 

Now you are all set to make your own mehndi designs!

Henna Mehndi - Natural dye for body art Part - 1

What is henna?

 

Henna, or Lawsonia inermis, is a plant that produces a wonderful natural red dye from its leaves. The leaves are dried first and then ground into a fine powder and then mixed into a paste. The paste is applied to the skin in different intricate patterns which leaves a reddish-brown stain known as ‘MEHNDI’. 

Why to use henna?

 

 1.   Henna Mehndi is considered as a temporary art or tattoo, which is completely safe because it is made of all natural ingredients.

 2.   Mehndi only lasts for a few days which allow us to change the designs often J.

 3.   It is sooth-ing to the skin and cooling to the body. Mehndi has been used to treat fungal infections and heat exhaustion. It has a mild antiseptic property, and is an amazing natural sun block.

 4.   Birthdays, book clubs, grad nights, weddings, baby showers, bridal showers, and mainly girl’s nights are great times to include henna Mehndi. You can create your own day of pampering and relaxation for family and friends.

 5.   Mehndi has an exotic light natural scent and cool henna paste applied to the skin can be very calming. 

     Where does henna work best?

Mehndi usually works best on the feet, hands, wrists and ankles. Mehndi will have the darkest stains and will last long on these areas. Since the skin on the feet and hand is thick, it allows the henna to soak in deeper that results in a richer, darker and long lasting beautiful stain.

1.   Wrist: Natural wrinkles are seen in the wrist bend. Especially when we bend the hand up and down. Ensure to apply the Mehndi pattern just one inch above the bend to prevent the Mehndi from smudging.

2.   Ankles: Follow the same procedure given for the wrist. The advantage here is if the design is placed one inch above the anklebone will make the legs appear slimmer. It will also secure the paste and avoid dim stain from being rubbed off to early or prematurely by wearing shoes.

3.   Lower Back: It is advisable to apply mehndi to the lower back while the person is standing. Designs can easily distort if it is not allowed to dry at least a few minutes before bending, walking, or sitting down as this area usually stretches a lot. To avoid smudging you can place the design one or two inches above the waistband. It will look beautiful when to wear your jeans or even on a skirt with a short blouse.

4.   Stomach: Patterns on stomachs will be tricky as the belly folds when bending or sitting and can easily smudge. So it is best to apply patterns to the stomach while the person is lying down or standing. Let the mehndi dry at least a few minutes before bending, walking, or sitting down. For pregnant bellies, position the mom on a comfortable sofa, and work around her to add the patterns. Sitting on the floor between her feet will also work well. Use only Lavender Essential Oil in Mehndi paste that is applied on a pregnant woman.

5.   Face and Neck: These body parts have high concentration of body oil, especially on the face, neck and chest. The skin is very thin which does not allow the mehndi to absorb well. Mehndi stains on these areas only last a few days and it usually will be light in color.

“Henna Mehndi - Natural dye for body art part 2” will be published in a couple of days. In the 2^nd part I will share information about how to store henna and how to prepare henna cone which is very important to get the desired designs… Until then take care and keep smiling!