How to mix henna paste for body art

There are many recipes out there for mixing henna paste.  This is the one I use and have great results every time.  Pictures coming soon!

Ingredients :
1/4 cup Jamila henna powder
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. essential oils
Extra lemon juice

Directions :
  • Mix henna and lemon juice together.
  • Add sugar, mix.
  • Add essential oils, mix.
  • You may add a bit more lemon juice to make sure the ingredients are mixed very well together, and all the henna powder is wet.  The consistency should be similar to that of mashed potatoes.
  • Cover and let sit at 75 - 85 F (24 - 29 C) for 24 hours.  (This is a bit warmer than "room temperature", you may wish to turn up your thermostat while waiting for dye release or put it in a warm spot in your house).
  • Test to make sure dye has released, to do this, put a small amount on the palm of your hand, wait five minutes then wash off, you should be left with a light orange stain.
  • Now you can add your extra lemon juice a little bit at a time until you reach your desired consistency.  I usually add about three small tablespoons.
  • Fill your applicators.
  • Now is the fun part, applying the henna! 
  • Make sure to follow aftercare instructions for best results.


Notes : 
  • The sugar is used to help the henna paste stick to your skin longer, and dry slower so you can achieve a darker stain.  You can add more or less depending on the time of year, and humidity levels where you will be applying your henna.
  • Essentials oils : tea tree, cajeput, and lavender are all good choices, make sure they are 100% essential oils, and not fragrance oils.  You can use one oil, or try blending two or more for different results/smells.
  • If you find the lemon juice is harsh on your skin, you can use water to adjust the consistency at the end, or do a 50/50 henna water mix (some lemon juice is needed because the acid in the juice brings out the dye molecule in the henna).
  • You can use other henna powders with this recipe, though I have only tested it with Jamila.  Other powders may require different ratios, and/or different times/temperatures for dye release.  Make sure you are using a finely sifted, body art quality (BAQ) powder, or you may find clumps or even small twigs in your paste!


Feel free to use this recipe exactly as written, or to do some tweaking/experimenting on your own!