Here we go, to make your henna paste, you first need to get your ingredients right. There are a number of things that can be added to the henna powder to make a paste that will stain your skin. 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 you will need:
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 tablespoons black tea or coffee
- 3 tablespoons of sifted henna powder (make sure you sift the powder before making a paste)
- 1 teaspoon eucalyptus oil
Lemon-Sugar Glaze
- Strained juice of ½ lemon
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Boil a cup of water and make tea or coffee.
- Let it steep for a few hours.
- Strain to remove any particles or tea material.
- Put henna powder into a plastic or glass bowl and add eucalyptus oil, BUT DO NOT STIR IT YET! Slowly add the tea/coffee about 3 teaspoons at a time to the powder and stir with a small spoon.
- Use the spoon to press the powder and water together.
- Do not worry about lumps.
- Allow the mixture to sit for 6 and 12 hours.The longer you let it sit, the smoother the mixture will be.
- If you are impatient, after six hours you can smooth out any remaining lumps with a spoon.
what some people prefer to do is to buy the ready made henna in the cone. it saves time and all the hassle of making the paste.
References:
- Schwarz, R. (n.d.). Making your own henna paste. Retrieved March 2011, from http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art4639.asp
- Beauty. (n.d.). Retrieved March 2011, from Henna Paste: http://beauty.iloveindia.com/henna/making-paste.html