How to make henna paste

Here is the basic recipe for making your own henna paste.

Ingredients:

Henna Powder

This is key -- there is nothing you can add to henna paste to make it stain stronger. Buy henna powder from a reputable source that is packaged and stored properly. Improperly stored henna powder will stain poorly. The ingredients on the package should list "lawsonia inermis" and that's it. No added dyes, herbs or chemicals. It should be pre-sifted and ideally be labeled "body art quality" or "BAQ".

Best scenario: "Jamila" brand is one of the highest quality and most popular henna powder available. Dragonfly Designs Henna stores their henna powder in the freezer, and ships using courier or expedited parcel. This is the only henna powder that I use.

Worst scenario: sitting out on a store shelf at room temperature. Even worse: powder is exposed to air and sunshine! Stores that carry henna usually do not store them in the fridge or freezer, and often they are intended for use on hair only. You will get a wimpy stain and clogged applicators -- it's not worth the frustration!

Paste made from natural henna powder (dried and ground up Lawsonia inermis leaves)

Acidic Liquid

Fresh lemon / lime juice is required; other acidic liquids like cola, tea, wine or vinegar will work too, however whatever you mix into your paste, you will smell like it! Wine and vinegar are quite nasty!!

The majority of your henna paste will contain the acidic liquid, so make sure you have lots.

Sugar

White sugar, dextrose, brown sugar, molasses, maple syrup, honey, agave etc. This keeps the henna paste for cracking and flaking off after it dries. Artificial sweeteners do not work.

Essential Oil (optional)

Essential oils containing terpineols that give your henna stain a slight boost. They also add fragrance. Lavender is the mildest and safest "terp."

Use the therapeutic grade essential oil -- this is the highest-quality available and is safe for use on skin. Don't use aromatheraphy oils -- these contain other ingredients and are not intended for use on skin.

Cheap essential oils often contain adulterants that can cause nausea, dermitis or worse! If you plan to use essential oils, buy from a reputable source.

Learn more about "Terps" (Henna Page) >

Preparation:

Spoon henna powder in a clear glass bowl.
Slowly add small amounts of acidic liquid to the henna powder. Use a spoon to mix thoroughly.
When all of the henna powder has been moistened, it will be a very thick paste. Spread it out in the bowl.
Cover bowl with cling wrap and set in a dark, warm spot (NOT in the sun and NOT directly on a heat source)
Leave the bowl for 4-8 hours, until you can see dye release on the surface of the thick henna paste (compare with unexposed henna paste at bottom of bowl if you aren't sure).
When it's ready, stir it up with a spoon.
Optional: Add a few drops of essential oil.
Mix in the sugar.
Carefully add small amounts of acidic liquid and blend thoroughly. The final consistency should be like toothpaste or yogurt.
Let your mixed paste sit for an hour or two before using. Or you can put it immediately into the freezer. (Fresh henna paste will demise rapidly if left unfrozen.)

Yield:

100g of henna powder will yield approximately 350g of henna paste:

Learn more

Henna Page offers a henna paste recipe with photos >

I also offer a Henna 101 Workshop for people of all skill levels. In particular, participants learn to make henna paste, use applicators and other tips.