Natural Henna/Mehandi Kit

Is "greener" better?
Many people believe "greener" henna is better henna. This is just a marketing ploy. In India and some other countries, shovelfuls of green dye and green dyed sand are tossed into henna to give it more "eye appeal". Similarly, in the USA, apples are coated with wax and oils to give them "eye appeal". Neither the green dye nor the wax has anything to do with the quality of the original product.

How long will henna last?
If you put your henna in an airtight, light-proof container in your freezer, it'll stay good for years! If you leave your henna in the light, in an opened box, or in a hot place, it will lose its dye potency!

How to Mix the Henna
Mix your paste in a ceramic or plastic bowl, and use a plastic or wooden spoon. Some people use metal bowls and spoons, but the acidic henna mix can react with some metals and tarnish them.

Wrapping henna is traditional in many countries, especially the cooler mountainous areas of Morocco, though they use gauze rather than paper tissue. Brides' wrapped hands and feet are then covered with embroidered textiles especially made for the purpose, handed down through generations in a family.

Glove the Henna!
Gloves, socks and light wraps help henna stay on when you're busy.

How do you get darker henna stains?
If you can make your skin hotter when you have the henna paste on, you will get a darker stain! If you henna on a midsummer night, you'll probably get the best stain of the year. Else, hold your hennaed hand near a heater. Keep your skin warm. Seal your henna before you do this so your henna won't dry, crack and fall off. Remember, burns hurt! Be careful!

Indian traditions specify holding your hand over a brazier with smouldering cloves. If you want to use this tradition do it outside. Or, add cloves to your mix.

Making Persian Gold
Turmeric is a member of the Ginger (Zingiberaceae) family, and is native to Asia. The colour comes from the plant's rhizome. It is absolutely safe to use on skin! Turmeric was used in old Hindu bridal ceremonies to ornament the bride before henna was adopted into Hindu bridal festivities.

Get some turmeric powder. Indian grocery stores have great turmeric! You can apply turmeric with a stiff bristled small brush, or cotton swabs.

Dampen your brush or cotton swab with water. Dip it in the turmeric and rub it around until it's full of yellow. Then, rub that into the area of henna pattern you want to stain yellow. Rub in more turmeric. Let it dry and rub in more turmeric. When the turmeric area is dry, rub over the area with a tissue to polish off the excess. Don't wash the area you put turmeric on for 12 hours after applying, to give it time to penetrate and stain the skin. Wash less, or wash gently to keep your turmeric brightly coloured as long as possible.