How to Prepare Black Henna
Black henna, also known as henna black or black mehndi, is a popular temporary tattoo ink made from the leaves of the henna plant (Lawsonia inermis). It is commonly used for body art, especially during festivals and celebrations. Preparing black henna can be a bit tricky, as it requires specific ingredients and a proper preparation process. In this article, we will guide you through the steps on how to prepare black henna for a beautiful and long-lasting tattoo.
Ingredients Needed
Before you start preparing black henna, gather the following ingredients:
1. Fresh henna leaves: Fresh leaves provide the best color and quality. If fresh leaves are not available, you can use dried henna powder, but the color might not be as vibrant.
2. Water: Use distilled or filtered water to avoid impurities that can affect the color.
3. Lemon juice: Lemon juice helps to extract the dye from the henna leaves and enhances the color.
4. Black food coloring: This is optional, but it can help achieve a darker, more intense black color.
5. Essential oils: Eucalyptus, peppermint, or tea tree oil can be added for fragrance and to soothe the skin.
6. Plastic or glass containers: These are needed for mixing the henna paste.
7. Plastic gloves: To protect your hands from staining.
8. A strainer or cheesecloth: To strain the henna leaves and separate the paste.
Preparing the Black Henna Paste
1. Wash the fresh henna leaves thoroughly and chop them into small pieces. If using dried henna powder, mix it with water to form a paste.
2. In a plastic or glass container, pour enough water to cover the henna leaves. Add a few drops of lemon juice and let it sit for a few hours or overnight to allow the leaves to soak and soften.
3. After soaking, strain the mixture using a strainer or cheesecloth to separate the leaves from the liquid. Squeeze the leaves to extract as much liquid as possible.
4. Add black food coloring to the strained liquid if you want a darker color. Mix well until the color is uniform.
5. Gradually add water to the strained liquid, stirring continuously to form a paste. The consistency should be thick and smooth, like toothpaste. If the paste is too thick, add a little more water; if it’s too thin, add more henna powder.
6. Add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance and to soothe the skin. Mix well.
Storing the Black Henna Paste
To store the black henna paste, transfer it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. If the paste starts to separate, stir it well before using.
Applying the Black Henna Paste
Now that you have prepared your black henna paste, you can apply it to your skin. Follow these steps:
1. Clean the area where you want to apply the henna with soap and water. Dry it thoroughly.
2. Wear plastic gloves to protect your hands from staining.
3. Using a brush or applicator, apply the henna paste to the desired area. Make sure to cover all the areas you want to be tattooed.
4. Let the henna paste dry completely. This usually takes a few hours or overnight.
5. Once the paste is dry, scrape it off with a spoon or scrape it away with your fingers.
6. Apply a small amount of lemon juice or white vinegar to the area to reveal the black color.
Enjoy your beautiful black henna tattoo! Remember to take care of your skin after applying the henna, as it can be sensitive and prone to irritation.
