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How to strain henna paste.
How to Strain Henna Paste
Experience hassle-free henna application with our quick and easy straining method, ensuring the smoothest, clump-free, silky henna. Say goodbye to henna clogs!
For a mess-free staining process, check out this 2-minute video. Detailed written instructions are provided below for your convenience.
Materials needed:
- Henna Paste (pre-mixed or self-mixed from powder)
- Knee High Stocking or Panty Hose (without reinforced toes)
- Carrot Bag (for cake decorating)
- Cup, Vase, or Drinking Glass
Instructions:
-
Prepare Carrot Bag:
- Cut a small opening in the tip of the carrot bag to release air.
-
Set Up Cup and Stocking:
- Place the carrot bag tip down inside your cup, folding the top of the bag over the mouth of the cup to act as a liner.
- Stretch the stocking over the mouth of the cup like a drum, ensuring the toe is over the cup. If it's the first time using the stocking, pre-stretch it to make pushing the henna through easier.
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Apply Henna:
- Glop your mixed henna paste onto the top of the stocking, letting the toe sink into the cup.
- Carefully remove the stocking from the cup, allowing the toe of the stocking to fall into the cup while holding the leg of the stocking to create a "toe of henna."
-
Prepare Carrot Bag:
- Remove the carrot bag from the cup while keeping the toe of the stocking inside the carrot bag.
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Transfer Henna Into the Carrot Bag:
- Firmly grip the carrot bag above the "toe of henna," holding the leg of the stocking outside of the bag.
- Slowly and firmly pull the stocking through the hand-grasped section of the carrot bag, squeezing the henna out of the stocking and into the carrot bag. Knead the "toe of henna" if needed to ensure all henna is squeezed out.
The first time you use the nylon may be challenging, but it becomes easier after one or two uses.
The henna left in the stocking are the bits that would have clogged applicators. The carrot bag makes it easy to fill henna cones or applicator bottles. Consider cutting a slightly larger opening in the carrot bag for easier filling.
Following these steps should take 5 minutes or less once you get the hang of it. Enjoy your henna application!
How to apply henna paste.
How to Apply Henna Paste
- Gather all necessary supplies, including henna, paper towels, clippers/scissors, tape, and additional items that you feel you need.
- Ensure the skin is clean and free from any lotion or oil.
- Thoroughly knead the henna cone and dispense a small amount to eliminate dried henna or henna exposed to air.
- Apply the henna directly to the skin using a henna cone or applicator bottle. You can drape the henna over the skin or touch the skin lightly, whatever works best for you.
- Optional: Allow the henna to dry for 15-30 minutes and apply a sealer.
- Leave the henna on the skin for as long as possible, aiming for a minimum of 4 hours to enhance color intensity and longevity.
- Gently remove the henna paste by scraping or picking it off; refrain from using water for removal. Avoid water contact for the rest of the day or as long as feasible.
- Notice the initial light orange color gradually darkening to a red/brown color over the next few days – a natural part of the henna process.
- Enjoy vibrant color for 4-10 days, with the henna naturally exfoliating away completely within 1-3 weeks.
Don't be alarmed when the stain starts off light. It takes 2-3 days to darken. You don't have to do anything special for this to happen; it's simply the magic of henna. Okay, it's the chemistry of henna, but it's positively magical!
Watch this video of getting a henna cone ready to use. It's less than a minute long!
Please take a moment to "Like" the video and maybe even subscribe
to my You Tube channel. It really helps small businesses like me.
How to create henna freckles.
Faux freckles are super cute and super fun! Creating temporary freckles is safe and is an easy DIY beauty project.
Don't worry! Henna freckles only last 2-5 days. If you don't get it perfect, you don't have to live with it very long and you can try again.
There are some differences between henna freckles and traditional henna tattoos done on other parts of the body.
- The face stains substantially differently than the hands
- You often want a lighter color for freckles than you do for henna designs elsewhere
- Henna on the face doesn't last long
- The facial skin is more sensitive than elsewhere
- Some folks just can't seem to get much color on the face (mix fresh henna to help)
- It may take some trial and error to get it right!
The pictures here are taken from actual client reviews using our natural henna cones.
Instructions for Applying Henna Freckles
- Clean the skin well of all oils and lotions, but avoid exfoliation. Exfoliation will not leave enough skin cells on the face for staining and can irritate the skin when applying henna.
- Ready your henna. If you are using a henna cone knead it well to be sure the henna is completely mixed.
- Apply henna on clean dry skin. Vary the size and shape of the dots so it looks natural.
- You'll want to experiment with how long to keep the henna on to get the color you are looking for. Normally, you scrape henna off the skin and avoid water for the rest of the day, but for freckles people seem to get better results from gently taking off the henna with water (NOT soap).
Final color depends on a bunch of factors (how oily your skin is, where it is in its exfoliation process, your skin tone, your pH level, how warm your skin is, what type of facial lotions you use, and more).
- I suggest starting in 10 or 15 minute increments if you are looking for subtle freckles. If you are looking for darker freckles, I suggest starting with an hour. I have clients that can do 10 minutes for freckles, and I have clients that have to do 8 hours for henna freckles.
PRO TIP: The chest stains similar to the face on most people, so it's a good place to experiment with timing. - REMEMBER the color is LIGHT when you remove the paste. It takes 2 days to darken to full color.
If your henna freckles are too light, leave the henna on longer. Don't use water when you remove the henna. If you are using pre-mixed henna, try mixing your own from our ORa henna using the recipe below.
If your freckles are too dark, you can cut back on the essential oils for a lighter color and/or decrease the amount of time you leave the henna on the skin.
NOTE: Freeze unused henna for future use
Though all our henna (including our premixed henna) is safe to use on skin, facial skin is REALLY sensitive, and the eyes are VERY sensitive to essential oils. For facial freckles, I suggest mixing henna from our ORa henna powder with lavender oil.
Our normal henna mix will work perfectly for freckles, but the skin on the face is fragile and often super-sensitive. I suggest the below henna mix for henna on the face or other sensitive skin.
How to Mix an Extra-Mild Henna Paste for Freckles
- 20g ORa Henna Powder (appx 2.5 Tablespoons)
- 3g Sugar (appx 1/2 teaspoon)
- 2-6mL Lavender Oil* (use the least oil need to achieve color)
- Water to Preferred Texture
Add enough water to get to a useable texture. Something like thick Greek yogurt, stirred frosting, or toothpaste. Be sure it is not so thin that it runs.
Mix all ingredients together and set aside for 2-5 hours to allow dye release. Since this recipe calls for water rather than lemon juice, if you are not using it right away, this must be stored in the refrigerator if it will be used in 24 hours. If not using for longer than 24 hours, store FROZEN.
PRO TIP: It's easier to thin your henna, than to thicken it. Start off thick and slowly thin to your desired texture.
* Tea Tree oil can leave a slightly better stain but is not quite as gentle as lavender oil.
How to store henna paste and powder.
Henna Powder Storage:
- If the henna powder is unopened, store it in a cool, dry place for at least three years. For extended storage, freeze the unopened henna powder.
- Once opened, minimize air exposure by wrapping it tightly and storing it in a cool, dry place. Be careful to avoid condensation when freezing.
Henna Paste Storage:
- Refrigerate henna paste if using within a few days. For longer storage, freeze it.
- Thaw a henna cone for approximately 15 minutes, and ensure thorough kneading after thawing to prevent separation.
- You can re-freeze a few times with no problems, but it may impact the texture over time.
When Using Henna Paste Outdoors (Festivals and Such):
- Keep henna in an insulated cooler, lunch box, or thermos and thaw cones as needed.
Additional Notes on Henna Paste:
- The dye release process of henna paste can be unpredictable, leading to varied results based on storage duration.
- Diligent storage practices are crucial as the dye release process is not visually discernible.
- While old henna is suitable for practice, it is not recommended for paying clients or when aiming for a robust henna stain.
More about our henna crops
About Henna Crop Years
- BAQ henna is harvested once a year.
- Pakistani henna (Jamila) is generally available near the end of summer.
- Rajasthani Indian (ORa) henna is generally available in the late fall/early winter
- Properly stored, unopened powder henna can easily last more than 3 years.
- If you find a crop year you really like, buy extra!
Below is information on our current henna powders. We purchase henna directly from growers, not third-party distributers.
ORa Henna (Organic Rajasthani Henna - BAQ)
2023 Crop *The Henna in All Kits*
Embrace excellence with our signature henna powder, ORa – a remarkable powerhouse that stands out with a stringy texture and dark color. Whether you're a novice or an expert, it is my top recommendation. It's my own henna of choice that I use on my clients.
- 6-24 Hour Dye Release with Lemon Juice (12 hours is the norm)
- Extra Dark Staining Henna
- Extra-High Lawsone Content (2.83)
- Wonderful stringy texture
- Excellent Stickiness (to the skin)
- Excellent Sift
- Very Stable
- Winter Harvest Henna
- USDA Certified Organic by Ecocert
Certification #IN-2023-129831-Z-302376-2023
Buy ORa Henna Powder Here
BAQ Jamila Henna (Pakistani Henna)
2024 Crop
Jamila henna is the most well-known professional-grade henna powder, due to it's wonderful sift and creamy consistency. It has been around for many years and consistently offers good color.
- 18-48 Hour Dye Release with Lemon Juice
(24 hours is the norm) - High Lawsone Content (2.7)
- Super Creamy Texture (benefits from adding sugar)
- Excellent Triple Sift (best sift in the industry)
- Very Stable
- Late Summer Harvest Henna
- Authentic Jamila - we buy directly from Jamila, not a distributor
Buy Jamila Henna Powder Here
Safe Ready Made Henna Paste
I recommend preparing your own mehndi paste using our fresh henna powder. The most optimal color results and the ability to tailor the texture to personal preferences come from mixing your own paste.
Recognizing, however, that not everyone finds it practical to mix their own henna, we've worked hard to provide you with a high-quality, ready-made henna paste.
Our ready-made henna paste is crafted exclusively for us, undergoes flash freezing, and is then express-shipped to us. Upon arrival, it undergoes a thorough quality check and is stored in our in-house freezers. We are committed to delivering a ready-to-use henna paste that is fresh, contains safe ingredients, and is entirely free from harmful chemicals.
Buy Henna Paste Here
Beachcombers' Henna Paste Ingredients
- Pure Henna Powder
- Lemon Juice
- Tea Tree Oil and Clove Bud Oil
- Xantam Gum (sugar)
- Sorbic Acid (instead of parabens as a preservative)
Henna paste must be stored frozen.
Consider our Big Bad Henna Kit which contains BOTH paste and powder!
How to Mix Henna
This deserves it's own page! Learn exactly how I mix my own henna, along with the science of how henna works. This is how you'll get great henna stains and beautifully managable paste.
How to roll henna cones.
How to Roll Henna Cones
This can be a challenge for some people, but controlling the size and shape of your henna cone is worth the effort! Watch this video on rolling henna cones. Written instructions are below.
This video shows BOTH how to roll a cone with a closed tip and an open tip. It also shows you how to get different cone shapes, and shares why I roll my cones they way that I do.
Please take a moment to "Like" the video and maybe subscribe to my You Tube channel. It really helps small businesses like me.
Cone Rolling Instructions:
You can cut cello triangles yourself but, I highly recommend buying pre-cut cello. We offer pre-cut cellophane triangles at great prices.
- Place the cellophane triangle printed side down, with the long edge facing you.
- Position a finger on the middle of the long side of the triangle.
- With your free hand, pick up a corner (right or left) and twist it towards the finger placed in the middle.
- Continuing to twist, creating a cone shape.
- Once you have the basic cone shape, hold the cone with two fingers inside.
- If needed, twist the cone to adjust its shape until a sharp point is achieved. The key to a good cone is a super pointy tip.
- Carefully tape the loose cellophane edge about .5-1 inch from the pointy tip using a transparent tape such as Scotch Red Plaid tape. The frosted tape (green plaid) is NOT recommended.
Filling and Folding a Henna Cone
- Fill the cone 1/2 to 2/3 with henna using a carrot bag or sandwich baggie. Don't worry that the henna doesn't reach the tip of the cone.
- Fold in both corners of the cone to create a tab at the top.
- Fold or roll down the tab tightly and tape it securely.
- Alternatively, use a rubber band or binder clips to close the cone.
- Cut the tip of the cone with scissors or nail clippers to create a very small opening, enough for a needle to pass through.
- Unused henna can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. For longer storage, freeze the henna; thawing individual cones takes about 15 minutes.
Pro tip: Make extra henna cones and freeze them for convenient future use.
Comparing cello, cones, and carrot bags.
Although henna bottles are convenient and ideal for beginners, they can become strenuous on the hands over time. Many henna artists eventually opt for using the more flexible cello cones for henna application.
We provide a variety of cello flats for crafting your own cones, offering excellent value. This option allows you to customize the size and shape of your cones to your preference.
For those who prefer convenience, we also offer pre-rolled cones, which come in a larger size but can be easily trimmed down to smaller dimensions. You can control the size, but not the shape of these cones.
Additionally, we stock carrot bags specifically designed for filling cones and bottles, rather than directly applying henna.
| Type |
Applying Henna |
Storing Henna | Filling bottles | Notes |
 Cello Flats |
X | X | X | You control size and shape. Creates mini to medium sized cones. This is my preference. |
 Rolled Cones |
X | X | X | Large cone size - already rolled. |
 Carrot Bags |
X | X | Huge size is specifically for filling cones and bottles and is used when straining henna. |
I prefer the small size cello triangles for crafting my henna cones. I like a small thin cone while applying henna. Additionally, I create a stash of extra-small "single-serve" henna cones for individual appointments, ensuring I always have them readily available with little waste.
How to use applicator bottles
Applicator bottles make doing henna easy - even for beginners!
-
Attach the metal tip.
Secure the tip to the coupler with a half turn. -
Prepare your henna cones.
Knead the henna well to make sure there is no separation. Cut a wide opening in the tip to make it easier to squeeze into the bottle. -
Fill the applicator bottle.
Fill half way then tap and squeeze the bottle to let the henna settle and remove air pockets. Repeat this until the bottle is COMPLETLEY filled. -
Put the coupler and tip on the bottle.
Screw on the coupler and tip on the bottle and you are ready to henna!
TIPS:
- Tap the BOTTOM of the bottle frequently while filling to eliminate air pockets, ensuring smoother application.
- Regularly refill the bottle. A fuller bottle requires less pressure to squeeze out the henna.
- Remember, smaller tips require more effort to squeeze. Use a combination of speed and pressure for thinner lines, even with larger tip sizes. If you're new to this, it's best to avoid starting with the smallest tip size.
How to clean applicator bottles.
Keep stainless steel metal tips from degrading, clogging, or breaking by taking good care of them. With proper care metal henna tips can be used for years.
Avoid allowing henna to dry in applicator tips. If you can't clean your tips right away, put them in a cup of clean water until you can clean them properly. Clean and dry the metal henna tips as soon as possible.
- Place the metal tips in hot water to soak while you wash the applicator bottles.
- Squeeze out any excess henna from bottles and rinse the plastic squeeze bottles completely.
- Fill the clean-ish bottle about half full of water, put the cap on and shake well until all henna is removed.
- Remove metal tips (one-at-a-time) from hot water and hold them under running water while using a straight pin to clean any bits of henna on the inside of the tips. Do this with each tip until it is completely clean and you can see all the way through the tip and water runs freely through the tip.
- Let air dry completely before putting the tips away. Do not put metal tips or bottles away wet.
How to use henna transfer paper.
Transfer paper is great for doing complicated or symmetrical designs such as Celtic knots. Anything you can't freehand, can be done with transfer paper to get perfect results.
This is the same transfer paper that is used in tattoo shops. You trace any design you want, creating a transfer. Apply the transfer to your skin and henna over it. The first time you wash, the transfer lines go away and you are left with a henna tattoo that is perfectly done!
This short video quickly shows how to use transfer paper.
Please take a moment to "Like" the video and maybe subscribe to my You Tube channel. It really helps small businesses like me.
Written Transfer Paper Instructions
- Place the black transfer paper (shiny side up) on top of a piece of blank paper.
- Place the design you want to trace on top of the black sheet.
- Trace the design. The design will be on the bottom blank sheet of paper. This is the transfer that you apply to the skin.
- Apply a drop or two of activator on the skin and rub in.
- While skin is still wet, carefully press the transfer on the skin, being sure to get the entire design.
- Pull the transfer away to see the purple design on the skin.
We make our own transfer paper activator using distilled water, rubbing alcohol, and glycerin so that it doesn't interfere with getting a good henna stain. Do not use deodorant, as it can effect your henna stain.
To make our transfer paper activator mix 80% distilled water, 10% rubbing alcohol, and 10% glycerin together.
