This Just In! How To Use Our Henna Sets

We just got in an amazing new accessory that is sure to be on our what-to-pack list for festivals… henna sets! Henna is a plant that when ground up into a fine powder can be mixed with water to make a paste that dyes the skin.  People have been using henna as body art since the bronze age, and it’s a beautiful and temporary alternative to tattoos that we love.  It’s so much fun to get creative with the placement of henna and come up with beautiful patterns and artwork! I will definitely be bringing one of our henna sets to Coachella next week :).  They’re so easy to use, too – here’s how!

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Each henna set comes with 1 bag of henna powder (2 grams), 2 clear tubes for application, instructions, and a design card for inspiration!

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Prepare your henna paste a day prior to when you want to apply it! It needs to sit for 8 – 12 hours for the dye to properly release, so it’s best to let it sit overnight.

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To make the paste, empty the powder into a jar or container of any kind.

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Start adding water to the powder in small amounts – you don’t want to add too much. In place of water you can also use lemon juice or mehndi tea, depending on your personal preference! Mix the water and powder until the paste reaches a “mashed potato consistency.” Cover it with plastic wrap and let it sit overnight.

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In the morning, uncover your paste and at this point you can add essential oils, which I recommend to give it a pleasant smell! Essential oils also help you achieve a more intense stain.

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I used a few drops of tea tree oil and it smells lovely!

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Use a spoon to transfer the henna paste into the plastic cylinders – and you are now ready to apply the henna to your skin! Make sure that your skin is clean and dry for best application.

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Let your paste remain on the skin for at least 4 hours – overnight is best for a longer-lasting stain. To remove the paste DO NOT use water – use something like a plastic knife to scrape it off. Avoid getting the stain wet as much as you can for the first 24 hours. You can protect your design by applying henna balm or a light coating of olive oil! The stain will reach its peak intensity approximately 48 hours after removing the paste.

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Here’s how my henna stain looked after leaving the paste on for 4 hours.

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The next day, it already looks much darker!

Shop Henna Sets from Free People :).

Photos by Brigette & Julia.

 

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10 years ago

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this so much!!!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/EarthChildArt?ref=si_shop

Rosy
10 years ago

Wow amazig!!! Can’t wait to try

10 years ago

if you put Vitamin E on the henna once it dries, the color becomes darker and brighter :)
xx
~Taylor
http://www.forsurejadore.com

Zoe
10 years ago

I just love doing henna.

Zoe
http://gypsiesister.blogspot.co.uk

10 years ago

I used to give myself henna tattoos all the time in high school!

Jules
10 years ago
10 years ago

Henna tattoos are said to be lucky. How about a post on hennaed hair?

10 years ago

I love henna tattoos so much that I now have 3 real ones that are based on traditional mehndi patterns, a mandala, a peacock feather and a lotus flower. But no real tattoo can completely rival henna; the beautiful imperfections and variations in colour…

10 years ago

Great directions. Just love henna, it’s amazing what beautiful body art you’re able to make!

2 years ago

Should I apply something like mustard oil before going to bed on the day I color my hair to get a deeper color, and wash with shampoo the next day or is it better to leave it as is and avoid shampoo for the next couple of days? What works best?