How to Henna

8/21/2019 How to Henna

1/20

2011 www.HennaCaravan.com

A Brief History of Henna

Henna, or Lawsonia inermis, is a small bush that produces a natural red dye from its leaves. The leavesare dried and ground into a powder, then mixed into a paste. The paste is applied to the skin in intricatepatterns leaving a reddish-brown stain known as mehndi.

Over 9,000 years old, henna use dates back to the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. It has roots in springfertility celebrations, was used by warrior goddesses to celebrate victories, and was useful in determiningagricultural cycles. Henna is mentioned in the Bible and is the oldest documented cosmetic. It is sooth-ing and cooling to the skin and has been used to treat heat exhaustion, lice, and fungal infections. It hasmild antiseptic properties, and is a natural sun block.

Henna was used by the Egyptian civilization of Pharaohs, queens, and pyramids. Famous EgyptiansNefertiti and Cleopatra were known to have used henna on their skin and hair. Traces have even beenfound on ancient mummies and their hair!

The ancient Eastern art of mehndi has been used in cultural and religious practices by Christians, Jews,

Hindus, and Muslims. Henna is currently used in over sixty countries including regions of India, Mo-rocco, the Middle East and Mediterranean, Africa, South China, and Southeast Asia. The Prophet Mu-hammed dyed his beard with henna and his daughter, Fatima, dyed her hands with it.

Thought to ward off evil, the natural red coloring of mehndi is applied for many celebrations and holi-days. Traditionally, mehndi is applied in great detail to the hands and feet of Muslim and Hindu bridesbefore marriage. This is a show of wealth and beauty, and brings good luck, fertility, and love to the newcouple. Dont forget, no housework is to be done while the bridal henna stains are visible.

Birthdays, bar and bat mitzvahs, grad nights, book clubs, bridal showers, sangeets, weddings, baby

showers, blessingways, and girls nights are great times to include henna and create a day of pamperingand relaxation for friends and family. Henna is not just for women. Include men, too, by adding henna tobirthdays, super bowl parties, team parties, or sporting and league events.

Lounging while the lightly scented and cooling henna paste is applied to the skin is very calming andprovides an opportunity to visit with friends. It is a fun reason to gather the people in your life togetherfor support and encouragement while celebrating an event or just hanging out. Plus, everyone has a littlereminder of the day together as the designs last 7-10 days. As henna is being incorporated into modernculture, new traditions are being created. Add henna to your next event and create a special memory toshare.


2/20


A Bit on the Science of Henna

Storage Henna paste and powder should be wrapped well and stored in the FREEZER.It will last perfectly for 6-12 months, possibly longer.Natural dyes such as henna,

once mixed, have a very short time-frame they can be used for the best result.

Freeze henna paste to stop the demise process of the dye and preserve it to be used another time Freezing the henna paste stops the molecular breakdown of the dye molecule Defrost frozen paste at room temperature for thirty minutes before use Only defrost the amount of henna you will use at any one time Paste repeatedly frozen and defrosted may lose potency over time

Lemon Juice The citric acid in lemon juice breaks down cellulose in the henna powder and drawsthe dye out so it is available to stain your skin or hair (or paper, hides, leather,

fabric, wood, drums, etc).

Lemon juice is safe, affordable, easily accessible and PH Balance of 2-2.6, the optimal acidic PH balanceto break down the cellulose in the henna powder. Orange juice, lime juice, grapefruit juice, tea and waterhave different PH Balances and are not as effective in your henna pastes. If you have citrus allergies use amix with just water or tea.

Henna releases dye efficiently at PH 5.5 (slightly sour). This helps break up the cellulose in the henna leafso the henna dye molecules are released and can efficiently penetrate your skin.

Sugars The sucrose/sugar helps the paste maintain moisture and adhere to the skin.

More sugar is needed in dry climates, less in moist humid climates.White cane sugar is our preferred sugar, its in most kitchens, safe and affordable. Turbanado sugar,sugar in the raw, fructose, sucrose, dextrose all work well.

Molasses may be used but cautiously, its known to alter the consistency of the henna paste. Avoid honeyas it will crystallize when frozen and ruin the consistency of your paste. Honey creates peroxide which isa bleaching agent and will compromise the color of the henna.

Essential Oils Essential Oils, specifically those high in mono-terpene alcohols, help break downthe henna dye molecule making the dye available to stain the skin.

Essential oils are extremely strong and should never be applied directly to the skin. For external use only, keep out of eyes. Not all essential oils are safe to be used on the skin, we recommend Cajeput, Lavender, Tea Tree and

Naiouli oils. For use during pregnancy, or with children, please use only pure Lavender Oil.


3/20


How to Store Henna

Store henna powder and paste in the freezer.Henna is perishable, protect from light and heat.

Store fresh henna powder or paste in the freezer. It can be stored in the plastic applicatorbottle or cones, sealed well in the freezer. Wrap tightly and protect from moisture and light.Use within 6-12 months for best results once opened.


4/20


3. Let the baggie of henna paste rest in a warmlocation for 24 hours (about 70-80 degreesFahrenheit).

4. When 24 hours has passed, cut off onesmall corner of the baggie and fill yourapplicator bottle/cone

5. Go make beautiful henna designs!

6. Store leftover henna paste in the freezer tobe used another day.

How to Mix Henna Paste

24 hours prior to use begin mixing

* Henna Caravan 20 gram packet of henna with sucrose *or (1/4 cup henna + 1.5 teaspoons sugar)

yields approximately 3 ounces paste

1. 24 hours prior to use:Open 20 gram packet of henna + sucrose

Pour into the zip lock baggie:1/4 cup lemon juice (fresh or bottled) strained1 vial (1.5 teaspoons) of Henna Caravan Essential Oils

2. Carefully stir the ingredients in the bag.Seal baggie closed and continue to gently mix bysqueezing and massaging the baggie until all thelumps are smoothed out.


5/20


1. 24 hours prior to use mix in a bowl:1 Box Henna Powder (100 Grams)

1 Cup Lemon Juice (strain, fresh or bottled)

STIR WELL THEN Add 1/4 Cup Sugar 1 Ounce of Henna Caravan Essential Oils

(or Cajeput, Naouli, Tea Tree or Lavender)

The darker area at the top ofthe bowl shows where the dyehas begun to release in thepaste mixture

5. After 24 hours, mix welland check consistency, makeadjustments if necessary byadding a pinch of henna ordrop of lemon juice.

4. Let rest in a warm location for 24hours (70-80 degrees Fahrenheit)Under a small light is a great spot tocontrol all the variables.

3. Cover with plastic wrap,pressing all the air out.

How to Mix Big Batches of Henna Paste

2. Mix thoroughly until all ingredientsare fully incorporated and there are no lumps.


6/20


Place a Storage Carrot Bag or large ziplock bag

inside a tall glass. Fold the top edge over the glassso it will stand up straight and not collapse.

Pour your ready to use

henna paste into the storagecarrot bag.

Remove the storage bag. Twist the tail 1 or 2 full twists above the filledportion to completely lock the bag closed.

Close the bag with a small rubber band or knot.

Cut about 1/4 inch or less off the tip of the storagebag to fill applicator bottles/cones now. OR storeyour ready to use paste in the freezer.

How to Fill Storage Carrot Bags


7/20


How to Fill Applicator Bottles

For paste mixed in the small ziplock baggie:

Once the paste is completely mixed cut a small piece off one corner ofthe baggie.

Carefully insert the baggie into the bottle and slowly squeeze the hennapaste, careful to keep it off the edges of the bottle so it doesnt goop up.Pause to tap tap the bottle and settle the paste down.

Gently squeeze and unsqueeze the bottle to create a bit of suction whilesqueezing the paste in.

When the bottle is full, securely attach plastic plug by popping it into the

bottle and press firmly, then screw on the applicator tip.

Cut a small piece off the tip of the storage bag.

Insert the carrot bag straight into the bottle as fardown as possible.

Gently fill with henna paste. Try to keep the pasteoff the sides for cleaner, easier filling.

Gently squeeze the bottle to create a bit of suc-tion while squeezing the paste in. When thebottle is full, securely attach plastic plug by pop-ping it into the bottle and press firmly, then screwon the applicator tip.

For large batches of paste:

Its easiest to pour your henna into a storage bag

(these are often referred to as carrot bags as theyare a triangle shape) to fill your bottles or cones.


8/20


How to Fill Henna Cones

3 ounces of paste (from 20 grams of henna powder) will fill about 6 large cones.

A cone holds 1-3 Tablespoons of henna paste depending on how large you roll your cones.

f

1. Gather henna, cones, anarrow glass, and rubberbandsor tape to seal the cone

2. Stand several cones in the glass until there is enoughthat they support themselves and the center cones staysupright.

3. Insert the storage bagstraight down into the coneand squeeze in henna paste.

4. Fill cone about half to 3/4ths full.Be careful not to overfill.

TIPKeep the sides of the cone clean and the henna flowinginto the center of the cone. This will make for a cleanerseal and prevent the paste from clinging to the edge ofthe cone and making a mess.


9/20


2. Pinch the empty tailtightly and slide your fingersdown to the filled portion.Squeeze and twist the mylarto tightly seal the cone.Be sure not to let any henna

paste squeeze up into thetail.

4. Seal your cone with a tiny rubber band (the HennaCaravan preferred method, though taping works well too).Wrap the rubber band on several times to ensure the coneis fully sealed and no henna will explode out the back whileyou draw.

TIPAs you draw and use up the paste, slide the rubber banddown to keep the pressure full in the cone. If you noticeyour cone is limp and hard to squeeze, try adjusting thepressure by sliding the rubber band.

1. Grasp the tail of the coneand pinch together theexcess, empty mylar.

How to Seal Henna Cones

3. Twist the tail to make 1or 2 full twists above thefilled portion to completelylock the cone closed. Thisprevents the henna pastefrom squishing up (so

much) and exploding outthe back.


10/20


How to Apply HennaBegin with the BASICS

With a bit of practice youll be able to create your own free hand custom designs! Startwith the basics and soon youll be able to mix and match these simple elements to createa variety of designs.

First Practice simple shapes like dots, teardrops, and swirls on paper with a marker, this helps buildyour muscle memory.Trace over your marker lines with henna paste on the paper until youre comfortable with the flow ofthe henna and the pressure required.

Learning henna fundamentals is just like learning how to write the alphabet. Practice each letter orelement over and over till youve got it perfect. If you take a little time to learn the basics your henna pat-terns will flow easily look great!


11/20


Slowly apply even lines of paste by gently squeezing the applicator bottle. Rest the weight of your hand on your little finger to help maintain a steady line. Do not touch the metal applicator tip to the skin; hold it just above the skin so the henna paste lies

down in a rope shape. This creates the most even and consistent lines resulting in a sharp and clearimage.

To keep a steady and even flow of henna, keep the bottle full of paste.

Clean skin with an alcohol swab to removethe bodys natural oils and any lotions orcreams.

Draw patterns onto the skin with a non-toxic washablemarker or use Henna Caravan Transfer Paper. Adjust thedesign and make changes until youre happy with it.

As you get more practice you can skip the tracing and gostraight to skin.

Youre now ready to apply the henna paste directly over your marker guidelines.

Its much easier to draw with the henna paste if you have an outline to follow when you are firstlearning.

The marker does not interfere in the staining process It will help you to feel more comfortable and self-assured when creating your custom one of a kind

body art.

How to Apply Henna


12/20


Seal Henna Designs After Application

In 10 - 20 minutes the henna paste will lose its shine and be dry to the touch. Once dry, the design maybe sealed with medical tape. This bandage prevents the paste from flaking off or smearing, and protectsclothing and bedding from becoming stained.Alternatively, a mixture of lemon juice and sugar may be used to seal the paste and help it adhere to the

skin.

How to Seal Hands, Wrists, Feet or Legs

Seal any firm areas such as hands, wrists, feet, and legs with medicaltape.Place twoinch strips of tape slightly overlapping each other across thedesign. Slide a sock or nylon over the wraps to hold the tape in place.The tape helps to prevent flaking or smearing of the design and helps

protect clothing and bedding from becoming stained by the paste andcracking off too quickly. The paste will flake off naturally over severalhours.

How to Seal the Body, Back, Shoulders, or Chest

For designs on soft, stretchy areas or large muscles such as the belly, shoulder, chest,or torso, use Henna Caravan Aftercare Citrus Sealant. Or make your own with two

packets of sugar with one Tablespoon lemon juice. Gently dab the lemon-sugar on thedesign with a cotton ball or q-tip to help it adhere to the skin. Be careful not to oversaturate the paste as designs can run and bleed together. Apply the citrus sealant twoor three times to glue the paste to the skin and prevent it from drying


13/20


Remove Paste After 4 to 12 Hours

For the best results keep the paste on the skin for as long as possible; 4-12 hours is optimal. Sleepingwith the paste on is just fine.It can be difficult to achieve a very dark stain on the torso and back as the skin is thin and can be quite

oily preventing the henna from penetrating. To help darken the stain keep the body warm and leave thepaste on as long as possible, 4-12 hours is optimal.

When you are ready to remove the paste, gently peel off the tape, then flake off any remaining hennapaste. If the tape or paste is difficult to remove, moisten skin with lemon juice or vegetable oil and gentlyrub off the excess residue. Finger nail polish remover will take off any stubborn bits of tape adhesive. Donot use water to remove the paste; it can ruin the stain and prevent the color from darkening.

Duration of henna stain and the depth of color depend on the area of body chosen and length of timethe paste remains on your skin. Henna produces the best stains on hands, feet, wrists, and ankles, whiledesigns on upper arms, torso, back and face will last the shortest amount of time.After Care

Mehndi lasts about 7-10 days. For best results avoid water for the first 24 hours. Water preventsfresh henna stains from darkening.

Apply a coat of Henna Caravan Aftercare Balm to protect the design before bathing or swimming.Do not use petroleum products such as baby oil or sunscreen, they can degrade the henna stain Frequent washing, soaps, shaving, sunscreen, baby oil, and rubbing of clothing will cause the design

to fade more quickly. Your new design will be a light yellow-orange color when the paste is first removed. Over the next 2

days the dye will oxidize and the stain will become darker and richer in color. For an extra long lasting stain retouch your design when it begins to fade. Henna stains will act as a

sun block on your skin. If you spend a lot of time in the sun you may notice a reverse image once thepattern fades away.


14/20


To create a balanced circle use a round object like a cup, lid, orbottle cap. We like to call these circle makers!

Apply dots of henna paste along the edge of the object.Press the object gently onto the skin to transfer the henna dots.Connect the dots with a line of henna paste to make a perfect circle.

Creating a Round Design


15/20


Add playful color and shimmer with glitter gels and powders. Used on their own or combined with thehenna paste or stains, you are sure to sparkle and shine for that special event or photograph.For external use only, avoid glitter gel or glitter powder in or near the eyes. In case of contact with eyes

flush with water.

Glitter Powder

Glitter powders add sparkle to the henna paste during the application anddrying process.

Squeeze the applicator bottle to poof a bit of glitter powder over the wethenna paste and add color to the design while it dries.

The glitter lasts for the day and comes off easily when the paste isremoved.

Glitter Gel

Add fabulous sparkle with glitter gels!

Glitter gels shimmer in the light and look great in photographs. Line, define, or embellish for glimmerthat lasts all day.

Grasp the applicator in the palm of your hand and gently squeeze to create a flow of glitter gel. Apply infine, delicate lines, using the same method as when applying henna paste.

If the opening becomes clogged simply use a needle or pin to clear out any lumps. Glitter gel takesabout thirty minutes to dry. Using a blow dryer will help it to dry more quickly.

Henna Caravan Glitter Gel is made with only FDA approved cosmetic ingredients and polyester glitterpowders. Glitter gel is non-perishable and can be stored at room temperature. It will last all day, wontstain the skin and can be washed off with soap and water. Its great for children too!

Embellishing Henna Designs with Glitters


16/20


Swarovski Crystals and Bindi Body Jewels

Add elegance with crystals and bindi body jewels!

Self-adhesive bindis can be paired with the henna paste or stains, with glitter gels, or used alone for abit of dazzle. These stunning little jewels will last all day! Simply press onto the skin. To reuse jewels,add a drop of spirit gum or eyelash glue to the back.

For an extra special touch use Swarovski Crystals and adhesive to embellish the henna. Apply a dotof Henna Caravan Acrylic Adhesive or Eyelash Glue to the skin. Allow to dry till clear and press on thecrystals.

They will last all day and can be reused.

Embellishing Henna Designs with Rhinestones


17/20


How to Place Henna Designs

Feet and Hands Henna works best on all parts of the feet and hands, wrists and ankles, and willbe darkest and longest lasting on these areas. The skin on the hands and feet isthick and dry allowing the henna to soak in deeper resulting in a rich, dark and longlasting stain.

Wrists Bend the hand up and down and look for the natural wrinkles in the wrist. Place thepattern one inch above the natural bend to prevent smudging of the paste as thewrist bends and flexes.

Ankles Designs placed one inch above the anklebone will make the leg appear slim andprevent the paste and resulting stain from being rubbed off prematurely by shoes.

Lower Backs Apply henna to the lower back while the person is standing. This area stretches alot and designs can easily distort if not allowed to dry a few minutes before walking,bending, or sitting. Place the pattern one or two inches above the waistband toprevent smudging.

Stomachs Its best to apply patterns to the stomach while the person is standing or lyingdown. Designs on stomachs can be tricky as the belly folds when sitting or bendingand can smudge easily. Let the paste dry a few minutes before walking, bending, orsitting.

Pregnant Bellies Position the mom on a comfy couch, and work around her. Sitting on the floorbetween her feet works well. Only use Lavender Essential Oil in henna paste thatwill be applied on pregnant women.

Faces and Neck The skin on the face, neck and chest is very thin with high concentrations of bodyoil and does not absorb henna well. These areas will be light in color and last only afew days.


18/20


How to Position Yourself and Your CanvasHere are a few examples of how we like to be positioned when working with henna.Some positions are for artist and canvas comfort but mainly we work in these posi-tions for ergonomic support and to make sure the henna is least likely to be smeared.

For hands, wrists, and forearm make sure bothpeople are positioned and well supported sowiggles are limited.We like to rest the hand on a firm surface such as anotebook and hold that stable on our legs. Itcreates a great desk to rest all the hands on.


19/20


For stomachs, lower backs and sides havethe canvas STAND. Position next to a chair ortable so they may stabilize themselves, keepknees bent to minimize fainting.When sitting or bending the skin stretchesseveral inches and the design will distortwhen they stand.


20/20

H C

Henna Caravan Body Art Kits contain only natural ingredients and fresh red henna (100% Lawsoniainermis), sucrose, and pure essential oils. They DO NOT contain chemical additives, PPD black hairdye, preservatives, chemical dyes, or nut derivatives.

Warnings: This product is intended for use in experimental body art. Henna body art should be avoidedon those under six years of age, those with extreme anemia, G6PD deficiency, napthoquinone sensitivi-ty, have been advised to avoid fava beans, or have citrus allergies. If you have any concerns consult your

physician. This kit contains small objects that may pose a choking hazard.

If pregnant, use only lavender essential oils in the henna paste and consult your physician first. Do notingest. All products can, on rare occasions, cause allergic reaction. The product should not be appliedin or near the eyes, nose, genitalia, on open wounds or cuts, or to sensitive or broken skin. If you areunsure about sensitivity, a patch test is advised. Apply the product to the inside of the elbow. If a reac-tion occurs within 60 minutes, do not use. Not for internal use.

Avoid BLACK HENNA products that may use chemical additives or hair dyes that contain PPD (para-phenylenediamine) to obtain a black stain. PPD can cause long-term damage to internal organs such

as kidneys and liver, can blister and permanently scar the skin. Chemical dyes stain the skin within 30minutes and are dark immediately. Black henna products are not safe or natural and shouldnever be applied to the skin.

For more information or to reorder henna supplies visithttp://www.HennaCaravan.com 2011 All Rights Reserved

How to Henna

Documents

Transcript of How to Henna