Re: Heat or no Heat?

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Posted by BarefootSophie on July 10, 2001 at 17:24:43:

In reply to: Heat or no Heat? posted by MehndiGurL on July 10, 2001 at 16:43:05:

To some extent, you've already answered your own question-- the
answers you'll get will be as varied as the recipes we use. Some chill
the paste to make it more uniform before application; others heat it
to make the color release more quickly. Having done both, I find my
paste is easier to mix when the elixir I add is warm (not boiling, but
again, that's a matter of preference). Also, warmth will open up your
pores a bit (ever had a steam facial?) and give the stain the
opportunity to set a little deeper in the skin.

As far as heating the henna just before application... that could get
a little tricky... you don't want to "cook" your paste! You might try
putting the paste in a Ziploc bag and setting it in some warm
water, squishing it around in the bag. My stronger recommendation
would be to heat the henna AFTER application, which most will agree
gives a darker stain. Do this by wrapping the hennaed area (after
you've l/s'd it, NS'd it, whatever) in plastic wrap, then covering the
area with a steaming hot towel or warming it with a blow dryer. (Note:
don't do the towel trick until your paste is good and firm or the
weight of it will smush your design.)

That's my two bits, for what they're worth. Hope it helps!

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: To some extent, you've already answered your own question-- the : answers you'll get will be as varied as the recipes we use. Some chill : the paste to make it more uniform before application; others heat it : to make the color release more quickly. Having done both, I find my : paste is easier to mix when the elixir I add is warm (not boiling, but : again, that's a matter of preference). Also, warmth will open up your : pores a bit (ever had a steam facial?) and give the stain the : opportunity to set a little deeper in the skin. : : As far as heating the henna just before application... that could get : a little tricky... you don't want to "cook" your paste! You might try : putting the paste in a Ziploc bag and setting it in some warm : water, squishing it around in the bag. My stronger recommendation : would be to heat the henna AFTER application, which most will agree : gives a darker stain. Do this by wrapping the hennaed area (after : you've l/s'd it, NS'd it, whatever) in plastic wrap, then covering the : area with a steaming hot towel or warming it with a blow dryer. (Note: : don't do the towel trick until your paste is good and firm or the : weight of it will smush your design.) : : That's my two bits, for what they're worth. Hope it helps!
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