no clear answer

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Posted by Catherine Cartwright Jones on August 19, 2001 at 18:52:50:

In reply to: how to..and how long to store henna? posted by Jo on August 19, 2001 at 18:33:56:

It is not possible to give a clear answer on how long henna paste will
last. Freezing is preferable to refrigeration. Refrigeration is
preferable to room temperature. The warmer the paste, the quicker the
dye release reaction and demise process proceeds. The cooler, the
slower.

Exposure to air is critical .. as is paste composition.
Any time henna (or henna paste) is exposed to air, the dye release
curve begins, as hennotannic acid molecules may combine with oxygen,
and become non-reactive. That's why paste makers mix their pastes in
inert atmospheres, and seal their tubes with beeswax, or some other
way so no air gets in.

If you have a paste that has been exposed to air, and freeze it .. the
reaction process will be slowed, but will still progress.

Bottom line?
Throw the old paste in the freezer, and retrieve it later when you
need to henna your hair or do a fabric or paper project.

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: It is not possible to give a clear answer on how long henna paste will : last. Freezing is preferable to refrigeration. Refrigeration is : preferable to room temperature. The warmer the paste, the quicker the : dye release reaction and demise process proceeds. The cooler, the : slower. : : Exposure to air is critical .. as is paste composition. : Any time henna (or henna paste) is exposed to air, the dye release : curve begins, as hennotannic acid molecules may combine with oxygen, : and become non-reactive. That's why paste makers mix their pastes in : inert atmospheres, and seal their tubes with beeswax, or some other : way so no air gets in. : : If you have a paste that has been exposed to air, and freeze it .. the : reaction process will be slowed, but will still progress. : : Bottom line? : Throw the old paste in the freezer, and retrieve it later when you : need to henna your hair or do a fabric or paper project.
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