The Henna Page

How do you mix and apply henna? There is NO "one way" or "right way" to mix and apply henna! There are a thousand ways, each best for a particular situation. Every henna is different and works well with some mixes and applications and poorly with others. Every henna artist is different, and has favorite hennas, mixes, and tools. Every person has different skin, some responding well to one henna, another responding well to some other. What works perfectly for one person may not work well for another. This Henna Page "How" is an attempt to present some of the diversity of henna mixes and techniques used by Henna Page artists. This "how" will keep growing, and never be entirely complete because henna technique is always growing.
If you would like to participate in the ongoing discussion of henna mixes and techniques, please visit The Henna Page Forum!
First thing: Get some henna How do you find good henna?	Can you get good henna at the local store? Is "greener" better? How do you know if the henna's good? How can you keep it fresh? What Henna should you buy? Sift chunky henna: Henna under the microscope
Second: Mix the henna How do you mix henna?	Most henna needs to be sifted before you start! What do you need to mix henna? Sugar, Sugar: Henna and Saccharides Add something acidic Witchs' brews Terp it When is it ready: Dye Release How long can you keep it?
Third: Apply the henna How do you apply henna	Strain it to get all the lumps out How to use a jac bottle How to make a mylar cone How to fill a mylar cone How to use a mylar cone How to use a brush How to use a syringe How to use a carrot bag How to Speed Sling with a Carrot Bag How to use a carrot bag with a tip How to use a carrot bag, tip and coupler How to work with stringy henna How to use resists How to use stencils
Fourth: Seal and wrap the henna How do you seal and wrap henna?	Pump spray hair gel seal Lemon/sugar seal Sparkly glue mix seal Peel-off facial masque and Liquid Latex seals New-Skin Liquid Bandage seal Wrap it Glove it Tape it
How do you get fine lines?	Sifting for fine lines! Straining for fine lines Stringy Henna for fine lines Mylar Cones for fine lines
How do you get darker henna stains?	Magic mixes Wrapping and sealing techniques Heat: Steam Heat and Dry Heat The Serious Mixes
Where will you get the darkest stains?	How henna stains different parts of the body Printable PDF of how henna stains different parts of the body
How does henna stain your skin?	The Science of Henna and Skin
How do you get other colors?	How do you do shading? Shade Persian gold with turmeric "Magic Trick" Double Application "Left Overture" Double Application Shade Crimson with turmeric and pickling lime, or wine dregs: Shade blue with indigo Put them all together:
How do you make henna black?	How do you make henna black? Henna is NOT BLACK!
How do you do more complex designs?	Sketch on the skin Use a transfer Knotwork Download a free book on knotwork! Draw your designs first Bridal Work
How do you make henna "work" on dark skin?	How do you make henna "work" on dark skin? Henna and People of Color
Glitter, Gilding and Zardosi Pastes	Gilding Pastes Zardosi (Glitter) Pastes: Learn how to apply gems Gilding pastes and gems Gilding and Glitter pastes by themselves Gilding and Glitter pastes with paste and stain Gilding and Glitter pastes as resist Willowhawk's Gilding and Glitter Mix Dipti Desai 's glitter and gilding techniques Gilding and Gems as adornment to paste and stain: 1 Gilding paste and stain: 2 Gilding and Gems with paste Gilding paste for reverse work: 1 Gilding paste used for reverse work: 2 Glitter work done with hair glue Glitter work with medical adhesive Glitter work with resin-based body paint 1 Glitter work with resin-based body paint 2
Harquus: A SAFE black temporary tattoo: No "black henna", NO PPD!	Blue Body Art: Indigo and Woad Ancient Celts did blue body art, and you can too!
How do you get some stuff to try these things?	Learn to do beautiful henna designs! Get Step-by-Step instuctions here!
FREE downloadable Ebooks and FREE CDs	Ho do you become a Certified Henna Artist?
Where do you get great, inexpensive books of henna patterns that you can download NOW? The Henna Page Publications and TapDancing Lizard	Still can't find what you want? Try The Henna Page Main Index.