By Falmata Zanna
Henna is popularly called ‘lalle’ in Hausa language. It is a paste made from the crushed leaves and twigs of the henna plant, which is grown in South Asian and North African countries. When henna is applied to the skin, it leaves a stain ranging in color from orange to dark maroon that fades within 1 to 2 weeks. This guide will teach you to safely use henna to create beautiful and sensual body art.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup (20 g) fresh henna leaves or henna powder
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) plus additional lemon juice, freshly squeezed and strained to remove pulp and seeds
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) oil
Sift your henna using a sifter to rid it of chunks that will clog your fine tip from which the henna comes out.Alternatively, stretch a pair of a nylon cloth over a plastic container and place the henna and some coins on top of the nylon cloth. If you are using fresh henna leaves, use a crusher or mixer and powder it up. Cover the container and shake it to sift the henna through the nylon cloth.
Pour the henna powder into a small bowl. If you are using henna powder, do as so.
Mix 1/4 cup (60 ml) lemon juice or water with the henna powder using a whisk until you have a mixture that has the consistency of mashed potatoes.
Mix it well..
Cover the henna with plastic wrap.
Leave the henna for 24 hours at room temperature to draw the dye out of the henna.
You will see the dye separate into a layer above the rest of the henna mixture as it matures.
Scoop out the separated dye with a spoon. Add additional lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) at a time, until the consistency of the henna is similar to the consistency of yogurt.
Place the henna into a plastic henna cone.
Twist the top of the henna cone 1 or 2 times and wrap it tightly with a rubber band.
Roll the rubber band downward until the henna is touching both the tip of the cone and the base of the rubber band. This setup creates a tight seal that will ensure that your henna dispenses properly.
Applying the henna
- Wash your hand and feet with soap and water.
- Start the design of your choice.
- Cover your hand with a nylon for like 4-6 hours depending on the colour (either red, orange or black) you want
Note: some of the henna can be left open
to dry on its on.
Then you wash your hand and apply olive oil or coconut oil.
