Henna Paste - Yes, there are secrets to great color!

This is a fine example (un-retouched) of a good henna stain. As is always true, the best color is achieved on the palms of the hands.

The palm is the most porous and fleshy part of the tattooable body. However, the kind of color that you see in this photo occurs when the finest quality paste is used.

Recently, shoppers buying boxes of henna at Midnight Sun have asked about the process.  They wonder what to do with this box of powder.

To be helpful, I have published a basic henna paste recipe on my site. It is not the recipe I am using this year, as I have perfected the basics to get a paste that I like very much. It is easy to apply, takes to the skin very well, and gives a good read color even on the back of the hands.

Important things to know about making a great paste are:

• It takes two days preparation to get the very best paste. The first day you mix the henna with lemon juice. I use lemon juice and a special tea composed of spices, herbs, flowers and other ingredients to help the henna stay to the skin and of course to give the darkest color possible. The second day you add the essential oils. 
• You get the best henna paste in the spring or summer time. Why? Because you can put the henna in the sun. Henna is a heat activated dye. Heat is required to get the powder to release the day. (As well, heat helps the paste cure in the skin.)  I put my paste in a metal bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, put that in a sealed bag, and set it on the porch. The bowl is covered to prevent the paste from drying out. 
• It is important to make the paste thin enough so that it is easy to work with. A more liquid paste handles well, and it penetrates the skin better. 
• I use a plastic cone to apply the henna. The squeeze bottle becomes difficult to work with overtime. You may cut off the tip of the cone to create the smallest opening that is possible for a good henna flow. If a line is too thin, you can go back over it. If a line is too think, there is not much to do about that as a good paste will begin to stain instantly.
• It is wise to invest in a good collection of essential oils. I have at least 6 that I use on any given paste. They include: cajeput, lavender, geranium, basil, cardamom, clove, neroli, tea tree, and... one or two more. You can visit different site to see what kinds of oils other artists use.
• I prefer henna powder from Henna Sooq at this time. I have used others, and there are many fine providers, but I am having excellent results with a combination of three powders from that company. 

In short, I have been working to make the a good henna paste for over 10 years. I have learned a good deal in the process. I encourage you to enjoy the journey. I do not recommend using premixed henna cones from a local store. If you want to buy henna cones already made to use, then visit a site that sells you fresh/frozen henna and ships it via Priority Mail. 

Hoping you found this post helpful. 

Namaste.

Colors of Henna Tattoo on Dark Skin, African/American Skin • Spirit Vision Henna

I am very grateful to my lovely model for helping me to photograph the process of henna tattoo from paste on the skin through a 48 hour development time.  

Many people do not understand that when they see a photo such the one below, that they are looking at am image of henna paste on the skin. 

This is the first part of the henna tattoo process. This paste will stay on at least 12 hours if you are careful and this look can last all day.

The next photo shows the color of this very same henna pattern taken about 18 hours after the paste as applied and about 8 hours after the paste was removed. This photo was taken under a different light, and on a different background, but you can clearly see the reddish brown color developing on the back of the hand and the darker color on the finger tips.

This next photos shows the result after 48 hours with good aftercare. 

Good aftercare includes regular moisturizing, keeping the hand out of chlorinated water, and avoiding petroleum products. You can see the "black cherry" color best at the finger tips and knuckles. On the back of the hand there is a nice deep red design in place.

It is the case that dark skin colors get excellent results with henna tattoo. 

For all skin types, the very best color will always be on the palms of the hands.  This is because the palms are fleshy and porous and allow the henna dye to penetrate most deeply. FMI visit my FAQ page.

Henna Paste On - Henna Paste Off

Here is a photo of henna paste on the skin. The paste is raised, and is to be left on the skin for at least three hours... longer if possible.

Henna is a heat activated body dye that works by penetrating layers of the skin. It is applied to the surface of the skin with a soft plastic cone. It does not hurt.

The tattoo is temporary and lasts at least one week. This henna pattern is inspired by the work of the artist of winnipeghenna.com, applied by Ann George of Spirit Vision Henna at The Midnight Sun in Five Points, Jacksonville, Florida.


This pattern took about 15 minutes to apply. Then the design was sprayed with lemon juice and sugar to help it stay on the skin as long as possible.

This paste is made fresh, to order and this year we have organic Rhajisthani powder to decorate your body.

Many people are still unfamiliar with the process, so in this blog I am including a photo of this same pattern, with the paste off the skin.

If you are able to continue to keep the paste damp with lemon sugar, it will help your henna give a deeper and darker stain.

If you are able to keep your design out of water for 12 hours after the paste is removed, you will get the best color possible. Keeping olive oil on your design once the paste is removed will help keep heat in, and water out.

These are tips for those who really do want to make their unique, beautiful henna tattoo last as long as possible.

Henna tattoo is available by appointment. Please call the Studio at 904-993-7466 to schedule your appointment, or to book a henna party, or hire our artists for your event.

We are able to offer small parties in the lovely studio at the back of the The Midnight Sun.

Please visit the FAQ page for more information on the art of henna tattoo.

Jamila Henna - finished color after 18 hours

Here is a photo of the almost finished color of the henna tattoo pattern from 5/21/09. To get this deep red color on the palm Cat let the henna paste wear off naturally. As several coatings of lemon sugar glaze were applied, this took awhile. Also, she did not wash the tattoo for at least 12 hours after the henna paste was applied.

You will notice that the darkest color is on the palm of the hand, and that the henna becomes lighter as the pattern moves up the arm. This change in color is due to the change in the skin. The skin on the palm is usually more fleshy, and of course more porous than the thinner skin of the inner arm.

This pattern took about 45 minutes to complete. The paste was made using the 2008 crop of Jamila Henna Powder. I have about a dozen boxes left for sale, and then it's time to wait for the next harvest! Please visit my site if you would like to have a 100 gram box of this excellent henna powder on the way to you while supplies left.

Need a bit of inspiration? I have a good selection of henna pattern booklets from India. You might add one to your henna powder order? The shipping is free.

With best wishes,

Ann George

Finished Color - More or Less

I forgot to ask my friend to take a photo for me today. It was a beautiful, sunny day... I even had my camera.. but no.

So.. here is a photo taken at 9PM.. by me.. camera phone.. bad lighting.. sorry ;{ for poor quality.
However, I said I would post a photo of the finished color. I left the paste on for about two hours, then just did the olive oil after care.. and voila!

Quick Henna Tattoo - Peacock Pattern for Back of Hand

Many thanks to Ron & Rachel for this foto of the finished color of a henna tattoo design inspired by the little henna booklets I received from India.

Of course this design is not as intricate as the one in the photo, but we were having "First Friday in Five Points" so everyone got a little something. On Saturday afternoons at Midnight Sun I usually have a bit more time to spend with everyone. If you want a more complex design, it is best to arrive @ 1:30 ... before the late afternoon rush.

I always bring plenty of patterns for you to choose from, or you can order "Chef's Choice" which may be the best way to get a quick henna tattoo that fits your style & your budget.

Henna Palm Tattoo - 2007 Jamila Color

I love red henna. It's my favorite color. I know many people love the super dark, almost black/red henna, but I love the ruby red.

Here is a color sample of the 2007 harvest of Jamila henna. The paste stains very quickly, which is great for festivals, but it also gives this lovely color.

Please forgive the pattern. It is not my best work (I was trying a new style a little later in the evening than I usually do) but I had to see the color.

This is color only 12 hours after the paste was removed! More photos coming soon.

Sometimes you just have to practice!

Well, I am sure it's just silly to post a photo of my first attempt at left handed henna, but here it is.

What is interesting to me is that the henna paste I used to do my right hand was 24 hours older than the henna I used to do my left hand. I mention this because it seems as if the color on my right hand is a bit darker than the left.

Further, the henna on my left hand had been on the skin for 72 hours, while the henna on the right had been on only 48. So.. the henna on the left hand should be darker?

Of course I also realized that I can't take a good photo of both my palms with my camera phone.. so thanks Chels for the photo shoot.

Excellent red color by Jamila henna of course! (the 2006 harvest no less)