The following are the basic instructions for mixing and applying mehndi / henna tattoos. Simply scroll down to the information you need. We encourage you to read all of this information before applying your first mehndi. You may also print this page for easy reference. Please check out our Art Gallery for some good ideas.

PREPARING THE SKIN : -

1. Make sure the skin is clean and dry in the area to be hennaed.
                   * wash with soft soap and water.
                   * Clean with rubbing alcohol.

2. Apply a small amount of pore-opening oil (This step is not necessary with our pre-mixed              mehndi / henna). Such as Eucalyptus oil, Clove oil, Mustard oil, Jojoba oil, Sweet Almond oil.     Many of these oils can be found in health food, body / bath or specially Indian markets. If none     of these are available to you, Vegetable oil, which can be found in any grocery store, should do     the trick.

HOW TO USE PRE-MIXED HENNA : -

Each cone of RoopMehndi's pre-mixed mehndi / henna paste contains one full ounce of 100% natural mehndi / henna, mixed and ready to use. Just push the cone from the back and flatten up as you draw the pattern. You can even refrigerate any leftover paste. Return to room temperature, to use again. Opened pre-mixed cone can last up to 1 month, if refrigerated.

MIXING THE MEHNDI / HENNA PASTE : -

There are a no. of different recipes for the mixing of mehndi / henna. The one suggested here would get you started.

    1.    1-10 gm. of pre-sifted 100% natural packet of mehndi / henna.
    2.    3-4 tablespoons of hot water.
    3.    3 drops of Eucalyptus, Clove or Vegetable oil.
    4.    6 drops of RedWine (helps to preserve mehndi / henna). You may also use a strong            brewed tea.
    5.    Mix all of above thoroughly. Stir until all lumps are removed. Consistency of the mix must            be thick like glue, and not runny.
    6.    Store in an airtight container, let sit 3 hours at room temperature, before using.

MEHNDI / HENNA APPLICATION METHODS : -

1. Freehand Artwork:
                   * prepare the skin.
                   * using the RoopMehndi's professional applicator cone, apply the mehndi / henna                            paste using even pressure to assure line thickness.

2. Using Stencils:
                   * remove stencils from paper backing.
                   * apply stencil to part of body to be tattooed, on prepared skin.
                   * apply mehndi / henna over the top of stencil and let it dry for a minimum of one                      hour.
                   * remove stencil and mehndi / henna paste together.
                   * wash quickly with warm water, no soap!
                   * if any adhesive residue remains, remove with rubbing alcohol.

THE LEMON / SUGAR MIX : -

Spraying the mehndi / henna paste with a lemon / sugar mix after it has been applied to the skin, will help promote the natural dyeing properties of the henna plant. Lemon will "reactivate"; the mehndi / henna and keep it moist, while the sugar will help the mehndi / henna paste to adhere to the skin. At this point, it is required to keep in mind that: The longer the paste is left on the skin, the better it stains.

MAING THE LEMON / SUGAR MIX : -

Following are the basic points to follow while making the lemon / sugar mix:

    1.    2 teaspoons of super fine granulated sugar.
    2.    2 ounces of Lemon juice, fresh squeezed or reconstituted.
    3.    Take a small pump spray bottle, pour sugar into bottle. Add a small amount of lemon juice            and shake gently. Add remaining lemon juice into the bottle and attach spray pump.           Refrigerate when not in use.
    4.   After mehndi / henna paste is applied to the skin and has dried for at least 5 minutes, spray           a small amount of the sugar / lemon mix over the design.

*The last, i.e. 4 th step is not required,if you are using RoopMehndi'spre-mixed mehndi / henna   paste.

CARE & AFTER CARE : -

Following are some of the points to be considered to obtain better mehndi / henna stain.

    1.    The mehndi / henna paste should be left on for at least one hour.
    2.    The longer the paste is left on the skin, the darker it will stain.
    3.    It takes 24 hours for the design to darken to its fullest extent and mehndi / henna stains                 best on hands and feet.
    4.    If you are not using stencils:
                   * Some mehndi / henna will dry and flake off on its own. The rest can be removed                       with fingernails, or washed off quickly with warm water.
                   * To protect the mehndi / henna design, apply a light coat of baby oil or Vaseline.
                   * When bathing or showering, reapply baby oil or Vaseline and do not scrub the area                       with soap.
    5.    Be sure to keep the mehndi / henna design out of direct sunlight for prolonged exposure,           and wear sunscreen.

HENNA - THE MULTI-PURPOSE : -

Mehndi / Henna has been known not only for its cosmetic uses but also for medicinal uses. It is believed to be effective in treating certain types of cancer, muscle contractions, fungal infections, headaches, and general anti-septic purposes. Mehndi / henna was one of the first forms of cosmetics and was frequently used by women. Mehndi / henna was used to stain the toes and fingers of the Pharohs prior to mummification.