Pour the contents of your bag of henna powder into a ceramic bowl. Always use high quality, body art grade henna (see Resources below).Add 1 tsp. of sugar to the henna powder and mix in. The sugar helps the henna stick to skin, so that it will stay on longer without cracking, producing a deeper color. It also makes the henna paste smoother and easier to work with.Add just enough lemon juice to get a brownie batter consistency. You could also use vinegar, wine or any other citrus juice. The sour liquid releases the plant dyes in the henna.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the paste sit until dye release is achieved. You’ll know the dye has been released when the surface of the paste turns brownish (as opposed to the original greenish color when you started).Add your “terp.” Terpines are hydrocarbon solvents that release and darken the henna. Tea Tree, Cajeput and Ravensara are the most common terp choices. Aromatherapy grade oils are safest for the skin.Re-cover the henna paste and refrigerate until ready to use (or freeze if you won’t be using it within a few days).
Prep the Henna Paste