Adding Body Art into your Everyday Look

♥️ Happy Valentine’s Day! ♥️

Love is in the air but the looks are what we’re serving.

 I will be going over how to add body art into your every day look.  This can be easy and fit right into your schedule. I’m not a jewelry person so it makes it easy to accent with body art instead. There are so many uses for the Mehron Metallic Powders. Who doesn’t like something shiny, right? I’m going to use it to make my design on my wrist and hand.

Making a design is easy. You can draw it out first or just apply freely.

Tools


To make your mix you’ll want to get your Mehron Mixing Liquid and pour a small amount into a bottle cap lid or small container. A small amount of the Metallic powder will go a long way. You may need more if you want a bigger design. Once this is mixed, you’re ready to go.

I started with my big design first, in the middle of my hand.
I’m going with a diamond.
I can work around this and add in bracelets.
I add smaller details like rings and dots last.

These products can be used on all ages. For a longer-lasting design, you can put it farther up your arm, as it will wash away with soap and water.

Read about “white henna” here: http://www.becomingmoonlight.blog/2017/10/18/white-henna-gilding/

Damaris • Ancient Sunrise Specialist • LLC

How To: Celtic Style Designs in Temptu® Body Paint and Becoming Moonlight® Gilding Powder.

History tells of Celtic warriors painting themselves blue before battle. We see these images on the screen in such as Braveheart and King Arthur. In the television show, American Gods, based on the book by Neil Gaiman, the character Mad Sweeney appears with shining blue streaks across his face and chest– clearly a brighter, more stylistic homage to the traditional body art called woading.



Mad Sweeney appears with blue markings in this short video shared on Twitter.

Woad was made from the isatis tinctoria plant, a relative of the indigofera tinctoria that is used to dye fabrics and to create vashma, which is used in the hair in conjunction with henna. Both plants create indigo dye which stains the skin when prepared into a vat. Painting the skin with an isatis tinctoria woad vat involves a rather tedious and odoriferous process. Becoming Moonlight® has developed a product called Ancient Blue® made from the indigofera tinctoria plant, which is much better suited for today’s body artists. To learn more about the history and use of traditional woad, visit these books on The Henna Page. To Purchase Ancient Blue® Indigo crystals, click here.


Learn the history of woading and Ancient Blue® technique here.

For those who wish to recreate the woad look with a glowing shimmer, another technique works stunningly well. By creating a design with Temptu® Dura body paint and dusting it with a shimmery blue Becoming Moonlight® Gilding Powder, an artist can create Celtic designs in with a contemporary twist. Temptu® Dura body paint has been widely used by professionals to simulate tattoos because of its opacity, high pigmentation, and staying power. The paint is water-resistant and dries slightly tacky. It is normally dusted with a translucent powder to seal the design and to make it appear more like a true tattoo. By replacing the translucent powder with a pigmented mica powder, an artist can achieve a long-lasting glowing effect that really grabs the eye. The design can last up to a week with careful maintenance.


Body art by Alexander Limbach; inspired by patterns by Alex Morgan.

Shimmery, water-resistant designs would be great for a festival or faire, to show your Celtic pride, or simply to add a little sparkle and beauty to your everyday life. Remove the design with isopropyl alcohol or mineral oil. For free patterns and inspiration, click here.

To learn the technique, watch the video below.

Becoming Moonlight® Gilding for Body Artists: How to Expand your Business by Offering “White Henna” and “Glitter Henna”

 

 

​​ 

Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste, used in combination with Becoming Moonlight® gilding powders and glitters, is a beautiful and versatile alternative to traditional henna. “White henna,” and “glitter henna” are becoming increasingly popular. These designs look especially stunning when the wearer is out in the sun, where the designs catch the light. They contrast beautifully with tanned skin. Spring and summer are great times for offering Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste designs. Becoming Moonlight® is available exclusively at www.mehandi.com.

If you would like to learn more about the product itself, read “White Henna” and Becoming Moonlight® Gilding Paste, and see the product here.

If you are a body artist interested in offering Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste, here are a few tips to ensure success with this new medium.

 

Play with the materials before you begin to use them on customers.

If you are familiar with using traditional henna paste in a cone, Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste has a very similar feel. It was developed specifically with body artists in mind. That being said, it is always a good idea to practice with new materials before using them on clients. Most of the artists I've talked to who were not happy with the product did not take enough time to play around with it before offering it to customers. Don’t assume that it will work just like henna. It is similar, but has its own personality. Check this blog, as well as www.becomingmoonlight.com for tips, tutorials, videos, and patterns. If you are completely new to this product, check out the Introduction to ‘White Henna.’

 

​​ 

 

 

​​ 

Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste feels a little different from regular henna, and there are some things that one can do that the other cannot. Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste does well with fine lines, but large, solid shapes do not work as well. Like with traditional henna, the tip of the cone may clog from time to time due to product drying there. Keep alcohol swaps on hand to keep the tip clear and the paste flowing easily. Unlike traditional henna, Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste works best if the tip of the cone is gently touching the skin rather than floating above it.

After practicing with the gilding paste you may find that you develop a style that is different from the one you use when applying traditional henna. I’ve found that gilding is great for soft, lace-like styles, and floral themes.

 Remember that the design must be sealed. The paste itself is only the first step. It is an adhesive, not a body paint. Once the paste has become firm to the touch, the surface will be tacky. Finish the design with Becoming Moonlight® gilding powders, body art quality glitters, and gems. This second step is not optional. Even if you want to keep the design white, you must apply a white powder over top of it.

Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste can be used alongside other body art media. It looks great as a highlight on traditional henna stains and works well with Temptu paint and Pros-Aide liquid. The wonderful thing about Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste is that it remains opaque and raised, and can be set with any color powder or glitter. Don’t limit yourself to white; try metallics, bright colors, and rainbow effects!

 

 

Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste and gilding powders, used in conjunction with Temptu white body paint, create a unique lace effect. Body artist: Rebecca Chou. Photography by Roy Jones. Graphic montage by Alex Morgan.

 

​​ 

 

Wear it on yourself to advertise.

Becoming Moonlight® gilding is very eye-catching. It looks like henna, but it’s sparkly and colorful. I have had numerous people stop me and even take pictures of my body art when I wear it out and about. It is a gorgeous, modern twist on traditional henna body art, and that’s why it is becoming so popular.

While you’re working the fairs and festivals, and any other time you like, wear gilding paste on your arms or legs, and keep your business cards on hand. Be sure you feel comfortable answering questions about the product, like how it works and how long it lasts.

 

​​ 

Gilding looks absolutely stunning on darker skin tones. Body Artist: Wendy Rover. Photography by Roy Jones. Graphic Montage by Alex Morgan. Words by Gwyneddh Jones

 

 

Make sure the customer understands the difference between Becoming Moonlight® gilding and traditional henna.

Traditional henna is applied to the skin and left on for several hours to allow the paste to stain the skin. The resulting design comes from the lawsone molecules that have migrated into the skin’s outer layers. With Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste, the paste itself is the design. It does not stain the skin. When the paste is removed, the design is gone. However, the paste is flexible and water resistant, allowing it to last for up to a week with proper care. Make sure your customer knows exactly what they are getting before you start.

One of the great things about using Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste is that once you have set the design with powders and/or glitters, it is done. Customers don’t have to worry about wrapping their body art or moving carefully to avoid smudging. It is great for people who can’t have a stain on their skin for work or school. They can simply peel it off or rub it away with baby oil. This works well for kids whose parents don’t want something that will stain their child’s skin. I used to bring my body art supplies into the after-school program where I worked, and it was a huge hit. However, younger kids will have a tendency to pick at their designs within minutes of getting them done.

 

 

Remember to ask customers whether they are sensitive to adhesives.

Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste is developed from a medical adhesive. It is non-toxic, skin-safe, and is latex-free. That being said, those who are sensitive to adhesives, such as those on bandages or medical tape, may want to avoid using Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste. Ask your customer if they are sensitive to adhesives before starting.

 

 

Know that Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste does not comply with wudu for Muslim clients.

People of Islamic faith practice ablution, or ritual cleansing. They may do this several times a day, usually prior to prayer. This requires that the water freely and fully reaches the skin on the hands, feet, and face. While traditional henna is acceptable, as it is a stain, Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste covers the surface of the skin and is water-resistant. Be sure that your client understands this. You may want to suggest that they have their design placed on their upper arms, above the elbow, or on their legs, above the ankle. Luckily, these areas of the body work better for Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste, anyway. Read the next section to find out why.

Know that religious practices differ, and that some may follow wudu more strictly or loosely. Remember to be respectful in the way you discuss this, and allow the client to make the final decision for themselves.

Additionally, ask if it is okay to use alcohol to clean the area prior to applying the design. Skin needs to be clean, dry, and free of oils in order for the gilding paste to adhere well. If you believe you will have clients who cannot have alcohol on their skin, keep other alternatives such as soap and water available.

 

 

Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste works best on flat areas where there is little joint movement and stretching.

The best areas to use Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste are often the opposites of the ones where you would use henna. Sure, it looks gorgeous on the hands, but all that bending and stretching will cause the design to come off more quickly. Make sure your customer is aware of this when deciding on placement. Hand designs are good for one-day events, like weddings or parties.

Becoming Moonlight® works beautifully on the chest, torso, back, and upper arms and legs. Use this to your advantage to create new and interesting designs for body parts you might not usually work with. You can find tons of inspiration on The Henna Page, and BecomingMoonlight.com.

 

 

 

Use Becoming Moonlight® body art products to make a beautiful belly design. Body artist: Alexander Limbach. Photography by Roy Jones. Graphic Montage by Alex Morgan.

 

 

It is also important to be aware that the paste is more difficult to apply and remove from hairy skin. Hair will interrupt the flow of the paste, causing uneven lines. Because the paste is an adhesive, removing it from hair skin can be painful, and pull out hairs. Have client shave their arms or legs prior to a private appointment. At a festival or fair setting, politely suggest a different placement, such as on the inner arm, the upper arm or the upper back.

 

The image on the left shows areas where henna stains well. The image on the right shows areas where gilding works best.

 

​​ 

Figure out how you will manage the flow of clients if you are working a stand.

If you are offering Becoming Moonlight® gilding at a stand or booth, you will need to figure out the best way to keep your clients moving through smoothly. Decide whether you want to offer both traditional henna and Becoming Moonlight® gilding, or only the latter.

 The paste needs to set for about 5-10 minutes before you are able to seal it with powder or glitter. If it is particularly humid out, the paste will take longer to dry. This means there will be customers waiting around between the first step and the second. If the event is slow, you can simply hang out and chat. If there is a line, you may want to have a partner seal the designs after you have done them, and have a space where customers can wait off to the side. Make sure that the customers don’t run off after the first step, thinking it is done. This will happen. Maintain a clear system for cycling customers through your stand in a timely manner.

 

​​ 

Decide on pricing.

By weight, Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste is pricier than homemade BAQ henna paste. In addition, you will need to have a few gilding powders, glitters, and perhaps gems. (If you offer body art as a business, contact Customer Service about getting a 25% body artist discount on Becoming Moonlight® body art products.)

You may want to charge more to make up for the cost of materials, and because it is something unique and different in comparison to traditional henna. On the other hand, many customers are unfamiliar with gilding and are deterred by its shorter duration. Pricing will depend on region and client demographics, as well as your personal business sense. Advertising is important. Make sure you have several lovely images of your gilding work where they can easily be seen, to draw in customers.

 

​​ 

Start by offering a few simple patterns and a limited color selection.

Part of maintaining a seamless flow is not overwhelming yourself and the customers with too many options. Have a pattern book ready with around a dozen designs which you can complete in ten minutes or less. Offer a few powders or glitter colors to choose from. It works well to offer white, gold, and silver, as those will be the most popular. Decide if you want to offer gems as well, and whether you will charge extra for it.

If you are doing a private appointment, have more options available and consult with your client beforehand to decide on a color palette. Remember that glitters and powders can look different in the jar than when on the skin. Doing a test run of the design, or creating color swatches can be helpful. ​​ 

 

​​ 

Becoming Moonlight® gilding powders are cosmetic-grade mica powders. They come in a wide variety of colors. ​​ Find the whole selection here.

 

 

Make sure your customers know about proper aftercare.

Your customers will want to be careful when washing and drying the area where you have placed the design. The product is water resistant, but will be a little softer and prone to peeling when the skin is wet. They will want to avoid harsh rubbing, and only use gentle patting motions when washing and drying. They will also want to avoid using oils, lotions, and alcohol-based hand-sanitizers on the area.

The design may peel more quickly for those who sweat and move a lot when sleeping. I find that dusting the design with more gilding powder, or a talc-free body powder before bedtime helps keep it dry and intact. If you do a large design for a special event, you may want to consider leaving them with a small sample of the powder you used, which they can reapply to keep the design fresh.

 

​​ 

This design stayed impressively long for being on my foot. I dusted it with more powder every night to protect it while I slept. This is about five days after application. You can see where some areas are peeling. On another part of the body, the design would stay even cleaner.

 

​​ 

When applying gilding for special events, it is best to do it close to the time of the event.

Becoming Moonlight® gilding lasts for up to a week with proper aftercare, but it will always look its best when it is fresh. After a few days, the surface can become slightly tacky, and pick up bits of dirt and lint, dulling the colors. Some parts of the design may lift, and begin to peel. You can avoid this wear-and-tear, and prolong the beauty of the design by dusting it with powder or glitter daily.

If someone has hired you to apply Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste for a wedding, party, or another special event, it is best if they are able to have the appointment the same day as the event. This will ensure that the body art looks its best, and gives it less time to dull or peel. Make sure you feel comfortable doing large designs, know roughly how long it will take you to complete it, and allow time for mishaps.

 

 

Create a stunning collar piece to match an outfit for a special day. Use gems and ribbon to make the piece stand out even more. Body Artist: Alexander Limbach. Photography by Roy Jones. Graphic montage by Alex Morgan.

 

​​ 

Final Notes

Becoming Moonlight® gilding is a wonderful addition to any body artist’s repertoire. As white and metallic henna-style body art gains popularity, it benefits you to be able to offer it. It is especially good for weddings and proms, and it is in high demand during the summer months. Make sure you are familiar with the product, and have a plan set for how you will offer it in your own business. Offering Becoming Moonlight® gilding will set you apart from other body artists and is sure to bring repeat customers.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to comment below or contact customer service at www.mehandi.com.

 

 

 

 

 

“White Henna” and Becoming Moonlight® Gilding Paste

 

 

 

You may have seen images of beautiful henna-style body art done in white, silver, gold, or other colors. This technique is often referred to as “white henna,” and has gained popularity in both regions where henna is traditionally used, and in western societies. “White henna” is an interesting new twist on traditional henna. It’s great for formal looks in weddings or events, as well as casual summertime adornment.

 

 

 

What is “White Henna?”

“White henna” is not actually henna. The red-brown stain of traditional henna paste comes from the dye that occurs naturally in the leaves of the henna (lawsonia inermis) plant. To make traditional henna paste, the leaves are harvested, dried, ground, and sifted into a fine powder. This powder is mixed with a mildly acidic liquid, such as lemon juice, which releases the intermediary dye molecules which bind to keratin in skin, hair, and nails. This stain oxidizes from a bright orange to deep red and brown tones. The color stays in the surface layers of the skin until the skin cells shed, allowing the pattern to last a couple of weeks.

On the other hand, “white henna” is a style of body art that involves applying a product to the surface of the skin for a temporary, henna-like effect. It has been done with body paint, adhesives, homemade flour-based pastes, and—as a quick search on YouTube would reveal—acrylic paints, white-out, and other materials that are not safe for skin. Some “white henna” products on the market claim to “stain” the skin white, and may contain some kind of bleach. The problem with many “white henna” products or DIY techniques one might find online is that the product is not safe for use on skin, ​​ and/or does not stay for more than a few hours before cracking or washing off.

Although “white henna” has gained popularity in the past couple of years, Catherine Cartwright-Jones, PhD, began exploring “white henna” work in 2003. In 2012, Becoming Moonlight® Gilding Paste was developed through a collaboration between Catherine and her company, TapDancing Lizard® LLC, and Olena Wilshanetsky.

 

What is Becoming Moonlight® Gilding Paste?

Becoming Moonlight® Gilding Paste was the first product developed specifically for creating henna-like patterns on the skin. It is based on Pros-Aide medical adhesive. It is water resistant, flexible, and latex-free. It is not a paint nor a dye, but rather an adhesive paste that can be applied with a cone just as henna would. The paste dries after 5-10 minutes, and is tacky to the touch. The artist then seals the paste with any body art quality glitter or mica powder for the desired effect.

 Pros-Aide adhesives were originally produced for medical use, but have been widely used by body artists to apply durable, colorful, and sparkling patterns to skin. Both the liquid and cream adhesives tend to dry flat, and transparent. Becoming Moonlight® worked directly with the manufacturers of Pros-Aide to create a skin-safe* adhesive specifically for body art use. Unlike the original Pros-Aide cream adhesive, Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste dries raised and opaque white, making glitters and powders “pop.” The formula is thicker, allowing it to be applied in thin lines and intricate patterns, the same way as traditional henna paste.

 

 

Setting the paste with white or pearlescent mica powder creates the classic “white henna” look. However, any color or combination of colors can be used over the paste. This makes it wonderfully versatile. The design stays in place for up to a week, depending on placement and aftercare. It can be easily removed with mineral oil or by rubbing sticky tape over the design.

Because Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste does not stain the skin, it is an ideal product for school children and workers whose dress codes would not allow them to have visible “tattoos.” The design can be worn for the desired period of time, and then removed prior to returning to school or work.

​​ 

How to Use Becoming Moonlight® Gilding Paste

Mehandi.com sells Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste in both single-use cones and in 4oz jars. A single cone contains enough gilding paste to create several small patterns, or 1-2 large patterns, depending on intricacy. A 4oz jar contains enough paste to fill about twenty cones. Becoming Moonlight® offers body art quality glitters, mica powders, and gems in a large assortment of colors. You can also purchase pre-rolled cones, or mylar triangles to roll your own cones.

​​ 

​​ 

 The following videos demonstrate how to roll mylar cones, and how to fill cones with Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste.

 If you are familiar with applying traditional henna, applying gilding paste feels very similar. Simply snip the very tip of the cone, enough to draw thin lines. Clean the skin with isopropyl alcohol, and create the pattern. Allow the paste to become firm and tacky. Once the paste has set, apply your choice of Becoming Moonlight® gilding powders and glitters to seal the design, and dust off the excess.

Here’s a video tutorial for creating a simple but elegant Halloween look.

 

For more tutorials and patterns, visit www.becomingmoonlight.com and http://www.hennapage.com/henna/white_henna/index.htm

 

* Note: Those who are sensitive to adhesives, such as those ones used in bandages, should conduct a patch-test with Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste first.

 

Henna on Fingertips, Feet, and Nails: Cosmetic and Practical Applications (Part Two)

This article was originally posted on www.AncientSunrise.blog.

 

How To Henna Fingertips, Nails, and Feet

Part One of this two-part series explored the use of henna on fingertips, nails, and feet. Henna was used both as a cosmetic and as a way to heal and protect skin, nails, and hair.

To read Part One, click here.

This section will describe how to use henna paste to decorate and strengthen fingertips, nails, and feet.

 

Note for US Residents:

The color additive “henna” is approved by the FDA solely for the use of “hair dye” (see, 21 CFR 73.2190); it may not be used for dyeing the “eyelashes,” “eyebrows,” nor the “eye area” for cosmetic product applications. Neither is it approved for cosmetic “skin tattoo” purposes. To use a color additive in any cosmetic product application for which it is not listed for regulation renders it “adulterated” and/or “misbranded.” (see section 601(a) and/or 601(e), and/or 602(e) of the FD&C Act)

https://www.fda.gov/ForIndustry/ColorAdditives/ColorAdditivesinSpecificProducts/InCosmetics/ucm110032.htm

 

Here are the US FDA regulations for the use of henna for the purpose of body art. These regulations have the force of law: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/productsingredients/products/ucm108569.htm

If you live outside of the US, this does not apply to you.

Always make sure you are using only 100% Body Art Quality (BAQ) henna whether it is on the hair or skin.

 

 

How to Apply Henna to Fingertips

Save this for a time when you don’t need your hands. I do this before bed, and sleep with wrapped fingertips.

Henna on smaller areas of the body is easily done with a rolled mylar cone filled with henna. If you are unfamiliar with how to roll and fill cones, click here to learn.

 

 

Set Up

You will need:

  • A cone of henna for outlining. (Or you can use medical tape. See below.)

  • A small bowl or shot glass with about 1T henna. (You can just squeeze out the rest of your cone after outlining.)

  • A small brush

  • Toilet paper or other soft paper

  • Tape

 

Outline

Start with clean hands that do not have lotion or oils on them.

Use the cone to draw an outline. You may need a friend to help if you wish to do both hands.

Alternatively, you can wrap a strip of medical tape around each finger. The result will be a nice, crisp line. You will want to choose a waterproof tape with a straight edge (some have a zig-zag edge).

​​ 

 

​​ 

 

Fill

Fill in the skin from the line or the edge of the tape, to the tips of your fingers. I prefer to apply in layers, allowing each layer to dry. This prevents having fingers covered in a thick layer of wet paste that will take forever to dry.

 

 

Wrap

Wait until the paste is dry enough to touch without lifting any away. A hair dryer can help speed up the process. Wrap tissue or toilet paper around each finger, securing with tape.

 If you like, you can pull on a pair of stretchy fabric gloves. The warmth will deepen the stain, and the gloves keep the wraps from slipping off.

 

 

Remove

To remove, unwrap your fingertips and gently scrape the paste away with a wooden craft stick or the blunt side of a butter knife. A stiff nail brush helps to remove extra bits. Try to avoid water for the first few hours while the stain settles and oxidizes.

The stain will deepen over 24-48 hours. To expedite the process and darken the result, gently heat or steam your hands.

 

 

  

On the left, the fresh stain is bright orange. On the right, the stain has oxidized to a deep burgundy after 48 hours.

 

​​ 

How to Apply Henna to Fingernails and/or Toenails

If you would like to stain only your nails rather than your fingertips the process is similar, and simpler.

You can do this either with a cone or a clean, small brush. A recycled nail polish brush would work nicely. Trim and shape your nails as you prefer.

 

Using a Cone

Squeeze the cone gently and fill over the nail using back and forth motions. ​​ It works well to apply a thinner layer, then apply a second layer as the first dries. As the paste dries, ​​ it darkens and flattens. You will be able to see where you would like to add more paste.

 

Nails GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

 

Using a Brush

Henna tends to slip over the surface of the nail, so it is helpful to use dabbing motions rather than treating it the way you would nail polish. Let the first layer set, and then go back in to fill any areas that are thin.

 

Nail GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

 

Finish

You can either choose to wrap your fingertips similarly as described above, or allow the paste to fully dry on the nails. Damp paste will continue to stain the skin, leading to darker results. If you let the paste dry, keep it on for as long as possible (several hours is good) before gently scraping it away.

Again, the result will be brighter at first, and deepen over the next couple of days. You can reapply to deepen the color, and apply as necessary as your nails grow. I find that doing this weekly keeps my nails a deep red hue. My nails grow longer and chip less when I maintain hennaed nails.

Henna will stain the nail permanently, so if you choose to stop applying henna to your nails, a good way to hide half-hennaed nails is to paint them over with polish until the stained portion grows and is clipped away.

 

​​ 

Hennaed nails are a deep red. This color fades very little over time.

 

 

How to Apply Henna to Feet

You will definitely want to do this on a particularly lazy day, or in the evening before bed. You might want to have a friend to help you. I am a pretty flexible person and have found that hennaing one’s own feet is possible, but requires awkward positions.

Start with clean, scrubbed feet. Henna will help the feet shed excess callus and dry skin, but if you’d like your stain to last for a long time, it is a good idea to scrub off anything that is on the verge of shedding already.

Set-up

Remember that once you have henna on your feet, you are not going anywhere until it is wrapped. You’ll need to have everything on hand before you start, or holler for someone to bring you what you need. (Trust me. I have more than once crawled or butt-scooted over to where I had left my supplies, praying I don’t accidentally touch my feet to anything.)

You will want to cover the area where you’ll be sitting with an old towel. I prefer to sit on the floor with a cushion under me.

 

You will need:

  • A cone of henna for outlining.

  • A small bowl of henna. ½ cup to 1 cup should be plenty, depending on how thick your paste is.

  • A small flat brush or a large wooden craft stick

  • Toilet paper or other soft paper

  • Plastic wrap or plastic grocery bags

  • Tape. Medical tape is great, but any kind will do fine. It won’t go on the skin.

  • An old pair of socks

     

I also like to have a snack and drink close by. Maybe put on music or a movie. Make sure the cats aren’t feeling particularly needy. This will take some time.

 

 

 

 

Outline

Feet can be hennaed in many styles. Hennaed feet have varied by culture and time period. Some people prefer to apply only to the soles. Some apply to the balls of the feet and the toes. ​​ Once you have decided on your henna-feet style, use a cone to draw an outline along the tops and sides of your feet. I prefer a full slipper.

A helpful trick for keeping it symmetrical: Put on a pair of flats and use an aquarellable pencil to trace outlines on your feet along the edge of your shoes.

 

​​ 

You can also use medical tape to create a clean outline. Just apply the paste right over the edge of the tape.

 

 

Fill

Using the brush or craft stick, apply the henna paste evenly all over your feet. Make sure to apply henna between and under each toe. The paste will want to squish from between your toes while it is wet. Keep reapplying in layers.

Let each layer dry, then apply again until the paste is opaque and even. ​​ You can use a hair dryer to set each layer before beginning a new one.

I’ve found that this works better than applying one thick coat. The first layer helps the second layer stick better, and it all dries much faster. If you slather on one super thick layer and try to dry it, the surface will dry but seal in underneath. Once you wrap your feet and get up, all that wet paste squishes out and slides around. Walking around with squishy paste against your feet is really weird.

​​ 

If you do apply a thick layer, expect to wait a while for it to dry. Put your feet up in the sun, enjoy a beverage, take a nap...

 

​​ 

Wrap

Once your final layer is dry to the touch, use toilet paper to wrap your feet like you are a mummy. Be generous. The layers closest to your feet will get damp and rip. You’ll want several layers over everything, especially the balls and heels of your feet, where you put most of your weight. Use some tape to hold it in place if necessary.

Then, wrap your feet in plastic. Plastic wrap works well enough. So does a grocery bag. Secure with tape. Finally, pull on a pair of socks and you are ready to walk around!

Again, I prefer to do this at night and sleep through the processing time. I’ve found that my feet are too fat to fit into any shoes once they are hennaed and wrapped.

 

​​ 

Here, just the balls of the feet and toes were hennaed and wrapped.

 

​​ 

 

Remove

In the morning (or after as many hours as you can stand), unwrap your feet and gently scrape the paste off with a wooden craft stick or the blunt edge of a butter knife. I prefer to do this either outside or sitting on the edge of the tub with my feet in the tub (paste bits are rinsed down the drain for easy cleanup). Use a stiff brush to clear the remaining flakes, and do a quick wipe with a clean, damp towel.

 

 

 

 

Getting Fancy

Want to add some complexity to your hennaed fingertips and feet? Take a look at all of the free pattern books available at The Henna Page. You can even add gems, glitter, shimmering powders, and more.

 

 

​​ 

These feet were hennaed and decorated in multiple steps. Toes and details were hennaed, left for several hours, and allowed to deepen with oxidation. Applying henna and removing after a short period of time created the bright orange stain. Finally, gilding and jewels were added.

 

​​ 

If you have any questions about applying henna to fingertips, nails, and feet, feel free to comment below or email r_chou@mehandi.com

 

 

A Quick Trick for Freezing and Storing Leftover Henna Paste

This article was originally posted on www.AncientSunrise.Blog. The technique can be adopted for filling cones. For laws and regulations on the use of henna on skin in the United States, see the About page.

 

 

 

 

A customer messaged me about a trick she learned from using piping bags and frosting, and sent me instructions on how she did it. This is really cool! It makes storing and thawing portions a breeze, and clean-up is so simple. You can even re-use the same carrot bag over and over, because the inside of the carrot bag stays clean. Thanks, Jeannine!

 

Here’s how.

 

Separating and Freezing

1. Lay a rectangular piece of plastic wrap flat on your work surface.

 

 

2. Spoon your henna directly into the center of the plastic.

 

3. Fold the top and bottom edges of the plastic over the paste so each edge overlaps the paste completely.

 

 

4. Pinch the open sides together and twist. You can hold the sides and twirl your paste lump until both sides are tightly twisted. Don’t worry, henna will not go flying.

 

 

5. Repeat until all your paste is wrapped, and store in the freezer. (Note: sometimes the dye from the paste can leech through thin plastic. I put a piece of wax paper down in my freezer where I stored the portions.)

 

 

Thawing and Filling

1. When you need to use your paste, pull out a portion and allow it to thaw. Cut the tip of a carrot bag.

 

2. Once the paste is thawed, cut the tip of a carrot bag and drop the portion in so that one twisted end can be pulled out of the tip. (I’ve learned that it might help to tape the twisted end to help it thread through more easily, like licking the end of a thread.) Pull gently until the portion forms to the bag.

 

 

3. Close the open end of the carrot bag with a rubber band or clip, and cut the plastic wrap twist where it sticks out.

 

 

4. If you do not use all of the paste, simply tape the end and store.

 

 

5. When the carrot bag is empty, simply pull out the plastic wrap, rinse the carrot bag if needed, and put it away for next time!

 

 

If you have cool tricks and tips you’d like to share and see posted in the blog, feel free to email me at r_chou@mehandi.com