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Henna tips - darker henna

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My mum used to do henna and she made her own and it would come out incredibly dark, nearly black.

I don't know which powdered brand she used though. Also like others have said be careful when buying henna because some of it has hit crap in it that's not very good for skin.

My mum used to apply lemon and sugar onto the henna once it was dried a bit.

Also she had this secret mix of herbs that she would put on a hot plate type thing and got the person to put their hands over the smoke.

It worked I'll have to find out what herbs she used.

Reply 21

whatisthis47

First of all, what type of tube are you using?
if you've got a tube like this:

- I'm not talking about the make, but that plastic tube with the plastic lid. Me, and almost everyone in my family who's ever used mendhi can't stand these tubes! The henna gets stuck inside a lot and doesn't come out properly. Plus, it's really, very hard to use.

imo, these tubes are better:

They're easier to use, the henna comes out better and if it dries, all you need is a pin :biggrin:

Plus it's easier to get the henna out!

To make the henna darker, you can use:
- lemon juice to wet it after it dries + after you take it [the henna] off. Also helps with the smell!
- any kind of cooking oil i.e. vegetable, olive, sunflower to do the same as the aforementioned
- sleep with it - put a bag (i.e. tesco) around your hand/s so the flakes don't fall on your bed and they fall in the bag so you can just wash it off in the morning
- just wet it with water whenever it's dry
But remember, there's only so much you can wet it. If it's dried and starts to get flaky, then it has more or less set and become as dark as it can get. If you keep wetting it so much that the flakes move out of place, they can stain another part of your hand which you might not want stained and ruin the pattern. Trust me. I've done it before! :tongue:

In saying that, it would be best if you just flicked the water on instead of running it straight under a tap/shower head no matter how light the water's running :smile:

OR
you can use henna specialised for nails:

I've only ever seen them in those tubes that I hate to use but the henna does come out darker!
The tube is really small, probably about half, maybe a third of the size of the tube on the first pic i posted but my sister tried it and it worked really well on her! :biggrin:

Reply 22

stephie.u3

Original post by NW86

which studio?

louis molloys in middleton :biggrin:

Reply 23

NW86

Original post by stephie.u3

louis molloys in middleton :biggrin:

ah ok! yeah pretty darn good studio, def top 5 in the uk but not the best, i really don't rate louis malloy (but that's personal opinion on his artwork and no denying of his ability!) But that's a discussion not for here hehe

use black hair dye

Original post by GiftWrappedKittyKat

use black hair dye

Do NOT use black hair dye. Its kinda the same as using black henna, which will scar and irritate your skin permanently!

Reply 26

GiftWrappedKittyKat

Original post by zeezee06

Do NOT use black hair dye. Its kinda the same as using black henna, which will scar and irritate your skin permanently!

well i have been using black hair dye mixed with henna for years it hasnt done me any harm :smile:

Reply 27

zeezee06

Original post by GiftWrappedKittyKat

well i have been using black hair dye mixed with henna for years it hasnt done me any harm :smile:

You have? Hmm.. its just that black hair dye contains the chemical PPD. People hear a lot about 'black henna' which contains PPD and those who have had 'black henna' done have ended up with scars, sores and painful blisters.
That is why the use of 'black henna' or any henna mix with PPD is prohibited under henna aritst's board etc (such as ICNHA .
Its sort of like the number one rule for all professional artists; Don't use 'black henna' or PPD etc.
:smile:

Reply 28

GiftWrappedKittyKat

like i said it hasnt done me any harm so i will continue to use it

Reply 29

minnie23

Original post by fran.ha

So, this is a little odd as I'm a white English girl, but I've recently become obsessed with henna. I got my first proper tattoo earlier this year and I'm obsessed now with doodling on myself in henna.

I bought some from a shop in town, but the thing is I'm not sure its that good quality. Having looked online I've found some pictures where people have gorgeous dark henna stains.

Mine are quite light and orangey.

I left the henna to develop for about an hour before applying and then left it on all night (and woke up with a bed full of henna crumbs!) so its had a long time, its definitely noticeable but I want to get it as dark as possible.

Can anyone recommend me anywhere I can get good henna powder? Any good brands? I think its hard to find something good as its so unregulated so I thought I'd ask for recommendations?

EDIT: Sorry, just realised i posted this in Fitness :erm:

Was aiming for fashion and beauty but somehow managed to click here!

yep, go to green street, and ask for a 'Mehak' Mehndi Tube... they come in pink or gold tubes. and they are really good!!!
and for dark henna, keep it on for about 2 hours, maybe longer if possible, and when you take it off, scrape it off, dont wash it off!
also, before you go to bed, put some oil on the skin, and when you wake up in the morning, it should be darker!