Q&A Sealing henna designs

This question comes from Tiffany from Roanoke, Virginia.

I am wondering what the best thing is to seal henna designs.  I've seen people use sugar and water, but wanted to know the recipe and how to do it.

Well, sealing your henna design is actually optional, but definitely recommended.

The quick answer is:  Seal with a solution of 1 part sugar (or another sweetner), and 2 parts water (or another liquid).  You can apply the sealant with a moistened cotton ball, or more quickly and hygienically with a mist/spray bottle.

The long answer:

First, when sealing your henna design, you want to make sure that you are can figure out for WHO you are sealing the design for.  Is this for a bride? or for a small kids henna party? are you sealing a design that has jagua in it? or are you at a big event with lots of people getting henna done?  are you a vendor at an indoor market? or are you at a festival setting with dancing and music?

Secondly, you need to figure out what type of sealant you want to use--sugar and water, lemon juice and sugar, honey, hair spray, liquid bandage, rose water with molasses? 

Third, you want to figure out how you will apply the sealant--cotton ball, with your fingers, spray bottle?

Fourth, you will need to wait for the sealant to dry before proceeding. 

TYPES OF SEALANTS:
sugar-water spray
lemon juice and sugar
honey water
sugar and rose water
molasses and water

SEALANT HOW TO:
mix one part sweetner with 2 parts liquid.  Place in a shallow bowl or spray bottle
Your liquid can be lemon juice, water, rose water, or another floral water, or even tea.

HOW TO APPLY SEALANT:
EASY-With a spray bottle--pour sealant mixture into spray bottle, shake, and spray onto dried henna design.
HARD-With a cotton ball--pour sealant mixture into a shallow bowl.  dip cotton ball into the sealant.  gently squeeze cotton ball to remove excess liquid (but not that hard).  Dab the cotton ball gently on the henna design, being very careful to not scrape off the henna.
HARDEST-dip fingers into sealant mixture and dab onto henna design.  This is ideal for only small design applications and where other tools are unavailable.

TIPS FOR SEALANTS:

BRIDES:  apply sealant AFTER photos but before any other major movement (dancing, rituals and ceremonies)

KIDS:  skip the sealant--opt to spray cosmetic glitter instead (it helps keep the henna on the skin for longer because kids love glitter!)

SMALL PARTY:  opt for the sealant in a spray bottle

JAGUA and HENNA:  opt for the spray bottle with a light mist.  Jagua takes longer to dry anyway and adding more moisture to the design will delay the drying process. 

BIG EVENT/FESTIVAL:  opt for the spray bottle.  The only downside to this is that the people will come back for the spray--either have the spray self serve with clear instructions, or have someone help you do the sealant.  Another option is to simply double up the sugar in your henna paste for a big event and festival setting.  Doubling the sugar will take longer to dry, but the extra sugar will help ensure the henna stays in place on the skin.  (doubling the sugar will also mean you will have to adjust the liquid you add to make your henna paste).

All in all, try using a spray bottle with your sealant to keep your henna in place. 

OUR SEALANT RECIPE:
1 part sugar (regular, white table sugar)
2 parts water
5 drops geranium essential oil

Is this for a bride? or for a small kids henna party? are you sealing a design that has jagua in it? or are you at a big event with lots of people getting henna done?  are you a vendor at an indoor market? or are you at a festival setting with dancing and music?