How to Travel With Henna
Have henna will travel!
One of the questions I got most frequently while working as as destination wedding henna artist was about how to travel with henna. Whether you’re traveling to do henna at a big event, or you just want to do something cute for yourself at the beach, this post covers it all, plus links to some of my favorite items that make traveling with henna a breeze. Wearing henna is also such a great conversation starter. I’ve made many new friends (and customers!) just because I was wearing henna while traveling.
Henna, the best travel accessory!
Henna for Yourself (and maybe a friend)
If you just want to arrive at your destination and do some artwork on yourself, it couldn’t be easier. Just throw a couple of henna or jagua-henna cones in your TSA liquids bag in your carry-on. Personally, I like to use a quart-sized Stasher reusable silicone bag . It’s leakproof, and the thicker material means that your cones won’t stab holes and leak into your baggage like they can in a Ziploc baggie. One cone is enough for one full hand, one full foot, or one “statement” design, and 6 henna cones is enough for full bridal henna hands and feet. . If you don’t have access to a freezer, you’ll want to use your cones up within a couple of days, and make sure to avoid leaving them anywhere too hot (such as the trunk of your rental car).
Please remove Brussels sprouts before travel ;) Click image to get your Stasher bag!
Henna for an Event
If you’re going to need more than a couple of cones, then it’s best to mix your henna once you get to your destination. Click here for my recipe. You’ll want to plan and pack carefully so that you don’t waste time running around looking for supplies at the last minute. I also recommend packing everything in your carry-on luggage, so that there is no chance of it being delayed or lost (especially important if you are working at an event!). Here’s what you’ll need (I may receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you, this helps me be able to keep bringing you helpful content!)
Henna Powder in its original sealed/labeled packaging (loose unidentifiable powder is NOT recommended)
Essential oil in 30ml bottles, with unbroken seal
Sugar (if you’re using sugar packets, 10 packets is enough for 100 grams of henna powder)
Pre-rolled cones or applicator of your choice, and tape to seal them.
Pastry bag for filling cones (I also store my pre-rolled cones in the pastry bag!)
Collapsible bowl with lid for mixing
Stockings for straining the paste
Blunt-tip kid’s scissors (TSA friendly, most of the time, and cheap enough that you won’t cry if they get confiscated)
Bag clip to seal your pastry bag (really helps with straining the paste!)
Spatula for mixing (keep in mind that colored spatulas can stain)
Don’t make these rookie mistakes!!
Don’t forget to cover your bowl. A bowl with a lid is super important. Don’t make this rookie mistake that I made! Ok, so I was in Puerto Vallarta and mixed up a beautiful batch of henna. I left it sitting in my room while I went out to grab lunch. While I was out, a storm approached, increasing the humidity to almost 100%. Because sugar is hydrophilic (moisture loving) my paste kept sucking ambient moisture out of the air, and when I returned, my paste was SOUP! I hadn’t saved any extra henna powder, so I didn’t have a way to thicken my paste back up. I ended up spreading out the paste super thin with the AC blasting to try to dry it out, which worked somewhat, but the bride still commented on the consistency being so wet. It wasn’t a total disaster, but it sure could have been!
Don’t use up all of your powder (see above, even one or two teaspoons can save your @$$).
Don’t use lemon/citrus in your mix or your sealant. Citrus can cause phytophotodermatitus (a nasty type of chemical burn) when exposed to the sun. Google “margarita burn” if you need further evidence. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! Graphic!
Don’t use self-tanner or your henna stain will be weak and fade quickly.
Don’t use chemical-based sunscreens as they will fade the henna very quickly (the aerosol sprays are the worst!).
Don’t forget to put oil on your skin before swimming or bathing. If you must swim, choose the ocean instead of the pool.
No RAGRETS ;)
A couple more recommendations for you, in my opinion these are worth every penny, and will ensure that your henna designs stain dark and stay put.
Get a Baiden MItten. Yes, I know they’re expensive, but I’ve tried other brands and they didn’t come anywhere CLOSE to the exfoliating power of the Baiden. 24-48 hours before you plan to apply your henna, exfoliate with the mitt. It works best after soaking in a bath, but you can also use it in the shower. You’ll be horrified and also extremely satisfied at how much dead skin comes off your body and how smooth your skin looks and feels (bordering on unbelievable). If you’ve ever experienced “giraffing” of your henna stain, this will prevent that altogether, allowing your stain to wear evenly. One mitt can last a year, so it becomes much more affordable when you look at from that perspective.
I absolutely love Manda sun care products. The sunblocks are mineral based, reef safe, and the packaging is biodegradable sugar cane and bamboo. They do leave a whitish cast, which I personally find beneficial because you can see where you’ve put it, and it’s safer than the “nano particle” sunblocks. They smell good. They look cute on your counter top. YOU WILL NOT BURN. I swear by this stuff. And as a bonus, their Paw Paw salve is perfect for preserving your henna stain. Lube up before swimming or showering. It’s also great for soothing sunburn and insect bites.
Have I mentioned the Baiden Mitten? Yes I have. Well, I’m mentioning it again, because you know when you’re part way through your vacation and your henna is starting to look a bit rough? The Baiden Mitten is the best exfoliating tool I’ve ever used for removing a fading stain. Just don’t scrub a sunburn or you’ll be hating life. Personally, I buy the tan colored one.
The absolute best way to prep your skin as well as remove a fading henna stain.
I swear by this stuff.
I hope you found these tips and products helpful! Happy travels and happy hennaing!