1. Prepare 48 hours in advance

Very important to remember: For optimum results you need to begin preparing your henna approximately 48 hours before you intend to use it. If you don’t give henna time to release its dye, or if you leave it languishing for too long, you will not get vibrant long-lasting stains. If the ambient temperature is warm (i.e. middle of summer in the UK), you will need around 24 hours, if it is cool you will need around 48 hours.

2. Gather your supplies

You will need:

• Henna
• Black tea
• A ceramic, plastic or stainless steel bowl and a plastic spoon
• Cling film

3. Cover up

The mix can be messy and can stain anything it comes into contact with so make sure you cover all surfaces, yourself and wear gloves.

If you do spill some make sure you wipe it off immediately.

4. Mix the henna to the correct consistency

Add a little liquid at a time, not all at once to get the correct consistency.  Mix the liquid with the henna powder to create the gloopy consistency of yoghurt.

5. Let the mixture sit

Cover it with cling film, leave it somewhere warmish (such as on top of the fridge) and wait at least a couple of hours, or overnight for best results. This allows the dye to release and will change colour from green to dark brown.