How to make hengua paste

How to Make Hengua Paste

Explore the Possibilities

Isn’t it fun that you can mix Henna and Jagua to create your own temporary body art? Combining them gives you the warm reddish-brown tones of Henna and the deep blue-black hues of Jagua, opening up a world of shading and color possibilities.

There are two main ways to make Hengua paste: using Jagua powder or Jagua juice. We don’t sell Henna, so make sure to get a high-quality Henna powder. Below, we’ll walk you through both methods.

1. Creating Hengua with Jagua Powder

We recommend starting with a 50% Jagua powder / 50% Henna powder formula. You can adjust the ratio to get lighter or darker shades depending on the effect you want.

This recipe makes about 100g (100ml) of Hengua paste:

• 12.5g Jagua powder
• 12.5g Henna powder
• 67.5g water
• 7.5g essential oil (lavender, eucalyptus, or squalene)
• 10g sugar (optional — use in dry climates, skip in humid ones)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Add Jagua and Henna powders to a mixing bowl.
2. Gradually add water while mixing until smooth.
3. Mix in your essential oil.
4. Add sugar if needed (for dry climates).
5. Let the paste settle for 12–24 hours — Henna needs time to release its dye.
6. Mix again to remove any lumps. Strain through a stocking if needed.
7. Transfer the paste into an applicator bottle or cone.

This will likely result in a beautiful dark brown colour! 

2. Creating Hengua with Jagua Juice

Some artists prefer using Jagua juice instead of powder because it can feel easier and more familiar, especially if you’re used to working with Henna. By replacing the water in your usual recipe with Jagua juice, you get a smooth, Henna-like texture that spreads easily and sticks nicely to the skin. 

This recipe makes about 100g (100ml) of Hengua paste:

• 50g Henna powder
• 67.5g Jagua juice
• 7.5g essential oil (lavender, eucalyptus, or squalene)
• 10g sugar (optional)

Mix and prepare the same way as the powder method:

1. Add Henna powder to a mixing bowl.
2. Replace water with Jagua juice and mix thoroughly.
3. Add essential oil and sugar (if desired).
4. Let the paste settle for 12–24 hours.
5. Mix again to remove any lumps and strain if needed.
6. Transfer into an applicator bottle or cone.

This will likely result in a beautiful dark brown colour! 

Materials You’ll Need

To extend the shelf life of your Hengua paste, use clean tools. Keep in mind that Henna and Jagua can stain surfaces, clothes, and skin.

Recommended materials:

• Scale to weigh ingredients
• Cups & mixing bowl
• Spatula
• Nitrile gloves (protect your hands!)
• 125ml applicator bottle to store your paste

Advanced Tips

Use High-Quality Essential Oils

Good oils make a big difference:

1. They help release the dye molecule (lawsone) from Henna and Jagua for a darker, longer-lasting stain.
2. They make the paste smoother and easier to apply, perfect for intricate designs.
3. Pure oils prevent skin irritation, keeping your Hengua safe to use.

Experiment with Jagua Quantity

• Less Jagua→ lighter, subtle tones (great for shading).
• More Jagua→ darker, intense stains.

If you want to make Jagua-only paste, check out our guide here:
How to Make Jagua Gel from Powder or How to Make Jagua Gel from Juice

Takeaway:
Making Hengua paste is all about experimentation and creativity. Whether you choose Jagua powder or juice, adjust the Henna ratio, and use quality ingredients, you’ll get beautiful, temporary tattoos with rich color and smooth application. Have fun exploring the endless possibilities!