Cracking henna

Hennas that are not naturally stringy like a typical Raj do need more sugar. Keep experimenting by adding a little more each time. I can tell you understand what a PITA too much sugar can be! You can seal with a little lemon juice and sugar spray or light syrup for batches that aren't sweet enough to prevent cracking until you get it perfect.

I can't speak for humid climates as I'm in the NM high desert. I do have to use a LOT of sugar to keep the henna from cracking, it's ALOMST equal parts henna to sugar (fructose cause I haven't found dextrose locally yet) but my henna will not come off till you take it off! 

Yeah, I'd just add more sugar to it. it sounds like that kind of henna wants more sugar. Sometimes each batch is different. Add more until it runs off the spoon. i

Good luck! 

I am having the exact same problbem.  I am in Utah and I keep adding sugar and still get the cracking and falling off after about 20 mins on.  Right now I am experimenting with adding agave necture because it doesn't dry into a powder form like sugar.  I think I am getting closer but still having issues.  I tried karo syurup and it sticks like a mother but the stain is not very dark, I don't get that one.  I wish I could figure out why those batches are not turning out.  Maybe temp is messing with it.  Good luck and let me know if you find the magic recipe.

Amy

there are some climates that just need more than sugar IN the henna.

In the desert climates sugared henna won't be enough and you HAVE to use a sealant or tape to adhere the paste to the skin .

We always use our sealant on every customer , or tape.

It is the only way we can keep henna on more than 20 minutes .

If you live in the humid parts of the country you may be just fine with some sugar in the paste.

Have you tried mixing some Raj henna with your jamilla (purity) ? 

We have great luck mixing 1/2 Raj and 1/2 Jamilla and then using the old KISS recipe. 

In KC we have horrible humidity, the Raj gives the henna some flex without it being glued on the skin by too much sugar. 

I know this may be a silly question, but anyways. I live in Glasgow, Scotland and even though our summer temps never really get above about 68 - 70 degrees, at the moment we're averaging out at about 60... But the humidity is generally around 75 - 85%. That and inside the buildings its probably closer to 55 degrees. Anyways, I do tend to get cracking quite quickly, at just under an hour, is this because of the humidity (even without the heat) and even though I'm already addding sugar (I use the KISS recipe) will more help?

Thanks Jen! I'm still getting amazing colour so I'll wait and see how the summer changes things, but I'll keep in mind about putting too much sugar in.