What is the life cycle of Henna?

I really didn't know what else to call it.

I am really a newbie at Henna. So I made a batch and let it sit overnight. The next day I added the oil and used it immediately and got a fab stain. Now I still have some in the bottle that is still sitting out and I put the rest in the fridge.

I know they say to freeze it, but I won't be able to use it all up after it thaws just to practice. I am just trying to figure out how it degrades and how you keep it sorta fresh for practicing and such.

Can anyone explain how long it can sit out in bottles, in the fridge and can be repeatedly thawed out and used?

Thanks!
-Metina

This is tricky and depends on ALOT of factors so there really is no actual answer. Temp of the room, the henna brand/year and dye release factor in, your hand temp and how long you held it, how many trips the henna has made from your freezer to your hand....could be as few as 2, as many as 6 defrosts.

I will say that I never use henna on a paying client that has been out of the freezer more than once. It still works just fine on my hand and on my hair, but it's a business standard/decision more than anything else. A client is paying for the best you have to offer, so I should be offering it! I know some artists will go up to three times, but demise is such a tricky thing that I wouldn't do it and I chalk it up to 'each thier own' and it's your business....you have to run it your way.

But if you are just practicing, I really would just keep it in the fridge or freezer (freezer is probably best) and don't worry too much...it is just practice. If your 3rd person/defrost doesn't take...no big deal!

Hope this helped!!