Refreezing henna paste?

I mixed two large batches of henna and filled the cones once dye release...then put it in my freezer. Took it out and used some on a friend but had heaps and heaps left so I put it back in the freezer. Anyone know how this effects dye intensity and longevity on the skin?

You can get away with refreezing a number of times for personal use. For professional use you probably don't want to do it more then once or twice.

I would suggest rather then unfreezing a whole batch freeze it in carrot bags and cut off a chunk if you only need a few cones. It is easier to cut if you freeze it in smaller batches like about the size you would get making 50g of powder.

okk, but I am not sure how to handle the frozen part...do I let it thaw then put it into another carrot bag then pipe it into my empty henna cones? It is hard for me to roll my own cones so I tried making two giant ones using a whole box of 100 grams Jamila powder... Please explain the process from cutting a chunk off the frozen carrot bag.
Thanks. and can you tell me if you apply an oil of any kind to the skin before you put the henna paste on?

I just freeze it in the portions I'm going to use, then I don't have to worry about it.
I have frozen, thawed, and refrozen but I never make batches so large that I need to do that multiple times.

As for oil on the skin before putting henna on, it's not a good idea. The oil soaks into the skin layers, and acts as a barrier so the henna has no where to go and won't stain as well or as deeply as it should.

If it is the skinny end of the carrot bag I just take sissors and cut it off then plunk it frozen into the cone and let it thaw then close up the cone. If it is the fatter part of the carrot bag I cut it with a knife and then toss it into another carrot bag to thaw and fill cones as normal.

Some people like to freeze them in individual cones but I find they sometimes separate and become a sticky oily mess.

I think I saw Kim explain it really well on here recently. If you fill the pours of skin with oil the henna has no place to go. You want to clean the skin before you apply henna to prevent any barriers between henna and the skin. You can use oil after 24 hours to protect the stain from bathing and such.

Thanks so much about the freezing info....I think I will need to buy some cheap carrot bags. The ones I got at Walmart are apretty durable plastic and not cheap (they are really for cake decorating).
Regarding the skin prep for Henna: I had read in Carin Fabious's book about swiping the skin clean (no creams or moisturizers) and even swiping with alcohol to remove traces of oil. BUT....this gal I henna kept saying how another henna artist sprayed or somehow applied some kind of marvelously exotic fragrance or oil to the skin first. Plus when watching UTUBE videos of street henna in India it does look like something shiney or oily had been rubbed on the skin first. So I was wondering if an ESSENTIAL OIL is ever applied directly to the skin to enhance staining or serve as some kind of 'accelerant"? Maybe its an unsafe practice using a harmful product...But wondering if I was missing a step.
I will try to research Kim's postings.
Thanks again

Most essential oils in their pure forms shouldn't be used on the skin without diluting as they can be quite irritating.

Keep in mind that just because someone in India is doing it does not mean they are an expert. Some of the most dangerous henna practices (those with PPD in them) come out of India.

thanks, Lynnie.
I agree....no telling what they are using! As new to this I am taking alot in and want to have the best and safest info. I think I can get some lavender oil from a massage therapist and make a gentle scented henna...for sensitive skin but with a nice smell. I may look into buying a blended oil for mixing into my paste and possibly creating a spray for spritzing the air to create a nice aura....only then I again worry about misting the air and someone having an asthma attack! I also read about using tumeric as a colored base for extra interest and then read there are those allergic to that too.... Well I gues there is always going to be someone to be allergic to anything...even cosmetics, creams, etc....
Thanks

What about freezing the henna in ice cube trays for portions? Just an idea that came to me while reading this thread.....Do you think it's worth a try?