The Application Process
The traditional way:
First, the henna powder is sifted over and over until it becomes as fine as flour. The powder is placed in a bowl, and liquid ingredients (which vary, depending on the recipe used) are added slowly until the paste reaches a toothpaste-like consistency.
In India, a sheet of medium-thin plastic is cut into a triangle. The henna paste is placed in the center, and the plastic sheet is rolled into a cone and taped at the top. This leaves a tiny hole at the bottom of the cone. When the cone is squeezed, a fine filament of henna comes out and an artist creates a design.
In Morocco, they use a syringe instead of a cone. The henna paste is poured into a special syringe and pushed out onto the skin from the top, as needed. Think of giving someone a shot, only the syringe never pierces the skin. The henna is laid on top of the skin.
The Western or Alternative Way:
In the West, artists have discovered that soft plastic squeeze bottles outfitted with a fine tip typically used for silk-screening are the perfect applicator for creating henna designs on the skin. Less awkward than the cone or syringe (for those of us who have not been practicing this art form for thousands of years!), these bottles provide control and ease-of-use without sacrificing the quality of designs. You can find these in art supply stores.