Unless you are buying presifted powder, you will have to spend a lot of time sifting your henna powder before you make it into paste. This is because twigs and other debris need to be removed before the henna paste will fit through the applicator. Sifting takes a long time; try searching for presifted powder. Some sources of good presifted powder are listed at the end of the book. You can also ask a local henna artist. Do not buy henna in bulk until you have tested it first. It would be a shame to waste on money on henna that failed to leave a design on the skin, and it would be really awful to spend time sifting and making paste for no reason. So buy small amounts and test first. You can tell right away that henna has not been sifted if you see twigs in the powder. Presifted powder is more expensive, but the convenience is worth it, especially for the new henna artist.

Even if the package says the henna powder is presifted, it is always a good idea to double-check. Presifted powder will be as fine as baby powder and free of twigs and other debris. You can check powder that you are not sure about by making a small bit of paste and filling a Jacquard bottle with it. Just mix the powder with a little water to make the paste. If the paste passes easily through the tip of the bottle, it has already been sifted. If there is any clogging, you will need to sift it yourself. Sifting is a time-consuming process. You can use a nylon stocking and stretch it over a bowl to do your sifting. You basically need to push the powder through the stocking and into the bowl. This should remove any unwanted particles. Now you are almost ready to make paste.