Making kajal at home using traditional methods is indeed a rewarding process, and making it can bypass many of the chemicals found in commercial products. The ingredients are quite basic, and the process doesn’t require anything too exotic. To start, you’ll need some clarified butter (ghee), a brass or clay lamp, a cotton wick, and a few drops of castor oil. You might want to use a small stainless steel plate to collect the soot. Having a natural oil like almond or castor oil can also help make the kajal more soothing to the eyes.
Here’s the basic method: Fill the lamp with ghee, place the cotton wick inside, and light it. Adjust the wick so it’s long enough that, when it burns, it produces a decent amount of soot. Place the stainless steel plate on top to catch the soot. Make sure there’s some space between the flame and plate for airflow, so the flame doesn’t go out. Let it burn for around 30 minutes to an hour, depending upon how much soot you wish to collect.
Once you have enough soot, scrape it off the plate into a small bowl. Mix the soot with a couple of drops of castor oil or a bit more ghee to make a smooth paste. The exact ratio may need a little tweaking depending on the consistency you prefer - neither too thick nor too runny.
Regarding storage, keep the kajal in a small container with a tight lid to preserve its freshness. Store it at room temperature, and it should maintain its efficacy for several weeks.
It’s crucial to ensure your tools are kept clean throughout the process. This minimizes bacterial contamination and ensures the product is safe for your sensitive eyes. Take care also to patch-test the kajal before wide application, especially if your eyes are prone to irritation. While making kajal at home is generally safe, seeking medical advice is vital if irritation persists.
