history of henna
for thousands of years regions, religions, and cultures in the middle east have shared a glorious secret. the secret is a plant, called many names in many languages. though the plant’s scientific name is Lawsonia inermis, common names range from henna to mehendi.
henna stains have been found on ancient pottery, in portraits, and depicted on murals and tapestries of the past. people of christianity, islam, hinduism, judaism and many other religions have adorned their bodies with this magnificent art. though some consider it a ritual or religious experience, there are just as many who use it out of practicality, or simply for fashion. middle eastern brides are particularly well known for being adorned with beautifully detailed henna designs before their wedding. mehndi is used in the middle east especially during the summer months on the hands and feet because of its powerful cooling properties. henna body art can be deep in meaning, intricate, and elaborate as easily as it can be modern, simplistic, and stylish.
the art of mehendi is an excellent addition to any occasion, and should be indulged in by everyone who wishes to try it. women may be interested in hearing that indian tradition claims a wife or daughter cannot do housework until her henna has completely faded, so as to preserve the design. that is certainly one of my favorite traditions to uphold!
how it works
henna dye is found in the leaves of the plant which, when ground into a powder and mixed into a paste, will stain the dead layers of skin to create a beautiful reddish-brown design that fades as the skin exfoliates. fresh powder is the most important ingredient – most artists purchase their powder on the internet so they know it has been shipped from the most fresh, recent crop. you can also find henna at your local indian or middle eastern grocery store, though you should look for a date and make sure it is fresh.
henna powder is then mixed into a paste using water (some artists find lemon juice to achieve a darker stain), sugar or molasses (for a smooth consistency) and essential oils such as rosemary, eucalyptus, frankincense, cajeput, cardamom, and geranium. all of these oils are high in monoterpene alcohols that help the stain darken more quickly.
depending on the type of powder, the henna paste needs to sit out anywhere from 1-24 hours until dye release has been achieved. at this point it can be fed into the applicator, whether it be a plastic bottle with a metal tip, a hand-rolled plastic cone, or some other instrument. henna is then carefully applied to the skin, and should be left on for six hours for an optimal stain. you can view the aftercare page for more information on how to protect your design.
real henna is never black
if you get a mehndi design done at the beach or by someone other than yourself, be sure to ask what the ingredients of the paste are. listen for any additives that you may be allergic to, such as clove oil, or walnut powder.
some henna (that can be safely used as hair dye) contains para-phenylene diamine, or ppd, which when used on the skin can result in blistering burns and even internal organ damage. henna containing ppd will usually sting or burn upon application. real henna does not hurt. symptoms from ppd “black” henna can show up as much as three weeks after the actual design was placed on the skin. don’t be fooled by the suave 20-something girl tempting you with an exotic art. if she doesn’t know what’s in her paste, it’s not worth it. real henna is not black.
always ask your henna artist what is in his/her paste. also be wary of “mehndi oils” that do not have ingredients listed. these oil mixtures can contain harmful substances (such as kerosene!) that, while they will improve your stain, can also put your health at risk.
more information on the effects of ppd can be found at www.hennatribe.org
i only use 100% natural henna imported by safe, trusted suppliers. if you have an allergy to an essential oil (such as eucalyptus), don’t worry – you can still have henna. all you have to do is let me know when you schedule your appointment and i can make a special batch that won’t irritate your skin. i also make extra-gentle pastes for pregnant women. i’ll do what i can to accommodate your needs.
where to next?
interested in mixing your own henna? don’t know where to start, or what recipe to use? contact me for a small sample of henna powder, and visit hennatribe to view the personal recipes of several professional artists.
