Maintaining your Henna Tattoo!

• Before you apply henna, wash the area to be decorated with a good soap and water.
• Henna, once applied, should be kept on until it is fully dry. This gives the skin time to absorb the natural dye.
• Lemon is regarded as a protective agent of the skin so squeezing a little over the area that henna is on will also be beneficial but please make sure there are no cuts and sores in that area because freshly squeezed lemon stings!
• Once the henna is dry, try scraping it off rather than washing.
• It is generally a good idea to avoid washing the area with henna patterns for up to fifteen hours but if you’re on the go then try applying baby oil and do so daily after washing your hands.
• Try to keep Benzoyl Peroxide, this is mostly acne cream and face washes, away from your henna as this will disappear faster!
• If you can refrain from exfoliating the area, that would be great!

Henna designs and what they could mean?

The meaning of symbols may vary across cultures.

I know that this information has been long awaited by many of you!

I’m sure many of you sometimes wonder if a particular pattern has a specific meaning. As it happens, some henna designs are symbolic. I will reveal what I found in my research! I was really surprised and I hope this material inspires you as much as it has influenced my work!

Henna forms part of many cultural backgrounds therefore the meanings of symbols may vary or be used to represent for different things. I have outlined the meaning of the most popular symbols that I use when applying henna. The most interesting ones are at the top so enjoy!

The scorpion! This symbol is said to represent love and romance, its sting is equivalent to Cupid’s arrow while being stung produces the same effects as being in love – glittering eyes, breathless, heat and feeling feverish!

Flowers represent joy and happiness while the bud, used widely by henna artists especially in bridal henna, signify new growth like at the end of a drought and at the beginning of a rainy season or as a metaphor to symbolise the start of a new love and a new life!  The Lotus Blossom represents the light within or the awakening of the human soul so to say. It reflects grace, beauty, creativity, sensuality, femininity, and purity. The sahasrara design is a thousand petal lotus-an ancient symbol which is said to unite the soul with the ‘Divine Source’. Very deep meaning!

Vines and leaves in henna designs often represent devotion and vitality and are perfect for marriage celebrations.

Birds of all sorts are incorporated in henna designs! According to tradition they are the messengers between heaven and earth. Parrots are the messengers of love! Swans represent success and peacocks stand for beauty!

Butterflies and dragonflies often exemplify rebirth, transformation or simply change. Intricate and scrolling paisley patterns can represent fertility and luck. Paisley’s are very common in any henna designs and they are the easiest patterns to master!

This is very interesting! An eye or Ancient eyes in henna art often represent the reflection of the evil eye that is, turning any evil wishes back onto the gazer while offering a spiritual form of protection. It is popular for weddings or any other of life’s journeys, a henna eye is a comforting companion.

Reptiles such as snakes and lizards don’t feature so much in today’s designs however they are considered the seekers of enlightenment in henna practices. The tortoise offers protection and fertility but is very rarely used.

As it happens, it is not only the symbols that hold meaning, it is also where the henna in placed! Henna designs can be placed anywhere on your body but certain locations are more significant!

Henna that is placed on the palms of the hand allows the bearer to receive and offer blessings. Popular henna deigns for the palms include mandalas, sun and flower images.

Henna placed on the top of the hands can be suggestive of protection and often includes shield designs.

For men, the right hand is considered projective whereas the right hand is receptive and represents women. The feet are truly a spiritual place to henna, as they connect the body, mind and spirit with the earth.

I hope you’re left as enlightened as well as intrigued! Henna designs are amazing!

Henna Today

This topic will cover all henna related activities today. Enjoy!

Using henna for decorative purposes has spread to masses and is constantly growing. It is becoming more complex and elaborate with new innovations in glitter, gilding and fine line work. Even governments have recognized the potential and encouraged henna cultivation. With technological advancements to improve temperature and grinding business is booming.

This fun temporary tattooing technique is practiced on a global scale. This is because unlike black pigment tattoos, henna is not a huge commitment because of its temporary nature. Henna is honestly a wonderful alternative for people who are too scared to endure the poking of a needle or are indecisive about having the same permanent design forever. There are endless designs to choose from when you’re sporting henna and once it fades, you can choose a different design.

Today, henna is very popular on Valentine’s Day, formal parties, girls’ night out or even an evening at a disco. Belly Mehndi, is an excellent modern addition to blessing way, baby shower or Belly Blessings ceremony. In its modern form, henna has been elevated to the status of body art and a fashion accessory for the fashion-conscious youth.

This eastern tradition is being used today to celebrate various momentous occasions. Many women like to have their bodies decorated before their wedding. They commonly have their hands and feet painted. Some even apply henna to their backs and torso. Belly Mehndi is an excellent modern addition. Baby showers are known to feature henna art on the mother’s belly while in pregnancy. Those who have experienced severe chemotherapy have also been seen starring very tattoo-like henna art on their heads.

Many celebrities have jumped at the idea of engaging with this art form. It became a trend setting form of body art in the 1990’s when celebrities such as Madonna, Liv Tyler, Xena and others, were seen showing them off. Heavyweight champions have been seen wearing henna tattoos to promote themselves, Kassim Ouma is one example. It may actually have started way before this because I can remember reading an article about Sting and his wife spotted with henna tattoos. Henna can be found in advertising campaigns such as Ebel Swiss Watches. It is also used for CD’s and the cover of popular magazines, for example Cosmopolitan.

The use of henna as body art has enjoyed a recent renaissance due to improvements in cultivation, processing, and the emigration of people from countries where henna is traditionally used as mentioned in ‘Origins and History of Henna’.

I think it is important to mention here that henna has come far in being used as a form of self-expression, especially for women as well as being a signifier of beauty and celebration.

Henna’s composition

Lawsonia Inermis is the scientific name for the henna plant. It is found in extremely hot climates namely countries such as, India, Pakistan, Morocco, most African countries and Australia.

The quantity of dye is higher in these extreme temperatures. The henna plant grows best in heat up to 120F degrees. It wilts in temperatures below 50F degrees. It also grows better in dry soil than damp soil. The plant has tiny white flowers and a fruit that has a very dry shell

The henna leaves are dried and then crushed into a fine powder. This is then mixed with a variety of components to form a creamy paste which differ according to one’s knowledge.  I will reveal these ingredients  in a recipe for henna paste below.

The paste is often filled into a cone much like that used for pastry or  icing . One can then proceed to apply it to their skin in the shape of the patterns they prefer. Henna stains only the top layer of skin.

After applying the henna , it is advised to wait until it is dry to give the staining process some time. More often than not, the longer the henna is on, the darker the stain will be. Once dry it may be washed off and the decorations should appear in quite a dark orange even though the paste may appear green or brown.

The henna plant contains lawsone which is a reddish-orange dye that binds to the keratin (a protein) in our skin and safely stains the skin.  The stain can be from pale orange to nearly black depending on the quality of the henna and how well ones skin takes it.  When henna is fresh from a hot and dry climate, it will stain the darkest.

The stain becomes reddish-brown in colour about three days after application.  The palms of the hands and the soles of the feet are the area where henna will appear darkest. This is because the skin is the thickest in these areas therefore they contain the most keratin.  These areas are also the warmest. Heat acts as a catalyst for the staining process. The farther away from hands and feet the henna is applied, the lighter the colour.  The face area usually stains the lightest.   The designs generally last from up to four weeks on the skin surface depending on the henna, care and skin type.

Henna Paste Recipe!

I will outline in a few simple steps how to make the paste out of powdered henna leaves. I have included all my secret ways as well as tips so I really hope this helps;

1. Once you have your henna leaves crushed to a powder, add lemon juice one teaspoon at a time until it has the consistency of toothpaste. Lemon juice must be freshly squeezed.
2. Cover the mixture and let it sit out for six to ten hours at room temperature preferably in a glass or ceramic bowl.
3. Add essential oils and mix. This may include tea tree, eucalyptus,cajeput or lavender. If there is a struggle with consistency, add black tea one teaspoon at a time to smooth it out. If the tea is strong it will add to the colour of the henna, that is, make it darker.
4. Leave again for twelve hours then your henna will be ready to apply.
5. Sugar may be added to slow down the drying process on the skin which would result in a darker stain. You could also use honey as a substitute for the sugar. This maintains the consistency of the paste.
6. Now fill henna cone with the paste and apply!

If you would like advice on how to maintain your henna once it is applied, please check my post for tips on this. Thank you!

How to make a cone to apply the henna

Tips for darker and longer lasting henna

History and Origins of Henna

Those who could not afford jewelry often used it as a form of decoration.

This will cover where the practice of henna originated from and why so?

Henna is a symbol of beauty, art and happiness. The practice of applying henna can also be called Mehndi (say “mehn-thee”). Mehndi is what henna is known as in Hindi and Urdu which are the most popular languages in India so don’t be discouraged if someone says “Oh! You mean Mehndi!”. Both names can be used depending on where you are or what you’re comfortable with. They are one in the same.

In terms of where the practice of applying henna originated from, I’ve discovered that it was most common in areas with extremely hot climates such as South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Somaliland. I have elaborated on the influence of these climates in my blog post ‘Henna’s Composition’. My family originates from the state of Gujarat in India but having migrated to Africa makes it quite apparent that over time, henna spread to expatriate communities from the areas mentioned above.

There is documentation that dates to over 9000 years ago! That means that henna has existed for centuries! Evidence of applying henna was found in Egypt. Now can you imagine how stunning Cleopatra’s henna must have been!

All those centuries ago, the desert folk believed that henna had natural cooling properties. They applied a paste made from henna to the palms and soles of their feet. Once it stained their skin the henna would act with an air conditioning effect. The henna stain left vague patterns on their skin as it faded away and this is what gave rise to the idea of applying henna in patterns on their skin.

There was a strong sense of division among communities which still exists though, in a less subtle manner, henna however was a popular embellishment across all classes and castes. Those who could not afford jewelry often used it as a form of decoration.

Henna was also used to dye hair as it is today. It acted as a natural conditioner and improved the dryness and vibrancy of the hair. Mostly Islamic people used it on their nails. Yes on their nails!

Women wore henna on their nails!

This was done as a sort of manicure when nail polish was not around. It kept their nails strong, prevented them from cracking and beautified them at the same time. Now you can put all those expensive treatments aside and try henna!

Henna was also believed to have medicinal properties which have been proved today and are used in Ayurveda treatments. It was applied when people suffered from smallpox, acne, ulcers, burns, swelling and general skin irritation. If you are interested in these treatments I would advise you to consult an ayurvedic physician before attempting anything. I think it is vital to mention that henna is natural and mixed or made with other natural elements therefore there are no known side effects however commercial manufacturers may add other substances to improve its effect. Please be cautious and if you would please read my post on ‘Henna Dye’ as it includes important information about the difference between naturally made and commercially manufactured henna.

Henna and Tradition

This blog entry will cover a brief history of tradition where the application of henna is involved as well as what it may symbolise. This piece will also touch on how these practices have evolved and how henna is used today.

In India, it is used in a celebration like Weddings, Diwali, Navratri, Eid, Teej or Karva Chauth festival and other special occasions. It also used for worship. It is characteristic of henna patterns to be quite intricate and most often applied to brides before wedding ceremonies. The bride will be covered from her fingers to her elbows and from her toes to her knees in gorgeous patterns. Traditions in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sudan sometimes expect bridegrooms to be painted as well! Can you imagine how unwilling they must be today!

Why do brides apply henna before their wedding? Bridal henna is a sign of status and celebration. A Mehndi ceremony is held for an Indian bride before the wedding takes place. It is often only the female family members and close female friends that will attend this function. It creates an opportunity to receive support and advice as it is associated with a girl’s entrance into womanhood at marriage. It is a time where women can separate from their regular lives and relax while participating in this momentous occasion.

The ceremony involves the adornment of the bride’s hands and feet before the marriage ceremony in both Hindu and Muslim cultures. Traditional wedding mehndi can be incredibly dense, resembling lace gloves. It often covers the tops and palms of the hands extending up the arms, and the soles and tops of the feet extending up the legs as mentioned previously. The patterns applied often incorporate indian symbols of love and fertility such as peacocks and mangoes. It is interesting that in some instances the names of the couple to be wed is hidden in the design. On their wedding night they search for their names.

In Rajasthan (northwest India), where henna is a very ancient folk-art, the grooms are given designs which are often as elaborate as those for brides. In Kerala (South India), Henna is known as Mylanchi and is commonly used by the Mappila community during weddings and festivals.

In other countries, such as Morocco, it is done for any special occasion. It is done during the seventh month of pregnancy. Henna is believed to be a way of blessing as well as protecting the mother and child from any evil or malicious spirits that may be near during delivery. Weddings, engagements and family get-togethers are some of the many other reasons to simply celebrate an event with henna.

This is when we get to how we henna crazed people use henna! If you’re like the Moroccans, any occasion is an excuse to apply henna. Be it as small as a little sleep over, a birthday, a henna party for ladies or a Mehndi night to a baby shower, a wedding, Diwali, Eid or charity event.

Henna Dye or Die!

This is an important piece mainly about the inclusion of a chemical called PPD which is used in most hair dye products however when mixed or passed off as ‘Black Henna‘ it can cause certain people to have a severe allergic reaction.

Natural henna does not stain black!

Henna only stains a rich red brown colour. Natural henna is made by drying the henna plant leaves and then crushing this into a powder.  Black henna or mehndi on the other hand has other ingredients that come from other plants and substances! The term ‘black henna’ is inaccurate. It is derived from hair dyes that were plant based imported to the West. The indigo plant, that was partly fermented and dried, was referred to as’ black henna’ because it was often used with a combination of henna to dye hair black however it will not dye the skin.

 I urge to please take very careful note of the following information;

Black henna does not include natural henna. There is a chemical dye that is used to obtain a jet black result and it is designed to catch fast. This chemical is known as para-phenylenediamine or PPD. There are many hair dyes that consist of PPD however the percentage is usually minimal and the chemical has not been enhanced to the extent that it has in black henna. I strongly advise that the use of this product is avoided. PPD has been found to be extremely dangerous for the skin. Some people have been known to develop a severe allergic reaction which resembles that of a chemical burn.  It is not everyone who has an allergic reaction however the risk is costly as it leaves a scar that may never recover to its original state.

If an itching or blistering reaction results from a black body stain, a physician should be consulted. Most often, this will mean that para-phenylenediamine has met the skin. The chemical causes a condition called PPD sensitivity which means that the skin may experience allergies to chemical hair dyes, perfumes, developer (for photographs), printer ink, textile dye, sunscreen and several medications. A physician will be able to further explain the health consequences of para-phenylenediamine sensitization.

There are government health organisations that have specifically banned the use of the chemical PPD for this purpose. This means that they can actually prosecute anyone who produces ‘black henna’. This also means that if a person has any sort of reaction after getting henna from an artist, they are able to sue for damages!

It is best to use natural henna, preferably that which you have prepared yourself so that you’re aware of the contents. If you would like to know how to make a natural henna paste please read ‘Henna’s Composition’ as I have included a great recipe that includes all my secret ingredients as well as my special tips to aid the process.

About Me

There are many people who are henna crazed and I am definitely one of them. This blog is primarily to satisfy my own curiosity as well as spread my knowledge on the subject. I say curiosity because although I’ve grown up with a strong Indian cultural background, I find that I still have questions about henna and its role in Indian traditions and celebrations. So for those who want to know more about this amazing art form, this is definitely for you!

 Henna has been my passion for a long time. I am a self-taught henna artist with almost five years of experience. My designs started off as very simple doodles but after being at art school where I was studying a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art, nothing gives me greater pleasure than creating designs with a bit of a story behind them. All my designs are done free hand. I adore this art form as it can look traditional and modern yet always trendy!

Technique wise it started off as experimental and I have learnt mostly through trial and error. My most recent event was The Cape Town Diwali Festival where I was asked to promote DSTV India. I have done henna for smaller functions since then; bridal henna as well as small henna parties.

I really hope that this the information presented will be informative, interesting and most of all helpful.

Pictures have been taken from various sites as well as my own collection. Enjoy!