DIY henna body art

Henna is a natural dye, prepared from the crushed leaves of the plant Lawsonia inermis also know as the henna tree.  It has been used since antiquity to dye skin, hair and finger nails as well as frabric.

 

The name henna also refers to the temporary body art which results from the staining of the skin by a paste made of henna leaf powder, essential oils, lemon, water, strong tea and other liquids. 

 

Nowadays, henna paste is sold in cones, ready to use, for the greatest pleasure of self decorating.                                                                                                    Mastering the body art of drawing with henna requires time and practice, but it is so much fun!

 

If you are new to this, we recommand you try out your first drawings on hidden parts of the body, while you're getting the twist.  Also, a quick search on the internet should help you find drawing templates for inspiration!

 

Be careful to work on a surface that has been protected, because henna will stain the skin and the fabrics even though it has been in contact with it for only a few seconds.

 

Once your drawing has been completed, let the paste dry on your skin for about 45 minutes to an hour.  When it is completely dry, you can start scraping it away gently with your fingers or a gentle tool.   

 

Your henna tattoo will appear orange at first. Don't worry, its completely normal! It will darken over the next 12 hours, and even the next 3 days, to a dark, reddish brown.

 

Also, your temporary tattoo will last longer if you avoid washing it, or putting water on it, for at least the first 24 hours.

 

PPD warning

The real color of natural henna is a dark, reddish brown, which means that black, white and red henna are mixed with chemicals to get their intense colors.

 

One of these chemicals is called para-phenylenediamine, or PPD.

 

It is associated to many intense and undesirable side effects such as violent allergic reactions, intense itching, permanent scarring, blistering and permanent chemical sensitivities.

 

Please choose wisely your henna cones, and make sure they are certified without PPD.

 

With all these tips in mind, you are good to go and decorate yourself, your friends and your family!  And perhaps, become a professional henna tattoo artist someday? Enjoy!

 

 

Looking for henna cones?

Follow the link here: https://ozimportations.ca/collections/henna