What is henna?
Henna, or Lawsonia inermis, is a plant that produces a
wonderful natural red dye from its leaves. The leaves are dried first and then
ground into a fine powder and then mixed into a paste. The paste is applied to
the skin in different intricate patterns which leaves a reddish-brown stain
known as ‘MEHNDI’.
Why to use henna?
1. Henna Mehndi is considered as a
temporary art or tattoo, which is completely safe because it is made of all
natural ingredients.
2. Mehndi only lasts for a few days
which allow us to change the designs often J.
3. It is sooth-ing to the skin and cooling
to the body. Mehndi has been used to treat fungal infections and heat
exhaustion. It has a mild antiseptic property, and is an amazing natural sun
block.
4. Birthdays, book clubs, grad nights, weddings,
baby showers, bridal showers, and mainly girl’s nights are great times to
include henna Mehndi. You can create your own day of pampering and relaxation
for family and friends.
5. Mehndi has an exotic light natural
scent and cool henna paste applied to the skin can be very calming.
Where does henna work best?
Mehndi usually works best on the feet, hands, wrists and
ankles. Mehndi will have the darkest stains and will last long on these areas. Since
the skin on the feet and hand is thick, it allows the henna to soak in deeper that
results in a richer, darker and long lasting beautiful stain.
1.
Wrist:
Natural wrinkles are seen in the
wrist bend. Especially when we bend the hand up and down. Ensure to apply the Mehndi
pattern just one inch above the bend to prevent the Mehndi from smudging.
2.
Ankles: Follow the
same procedure given for the wrist. The advantage here is if the design is
placed one inch above the anklebone will make the legs appear slimmer. It will
also secure the paste and avoid dim stain from being rubbed off to early or
prematurely by wearing shoes.
3.
Lower Back: It is
advisable to apply mehndi to the lower back while the person is standing. Designs
can easily distort if it is not allowed to dry at least a few minutes before
bending, walking, or sitting down as this area usually stretches a lot. To
avoid smudging you can place the design one or two inches above the waistband. It
will look beautiful when to wear your jeans or even on a skirt with a short
blouse.
4.
Stomach: Patterns on
stomachs will be tricky as the belly folds when bending or sitting and can easily
smudge. So it is best to apply patterns to the stomach while the person is
lying down or standing. Let the mehndi dry at least a few minutes before bending,
walking, or sitting down. For pregnant bellies, position the mom on a comfortable
sofa, and work around her to add the patterns. Sitting on the floor between her
feet will also work well. Use only Lavender Essential Oil in Mehndi paste that is
applied on a pregnant woman.
5.
Face and Neck: These
body parts have high concentration of body oil, especially on the face, neck
and chest. The skin is very thin which does not allow the mehndi to absorb
well. Mehndi stains on these areas only last a few days and it usually will be
light in color.
“Henna Mehndi - Natural dye for body art part 2” will be published in a couple of days. In the 2nd
part I will share information about how to store henna and how to prepare henna
cone which is very important to get the desired designs… Until then take care
and keep smiling!
