Mehndi is the art of applying henna to stain the skin for adornment. Henna patterning is a way of expressing your individuality in a non-permanent fashion.
The henna plant, Lawsonia inermis, thrives in hot, dry climates. Henna has been in use for thousands of years. Traditionally, henna is used to decorate the hands and feet for ceremonial occasions and for celebrations. Best known of the mehndi ceremonies is the decoration of the bride before her wedding. I have had the honor of applying henna patterns during wedding showers on brides and her attendants.
Design styles of henna patterns evolved in each region. Middle Eastern patterns are composed mainly of floral patterning, very free flowing and flowery. The designs are placed on the hands and feet. Each design is usually built up around a center design. Very flowing freehand decorations, with the fingertips or toes blocked in are typical.
North African designs incorporate the floral patters, although they tend to be much more geometric in design. The sharp and bold designs contrast with delicate feet and hands and create an interesting effect.
Indian and Pakistani patterns are composed of intricate, repetitive paisley patterns created by line work and tear drops. Very intricate and detailed, the patterns are a compliment to the hands and feet.
With the recent movement in the belly dance community towards the tribal look, henna is in great demand by dancers. Most women use henna as a tool for body decoration that is not permanent and they are using henna in more places than just the hands and feet! Pregnant women find it relaxing and rewarding to have their bellies done.
The henna plant, Lawsonia inermis, thrives in hot, dry climates. Henna has been in use for thousands of years. Traditionally, henna is used to decorate the hands and feet for ceremonial occasions and for celebrations. Best known of the mehndi ceremonies is the decoration of the bride before her wedding. I have had the honor of applying henna patterns during wedding showers on brides and her attendants.
Design styles of henna patterns evolved in each region. Middle Eastern patterns are composed mainly of floral patterning, very free flowing and flowery. The designs are placed on the hands and feet. Each design is usually built up around a center design. Very flowing freehand decorations, with the fingertips or toes blocked in are typical.
North African designs incorporate the floral patters, although they tend to be much more geometric in design. The sharp and bold designs contrast with delicate feet and hands and create an interesting effect.
Indian and Pakistani patterns are composed of intricate, repetitive paisley patterns created by line work and tear drops. Very intricate and detailed, the patterns are a compliment to the hands and feet.
With the recent movement in the belly dance community towards the tribal look, henna is in great demand by dancers. Most women use henna as a tool for body decoration that is not permanent and they are using henna in more places than just the hands and feet! Pregnant women find it relaxing and rewarding to have their bellies done.
Mehndi - the Art of Henna
If someone offers black henna - BEWARE.
Henna is not black. In order to achieve a black stain, para-phenylenediamine (PPD) is sometimes added to henna. When para-phenylenediamine is used to make black temporary tattoos, it can cause blistering, open sores, and scarring. This ingredient is sometimes used in black hair dye and it is illegal to put on skin. PPD can seriously injure people. Para-phenylenediamine is a strong sensitizer, transdermal toxin and potential carcinogen. Many people get blistering and hair loss from using black hair dye containing PPD.
Henna is not black. In order to achieve a black stain, para-phenylenediamine (PPD) is sometimes added to henna. When para-phenylenediamine is used to make black temporary tattoos, it can cause blistering, open sores, and scarring. This ingredient is sometimes used in black hair dye and it is illegal to put on skin. PPD can seriously injure people. Para-phenylenediamine is a strong sensitizer, transdermal toxin and potential carcinogen. Many people get blistering and hair loss from using black hair dye containing PPD.
Only natural ingredients are used in the henna paste. Ingredients are available upon request.
Mehndi is available in my studio or in the comfort of your home. Henna is available and appropriate for all parties, including wedding showers, birthday and bachlorette parties. Contact Mearah for more information at hennadancer@msn.com.
Mehndi is available in my studio or in the comfort of your home. Henna is available and appropriate for all parties, including wedding showers, birthday and bachlorette parties. Contact Mearah for more information at hennadancer@msn.com.
The natural color of henna after 24 hours.
The paste is still on the hand and belly.
Henna is NOT black!!
Mearah has been "slinging henna" in Boise and the Treasure Valley in Idaho since 1998. She has become the premier mehndi artist in the region. Her designs are inspired by nature, art work from the Middle East and are unique to each individual.
Please call for prices!
Please call for prices!
Henna can be applied almost anywhere!
The above stain is two days old.
The above stain is two days old.
A great way to celebrate the coming birth - the paste and gilding are still on.
Reaction to black henna.
