What is henna?

Henna, transcribed from Arabic as /حِنَّاء / and pronounced /hinna/, is a flowering plant cultivated in arid regions of Africa, southern Asia, and southern Australia. The leaves of the henna plant are dried and ground into an indigo green powder. This powder is then mixed with other substances to create dyes for skin, hair, nails, animal skins, and fabrics. In addition to its coloring properties, henna is also used to prevent moisture in leather and fabrics, and henna flowers are utilized in perfumes.

Leaves of henna after drying and grinding them into powder

A Long-standing Tradition

For over 6000 years, henna has been used as a hair dye. In Egyptian culture, queens Cleopatra and Nefertiti would adorn their hair with henna. This practice is also prevalent in other countries such as India, the Middle East, and Africa.

Introduced to Europe in the 18th century primarily as a dye, henna quickly became a fashion trend. The reddish-brown color it produces gained popularity, particularly among bohemian women. This rich hue is also celebrated in various artworks and literature.

“Daydream” by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, a portrait of actress Jeanne Samary interpreting henna-dyed hair in 19th-century Europe.

What are henna tattoos?

Although the art form of drawing on human skin using henna is known as “mehndi,” people commonly refer to it as “henna tattoos.” There is a distinction between drawing and tattooing, but both involve a lasting color on the skin.

Henna tattoos, also known as mehndi, are non-permanent artistic tattoos. The henna ink, derived from ground henna powder mixed with natural ingredients, transforms into a safe and natural dye for the skin. Initially, the henna appears black when applied, but after approximately 20 minutes, it dries and peels off, unveiling a beautiful orange-brown color. The color gradually fades and disappears within about two weeks.

Origins of henna tattoos

The practice of applying henna (or henna tattoos) originated in India, where it is intricately painted on the body by women for Christmas parties and special occasions. Henna plays a crucial role in traditional Indian weddings, symbolizing love between spouses and bestowing good fortune. During the wedding ceremony, the bride’s hands are adorned with intricate patterns that include the groom’s name. The groom must then find his name within the patterns, and if successful, they become a couple. The darkness of the henna’s color is believed to reflect the strength of their bond. The bride refrains from engaging in household chores until the henna naturally fades, usually lasting between one to two weeks.

Photos of henna tattoos on the wedding day of an Indian bride and on the pregnant woman’s womb, symbolizing the wish for a healthy baby

The Appeal of Henna Tattoos to Young People

Henna tattoos have gained immense popularity among young people due to their delicate strokes and traditional design elements. As a non-permanent alternative to regular tattoos, henna offers an attractive option, especially in cultures where tattoos can still be stigmatized. Henna tattoos can be easily removed or replaced once they fade.

One of the reasons young people are drawn to henna tattoos is the beautiful range of colors it offers. Unlike traditional tattoos that are primarily blue and black, henna provides a variety of shades with brown, yellow, and red tones, making it a standout choice.

Affordability and painlessness are additional factors that contribute to the popularity of henna tattoos. A henna tattoo typically costs between 40,000-70,000 and takes only about an hour to create a personalized design. Unlike traditional tattoos that involve needle piercing, henna tattooing is painless. This makes henna a great option for individuals who desire a personal tattoo but are hesitant to endure pain for the sake of beauty.

Considerations When Purchasing Henna

When purchasing henna, it is important to be aware of certain factors:

• Avoid purchasing pre-mixed henna that guarantees immediate color. These products often contain dangerous dyes like PPD, which can cause burns and scarring. Natural henna has a distinct herbal scent, while black henna may emit a medicinal or ammonia-like odor.
• Opt for reputable sources or henna drawing shops to ensure the henna’s quality and avoid potential allergic reactions.
• Genuine henna results in a dark reddish-brown color. Products labeled as “black henna” or “neutral henna” do not contain henna leaves and are instead composed of chemicals and additives.

Tips for Beautiful Henna Tattoos

To achieve vibrant and long-lasting henna tattoos, consider the following tips:

• Allow the henna ink to dry naturally on the skin for an extended period, ideally at least six hours or overnight. This results in a bolder and more beautiful color. Avoid using soap to wash the tattooed area for 24 hours after application.
• Apply cooking oil or baby oil to the tattooed area before bathing to prevent quick fading caused by soap.
• The soles of the feet and palms have thicker skin, facilitating better color absorption. Henna ink penetrates deeply in these areas, resulting in a longer-lasting and darker tattoo compared to other body parts.
• Mist or lightly dampen the tattooed area after the henna ink dries to prolong the color. Alternatively, create a paste using lemon juice and sugar, apply it to the skin, let it dry, and then wash it off. This technique intensifies the color and extends its lifespan.
• It is recommended to allow the tattoo ink to dry naturally on the skin for a few hours or overnight. The tattoo’s color typically remains visible for about a week or longer, depending on individual skin types.
• You can create your own henna tattoo ink by mixing henna powder with additives such as lemon juice, tea, eucalyptus oil, melaleuca, and lavender to form a thick paste resembling toothpaste.

Now, let’s take a look at some stunning examples of henna tattoos!