Mehndi
"Placing henna on your body is like putting out a wish to the universe."
-Carine Fabius-
Mehndi is the traditional art of adorning the hands and feet with a paste made from the leaves of the henna plant. Tea, coffee, lemon, and oil are added to the paste to enhance the longevity of the design. The tradition of Mehndi originated in the Middle East and Northern Africa. It has been practiced for at least 5,000 years, applied for both artistic expression and ceremonial use. Now becoming popular in the western world, Mehndi is a rising trend among men and women alike. Mehndi is an opportunity to celebrate, as well it is a temporary, pain free, and inexpensive alternative to tattooing.
HELP US!!
There have been cries for help in my emails from folks who have faithfully followed the directions, etc. I have noticed a few problems amongst those who have failed.
They are using old henna.
- The fact that henna powder does not last forever is one of the most neglected henna facts out there!
- Henna is an vegetable product. If properly sealed, the staining property of henna can be preserved from six months to a year. If fresh henna is sealed and frozen, perhaps a little longer.
- It takes months for freight to arrive from across the world, and more months before those products reach the shelf of a store. This is a process that many of us don't ever think about.
- Nope, old henna doesn't stain well. It seems a shame. Look for other vegetable products next to the henna kits, there probably aren't any there. Now you know why!
- Look for bright green powder in your kits. If it isn't green, it probably won't stain well. As with every rule, there are exceptions. Try to purchase henna from someone who knows about henna, this may help to ensure that you are buying fresh skin grade henna.
- Try the local indian market or co-operative.
They have applied henna to a body area (such as the neck or upper arm) that doesn't tend to stain well.
- Some folks take henna wonderfully all over their bodies. Other folks have certain areas that get really dark, and other areas that take only so-so. It is important to be patient and find the best areas for you.
Stay warm!
- Warmth is important for a dark henna stain. A heating pad placed on a henna design will boost the staining power of the henna. Try this on lower back or shoulder areas. The use of a hair dryer is also helpful. Our eight year old daughter had no idea that a hair dryer was a "hair" dryer. She had never seen it used on anyone's hair. She asked me one day if I had seen the "henna" dryer. I hadn't realized what we had done to her!
Acidity of your paste mixture.
- You must use lemon or lime in the mix! This should be the second ingredient in your paste mixture.
Time and Patience!
- Don't give up. Henna takes time, patience, and practice. Be sure to leave the design on the skin as long as you can up to 12 hours. See the directions below.
Sift and strain-or applicator will clog!
Directions: Henna paste should be mixed at least four hours in advance. Prepare tea or coffee, make it very strong. To this tea you may add any staining herbs or spices, be sure to strain before adding to paste.
I strongly recommend that you pre-sift henna through a nylon stocking. This can be done using a cup with a lid and a nylon stocking. This will prevent your applicator from clogging and allow for smooth application.
I use a method of adding to mix my paste. I start with a little pile of sifted henna. I then add enough lime juice (strain this juice or applicator will clog) to make a very thick paste. To this I add a few drops of mehndi oil, and I thin this down with hot strained tea. This paste should be about the consistency of toothpaste. Let this paste rest for at least four hours before application. Paste will last up to a week, gradually losing its staining power after the first day.
Prepare a sticky solution of fresh lemon juice and sugar, set aside for aftercare. Prepare skin for application by first cleansing and/or exfoiliating the area to which you will apply your design. Apply a fine coating of mehndi oil to the skin. Draw design with paste.
To care for your fresh henna design:
Important: With proper care, you can expect your Mehndi design to last two weeks to a month, depending upon the location on your body. (Hands and feet stain darker than upper body areas.) For the best color and longevity results, paste must remain moist and on the skin for at least two hours at a minimum!! The longer it remains, the darker your design will become. Overnight is a good idea if time allows.
Once the paste has dried to the point of losing its shine, you must gently blot it (DO NOT RUB) with the lemon sugar solution. You will notice the henna soaking up the solution. Repeat this process, allowing design to dry between blotting until it has a glazed coating of lemon sugar. (10-15 times) You can leave it on after this process has been completed as long as you desire (at least two hours, and up to 12). When you are ready to remove the paste, scrape it off with the back of a knife or your fingernail. (I wash mine off with water, CCJ reccomends steaming the design off which will boost the color.) Apply a vegetable based oil (such as olive) to the finished design. It will appear orange in color at first--over the next 48 hours it will darken considerably and reach its peak color. Avoid washing with soap for the first day, do not apply sunscreen to your Mehndi.
For the darkest results: (Really!) Once you have achieved a glaze of lemon sugar over your design, gently wrap it with toilet paper, then saran wrap. Tape this wrap and sleep overnight, the warmth of your body heat will greatly darken your design!!
Swimming in a chlorinated pool will remove your henna design quickly! If you want to preserve your design and still go swimming, you can apply a heavy layer of petroleum jelly over your design, this should protect it. Just reapply as it wears off.
- It is good to remember that henna is a very individual process. Every artist has their own personal method of preparing, applying and caring for their henna designs.
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*Beauty *Pregnancy & Birth *Birthdays *Dance *Engagement *Joy Itself *Festivals *Friendship *Celebration of Womanhood *Education |
*Familiarity with one's body *Fun *Healing *Love & Sexuality *Luck *Menarche & Menopause *Protection *Sisterhood *Weddings *New Traditions |
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As an artist with a true love for henna, I want my customers to not only become informed about this art and it's process, but to become part of the henna experience. Once you have become experienced, you will always want to know more and be involved. The joy of this art is human interaction and touch, as well as a love of design and pattern. I have yet to experience anything with so many personal possibilities. I guarantee my products, and I guarantee your satisfaction! I have made a commitment to teaching this art in my community, and I have made a commitment to teaching this art to you. I will answer any questions that you may have about mixing your paste, applying your henna, or aftercare! If you are having problems, let me know right away! I want you to get a dark and exciting stain every time! |
Still have questions? Speak up!
I welcome your questions, comments, and suggestions. I would like to know how your henna design turned out. Feel free to email me regarding your experience.
Lpohanlon@aol.com
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A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words." (Unknown)
"We count our miseries carefully, and accept our blessings without much thought."
-Chinese Proverb
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This site was finally updated December, 2007.
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