- Writteb by Dan Hunter on November 8,2019.
- [Last Modified Page Information]
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Not all tattoos are done with needles and pain. A henna tattoo is an exception to the standard notion, and it’s a beautiful one at that.
Henna has spread all over the world, leaving a lasting impression with its deep color and captivating designs. However, there are certain types of henna that one should approach with caution. We’ll delve into that later in the article. For now, let’s take a look at what henna is and the history behind this ancient body art.
A henna tattoo is made using dye from the henna plant. The tattoo is often crafted with a specific amount of henna powder mixed with other ingredients like water or tea. The paste is filled into a small piping bag and then applied to the skin.
Other techniques involve using a thin toothpick dipped in the dye and then painted onto the skin. It all depends on the artist and their preferred method.
Watching a henna tattoo come to life can be fascinating. Some artists prefer to outline the design before applying the dye. I recommend bringing a picture of a style you like. If you don’t have a specific style in mind, the artist usually has a book of designs to choose from.
Arabic and Mehndi
The design of the henna tattoo varies depending on the artist and also the location. The henna plant, Lawsonia inermis, is native to North African countries. It’s also found in other places, such as Australia and throughout Asia. However, henna is most commonly associated with India. Here, this form of body art is referred to as “Mehndi.”
Mehndi is not just the henna tattoo but also the style in which it is applied. When you look at an Arabic tattoo and a Mehndi, you can see clear differences. The Mehndi tattoo often uses circles as a starting point and typically covers large areas of the body.
The Arabic variations tend to be more subtle. They often include flowers, plants, and symbols. Although there are different styles, most artists today will create any design you desire.
A Wedding Tradition
Henna is a widespread wedding tradition throughout Asia and the Middle East. Countries like Singapore, Egypt, Bangladesh, and Morocco use henna as a pre-wedding ritual. The families host a small celebration for the bride, the groom, and their guests, similar to a bachelorette or bachelor party.
Traditionally in Egypt, the henna powder is mixed with water or lemon juice and pressed into a pan. Candles are used to heat the mixture. This pan is passed from guest to guest until the henna is ready. The guests then take a small amount of henna onto their palm and let it set.
Henna tattoos have become more than just a souvenir from the East. Henna kits are now available online and in drugstores, allowing you to create your own design.
What ingredients make up henna ink?
The henna plant alone won’t stain the skin. Traditionally, women would crush the leaves until they turned into a paste. The dye was then mixed with a small amount of water and left to sit for 48 hours.
Nowadays, henna is often sold as a ready-made powder, made from the leaves of the henna plant that have been dried, ground, and sifted. When buying henna, it’s important to pay attention to the color. A faded color suggests that the henna might be old. If it’s too green, additional dyes might have been added to make it look fresh.
The powder is then mixed with a wet ingredient like lemon juice or water. Some artists like to mix in a few drops of essential oil for fragrance. Henna already has a strong floral scent, so I recommend choosing an oil that complements this fragrance.
After the henna is applied, it needs to dry to stain the skin. The longer you leave it, the darker it will appear. Adding sugar or honey can bring moisture into the paste. However, the paste alone often works but will become dry and crumbly.
Black Henna
I’m sure we’ve all seen a henna tattoo with an intense black color at some point. This type of henna should be avoided at all costs.
The FDA has classified black henna as dangerous since it can cause a severe allergic reaction. You might be among the lucky ones who don’t feel any immediate effects. However, one of the ingredients can make many people sensitive to hair dyes and other beauty products in the future. This ingredient is p-Phenylenediamine, also known as PPD.
Black henna is often sold as a mix of henna powder with “coal tar” dye. Coal tar is a form of synthetic dyes that contain high amounts of PPD. This dyeing agent is now banned for use in cosmetic products in the United States.
Since it’s hard to tell whether the henna you purchased contains PPD or not, I strongly recommend avoiding black henna altogether.
How Long Do Henna Tattoos Last?
The answer to this question depends on several factors. If the tattoo is placed in an area frequently exposed to water and soap, it will typically fade faster. So, one might assume, for instance, that tattoos on the hands won’t last very long.
That being said, a henna tattoo can stay fresh for up to two weeks without fading much. It might take another two weeks for it to disappear completely. Some can even last over a month, especially if placed on more covered areas of the body. However, there are some methods to remove henna if you wish to get rid of the tattoo faster.
A black henna tattoo can last up to three weeks, but as mentioned earlier, it’s best to avoid this type. Natural henna variations can take on a reddish hue as they fade, which can be surprising.
There are a few ways to keep a henna tattoo looking fresh for longer. Cleaning the skin before applying the dye is a crucial step. Additionally, exfoliating to remove dead skin cells and shaving the area beforehand can also be helpful. This also makes the tattoo appear more vibrant.
