What is henna?
Henna is an Arabic word for the process of applying a paste made from the ground leaves of a woody shrub that thrives in hot, dry climates. The leaves are dried, ground and sifted many times to make a pure, fine henna powder. Once this henna powder is ready it is made into a paste, which is used on hair or on skin. It typically dyes the skin, or hair, an orange to cherry red and brown tones. Henna produces a red-orange dye.
It is thought to have originated in Egypt and was brought to India and other countries by merchants and gypsies. Henna has been used for thousands of years to adorn womens hands and feet for weddings and other auspicious times. Henna is not associated with any one religion but is often used during times of great celebration. The use of henna is not specific to just one culture, but it is an integral and dynamic part of many cultures each with its own traditions, symbols and myths.
Mehndi is the ancient art of staining the skin using a paste made of the dried leaves of the henna plant, lemon juice essential oils (lavender, cajeput, naioli are some of the few that can be used and are the ones used in Henna Junkies mix) and sugar. The paste is piped into a plastic hand rolled cone (similar to a pastry bag) and used to hand draw directly onto the skin.
The paste should be left on the skin at least 4-12 hours for the best result. Adding heat via a heating pad or being out in the sun is ideal once the paste has dried as it assists in the stain taking fully. If unable to leave the paste on for the designated time frame the stain may not be as dark or last as long.
It is thought to have originated in Egypt and was brought to India and other countries by merchants and gypsies. Henna has been used for thousands of years to adorn womens hands and feet for weddings and other auspicious times. Henna is not associated with any one religion but is often used during times of great celebration. The use of henna is not specific to just one culture, but it is an integral and dynamic part of many cultures each with its own traditions, symbols and myths.
Mehndi is the ancient art of staining the skin using a paste made of the dried leaves of the henna plant, lemon juice essential oils (lavender, cajeput, naioli are some of the few that can be used and are the ones used in Henna Junkies mix) and sugar. The paste is piped into a plastic hand rolled cone (similar to a pastry bag) and used to hand draw directly onto the skin.
The paste should be left on the skin at least 4-12 hours for the best result. Adding heat via a heating pad or being out in the sun is ideal once the paste has dried as it assists in the stain taking fully. If unable to leave the paste on for the designated time frame the stain may not be as dark or last as long.