Henna Tattoos and using Henna Products

Traditional henna has been used for beautification and decorative purposes for thousands of years. While it is known as Henna or Hene in the Middle East and Africa, people in India and Pakistan know it as Mehendi. Henna is used in many traditional cultures to decorate the body for celebrations and rites of passage, such as marriage or childbirth. In some henna growing regions even the favorite horses, donkeys, and salukis had their hooves, paws, and tails hennaed!

The Henna plant, Lawsonia Inermis, generally grows in hot and humid climates and is cultivated in several African countries, including Sudan and Morocco, Asian countries such as India, and some of the countries in the Middle East. It was the Mughals who encouraged the cultivation of henna in India and Pakistan and used the traditional henna for beauty and decorative purposes rather than just for its medicinal value. Although the use of henna tattoos has spread across a vast geographical area in recent years, it continues to be largely used as a beauty product.

In the last couple of decades, the concept of temporary and henna tattoos has gained ground in western countries, especially the US and the UK. And more recently than that, there has been a rise in popularity of using natural ingredients in beauty products. The media scare stories of the harmful chemicals that are present I many modern cosmetics have stirred the movement further. So the major advantages offered by henna cosmetics and tattoos are that they are natural, easy to apply and remove, and low in cost. The absence of chemicals is what makes the henna tattoo a much sought after temporary tattoo.

A major reason for henna’s growing popularity is that its colour is temporary and fades away with time and washing. So people who wish to get intricate designs on their body, but do not want a permanent tattoo can opt for henna tattoos, which are not only attractive but also cheap and simple to apply. Henna tattoos match the advantages offered by other forms of temporary tattoos in that they are available in various designs and varied colours. Henna tattoo artists have evolved newer designs over the years, besides using contemporary designs to suit the requirements of the modern customer.

Henna is one of the best alternatives to permanent colour and is much in demand for its cosmetic value. Henna tattoos are made from henna paste that is formed from ground green henna leaves, mixed with water and other natural products. The paste, when applied to the skin or the hair, leaves a colour that can vary from orange to rich mahogany, depending on the quality of the henna being used.

1. First, choose the area on the body you wish to tattoo. Clean the area with hot water and soap. You can also use cotton balls dipped in astringent, to remove unwanted body oils.

2. Drawing the tattoo: Creating a tattoo design is the most crucial part of making detailed henna tattoos. Beginners would be advised to select simple designs, with thick lines - choose a design which is not too complicated.

3. You can draw henna tattoo directly on your hand or use stencil or other drawing aids. If you make a mistake while drawing a henna tattoo, you can correct it with the help of a tooth pick if you do it immediately.

4. Ensure that the painted henna lines are raised. Flat lines do not produce good colour. After completing the drawing, let it dry.

5. Make a solution of lemon juice and sugar. Dab the henna tattoo with cotton ball dipped in this solution. Apply another layer of this solution when the initial layer dries up.

6. Use heat or a hair dryer to warm the henna tattoo, this will give you a better colour.

7. Remove the dried henna after five hours. For intense colour effect, apply eucalyptus or olive oil on henna hands instantly.

8. Make sure that the tattooed area does not come in contact with water for at least eight to 18 hours after henna removal.

9. When the henna tattoo starts to fade, you can apply another layer of henna over the existing design to keep it going for longer.

Henna has also been used in traditional medicine, wherever it is grown, to treat a vast number of ailments ranging from burns to muscular and rheumatic pain. Different parts of the henna plant can be used for a wide range of ailments; its properties are considered to be astringent, detergent, deodorant, cooling and a sedative. Ground leaves can be applied to sore joints to ease rheumatism. The juice of the plant can be applied to the skin for headaches.

Its flower oil relieves muscular pains, while its seeds are used as a deodorant and to regulate menstruation. Henna flowers are said to induce sleep, cure headaches and bruises. The bark has also been used to treat symptoms of jaundice and can also be applied to the skin to treat eczema, scabies, fungal infections and burns.

With all this in mind it is not surprising that the latest use of henna is for various other cosmetic products as well. Due to its chemical-free nature and cooling properties, it makes excellent eyeliners, lipsticks and gels for soothing the skin.

Beauty experts have developed an extensive range of henna cosmetics, which include:

Henna pens: These have become an integral part of henna make up. This handy pen filled with a paste of henna extracts and other natural ingredients has revolutionized the technique of applying henna body art. With henna pens like Henna Penna, you can create a variety of line thicknesses because of the different tip sizes available. This is crucial to creating complicated or more intricate henna tattoos.

Henna lipsticks:Henna lipsticks like Henna Lips are composed of 100% natural ingredients, and can be used as a lip liner or a regular lipstick. They are available in a variety of colours, from cherry pink to cappuccino. These lipsticks are ideal for wearing every day or for special occassions. Furthermore, their water base prevents the formation of a sticky coat on your lips. Their smudge-proof formula laced with peppermint provides you a refreshing, cooling effect. Additionally, wheat protein in henna lipsticks helps to moisturise the lips. The colour will last all day long, and will not chip, bleed or flake.

Henna eyeliner: Are you looking for a natural substitute to your chemical eyeliners? Henna eyeliner is made from pure henna extracts, wheat protein, aqua and other herbal ingredients. Henna eyeliners serve the dual purpose of eyeliner as well as a brow liner. Their two-tipped opening also allows fine detailing. If it is a classic look you are after, select from the traditional colours, such as liquorice black, agave grey, black currant, blueberry, cocoa brown, hazelnut and fudge. Or if you are feeling wild you could go for raspberry pink, purple plum, mint blue, avocado green and golden honey.

Henna lip enhancers: Do you desire a firm and voluptuous pout? If you can’t afford or face the idea of risky lip enhancement surgery; use herbal henna lip enhancers like Henna Lips regularly. The product’s unique composition boosts collagen and GAG (glycosaminoglycolas) synthesis, which imparts natural fullness to your lips. In addition they protect your lips from UV and free radicals and prevent furrows and desquamation. In fact, you will notice substantial change in the fullness of your lips in just one month of its usage.