Things to know about Henna
History
Henna is derived from the leaves of the henna plant known as Lawsonia. When the petals and leaves are harvested, it be turned into a powder also creating a the natural red pigmentation of the henna flower petals. This plant has been existent for at least 5,000 years. Henna has been said to be seen in different regions of the world based on various historians and geologist (India at the Middle East). The practice of piping henna paste on the skin has been practiced for hundreds of years. It is most commonly done for Indian bridal ceremonies. It is a temporary stain that is left on the outermost part of the skin.
Henna vs. Mhendi
Henna is the paste or product that is piped onto the skin. Mendhi is the art of creating intricate designs on the body (commonly hands and feet). This was originally practiced in the Middle East and North Africa for over 5,000 years for ritual and ceremonial purposes.
The science behind henna
Your skin: Your skin is the biggest organ in your body. There are three major layers to your skin. The outermost layer of your skin is known as the stratum corneum. The second layer is the Granular Layer. The third layer is the Spinous and Basal Skin Cells. The stratum conreum is about seven layers deep. This layer is made of keratin and is very thick in order to protect your body from any foreign invaders.
Your skin’s interaction with henna
Henna contains a dye that is composed of the molecule Lawsone (hennotannic acid). This molecule bonds well with collagen found in skin. This molecule goes through the skin cells when henna is applied. The way the molecule hits the skin is different from the way the dye from tattoo would. The molecules in henna hits directly down, whereas tattoo dye spreads and saturates deeper levels of the skin cells. This is what makes henna tattoos temporary. The dye only touches the first dermal layer of your skin (stratum core), which becomes exfoliated from the skin over time. Regular tattoos go beneath this layer and touches the spinous and basal layer of the skin. This is why tattoos tend to be painful and bleed, unlike a henna tattoo.
Safety precautions behind henna
Black henna: In more recent years, incidences and studies show that the use of black henna can be hazardous when applied to the skin. This type of henna has been created with the chemical known as para-phenylenediamine (PPD). This additive to natural henna dye was done to produce a faster and darker stain when applied on the body. However, this alternative dye has been claimed to be unsafe and toxic to the skin.
Henna with wounds: Henna should not be applied over any open areas of the skin (cut, scratch, etc.). If done so, the dye will penetrate the layer below the outermost layer of the skin (stratum corneum) and cause a permanent stain. Henna is not sterile and can cause an infection if applied to any layer below the stratum corneum.
Sources:
http://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/tattooing/black-henna1.html
First Henna Tattoo: A Beginners Guide
Here are the steps through the process
Choose you design ( Choose from my design book, a design shown in my website gallery, or I free-hand it for you.
Select placement ( I design on hands, wrists, feet, ankles, bellies, and thighs).
I apply the henna paste on your skin.
With a cone filled with natural henna, I squeeze out the paste onto your skin (Metaphorically speaking, you are the cake and I am the chef piping you with icing!)
For the client: It's very important that you remain still with very little movement. In order to get a nice, clear tattoo without any smudges. This is a crucial request.
For the Client: Try to relax as much you can. It is pain-free and can be quite meditative. (I have had clients tell me that it tickles their skin, so it's possible you might feel this sensation as well).
Drying process of henna paste on your skin
This takes time (considering the size of the design of course). However, typically, freshly applied henna paste takes up to at least an hour of dry time. The longer, the better (better meaning darker and longer lasting stain on the skin).
Being patient and letting the past dry is extremely important in the process of receiving your henna tattoo. This is when the paste is going through your skin and giving that temporary stain.
The paste has dried. What do you do next?
The paste will start to flake off on its own when it's completely dry. This is normal.
Pick off the paste with your fingernail or edge of a credit card. This should make it peel off. (If you want a longer lasting stain, keep the dry paste on your skin and wrap it up with saran wrap before going to bed at night. I also have heard you can apply lemon juice to the stain and will also help with this).
DO NOT wash the paste off. The stain is on the exfoliated part of the skin, which means the more water or scrubbing will make the stain leave quicker than it needs to (Try to avoid this as much as possible).
What to expect:
The first 24 hours: It might come out light orange or have a reddish tone.
48 hours later: It should appear more brown.
How do I prepare for my henna appointment?
Consider the following tips below..
Reserve your henna appointment on this website (click the button below to schedule your session). You can also call (954)-558-0017 to schedule your session.
Make sure the area where you want henna done is clean and free from lotions or oils. Remember: the space selected for henna should try to avoid contact with water for at least 24 hours once complete.
Manicures, pedicures, and waxing should be done before your henna session.
Wear clothing appropriate to where you expect to have your henna done.
Example: shorts for thigh designs.
Example: flip flops for feet designs.
Example: crop tops or Saran Wrap with medical tape if you wish to not expose your stomach (t-shirt can go over this).
If you have any further questions, feel free to contact me through this email:
Henna Ingredients
Knowing and understanding what you are putting on your body is extremely important. Your body is your temple. Henna, however, is 100% natural. Hence, all you are doing is exposing yourself to earth's natural resources.
INGREDIENTS
Contains only Pure Henna, Eucalyptus Oil and Water
Pure henna : The active ingredient of henna is lawsone (2-hydroxy-1, 4-naphthoquinone).
POTENTIAL ALLERGIES
It is not common to exhibit a reaction to henna, because it derives from natural ingredients and has been used on the skin for centuries. Scholarly journals suggest that henna has low allergic potential. I do not use henna cones that contain PPD or chemicals found in "black henna".
Avoid henna tattoos if you have:
Hypersensitivity
GP6D Deficiency
If you unsure about your skin and it's reaction to the ingredients, perform a small design on yourself to test results. This could be good before deciding to get a bigger-sized henna tattoo.
Sources:
Allergic contact dermatitis to pure henna
Muhterem Polat MD, Meltem Dikilitaş MD, Pınar Öztaş MD Asc Prof, Nuran Allı MD Asc Prof
Dermatology Online Journal 15 (1): 15
https://www.verywellhealth.com/things-to-avoid-if-you-have-g6pd-deficiency-401319