About Henna
Henna, also known as mehandi, is a small flowering plant, when dried and sifted, will turn into a very thin powder that is used to dye skin and hairs. It has been used for several centuries to dye skin. It also has medical properties, such as having anti-inflammatory properties and also to cool their bodies.
How Does Henna Design Work?
Henna leaves contain a dye called lawson. Henna powder is mixed with water and essential oils to make a paste. When the paste is applied to the skin, lawson binds with skin cells or keratin on nails and hairs. It will then leave a bright orange stain. Henna is removed from the skin after 4-6 hours, which will then darken to a reddish brown tint to give it the distinct henna color. The stain will darken the top 2-3 layers of your skin and will gradually fade away as your skin exfoliates. On average, henna can stay on the skin for 10-14 days, if properly maintained.
Is Henna safe?
Natural henna is safe to use on skin and hair. Some people can be allergic to ingredients used in henna paste. Always ask your henna artist about ingredients used in the mix. As well as testing in an inconspicuous place.
Henna is never black
Natural henna is never black. Black henna contain PPD or other chemicals and preservatives which can cause cancer or other skin diseases. The FDA have deemed it unsafe for human skin should be avoided. Store bought henna is not safe to use because chemicals are added into the product to extend shelf life. Natural henna is created with natural ingredients and needs to be frozen to preserve its ingredients.
Instructions to learn henna design
1- Leave henna paste on your skin for at least 4-8 hours (overnight is preferred).
2- Seal dried paste with lemon sugar syrup.
3- Warming your skin with henna paste on your skin will help you achieve dark stain.
4- When you remove dried henna paste from your skin, do not wash your hands with soap or water.
5- Water can interrupt the oxidation and darkening process of your stain. You might need some vegetable or baby oil to remove dried henna from your skin.
6- Avoid water for next 12-24 hours. Keep stain coated with oil to avoid contact with water.
7- Henna stain will be light/bright orange at first and will darken to a deep brown color over the next 24-48 hours.This is a sign that the henna is natural.