Ruby Tuesday - Henesy Does Henna - December 13, 2011

Henna is an ancient flowering plant used to die hair, skin, nails, leather and 

wool.  It has also come to mean the tattooing process using this dye.  Only

dyes from the mignonette tree are true henna.  Black dye or neutral  henna 

are not.

The henna plant is native to subtropical regions and grows profusely in

many of these areas.  Rajasthan, in India, has over a hundred henna 

processors.  This dye is used in festivals, celebrations, weddings, in the 

maufacture of perfumes and is in much demand, especially as the quality

improves.

Unbroken henna leaves will not stain the skin.  When leaves are crushed,

lawsone molecules are crushed and it is these that bind to the protein,

creating the stain.  For more detailed information on henna, check out

the site at:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henna.

The U. S. had allowed henna to be used as a hair dye but does not permit

henna as a skin dye.  There are potential negative health aspects.

Henna art is really quite amazing and I was delighted to have a sweet school

girl come to my friend's house and show me an example of it.  She recently

finished a "henna course".  She only did one forearm and hand, front and 

back and it took nearly two hours!  That was almost five days ago and much

of it still remains.  She did not even want me to pay her but I finally won out.

 

Since I was decked out in red, I thought I could pass for Ruby Tuesday!

At least some of my mosquito bites will be covered up!

I have been a  feast for the mosquitoes...I hope they don't like henna dye!

Cleaning up the henna dye that falls on the floor after it dries.

The next day, after I scraped the dye off, I had this terrific bright 

orange color on my arms.  For some reason, the dye uptake is greatest 

on my palm.  I cannot imagine sitting for days, as some brides-to-be 

do for their wedding artistry.  Both artist and recipient need a break

every now and then to stretch and get the blood flowing!!

I still have henna left, four days later!!!

I am participating in Ruby Tuesday - check it out

and join in the fun!