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 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!!!
and join in the fun!
