In India, henna for tattoos appeared in the 15th century AD. Most of the women of that time in this country adorned themselves with inscriptions and drawings on their arms and legs, regardless of social class or marital status. As its use spread, methods and techniques became more sophisticated. The tradition of henna tattooing has arisen in North Africa and the Middle East. It is believed that it has been used as cosmetics for the past 5000 years.
What is henna?
Henna is a small tropical shrub whose leaves are dried and chopped. It gives off a rusty red pigment, suitable for the manufacture of complex patterns on the palms and legs. The dye has the property of cooling and has no side effects on the skin. The color of the tattoos can be orange, dark orange or dark brown, depending on henna and other factors. Whatever the shade, it looks pleasant and gives a special beauty.
Step-by-step instructions for applying henna
You can make a henna tattoo at home. First you need to prepare all the necessary materials. Henna powder can be bought very cheaply on the Indian market, where you can also get a kit for applying it.
Step-by-step instruction:
- You need to start by sifting 1/4 cup henna powder into any container to eliminate lumps. This will make the melting smoother, it can be easily squeezed out of the applicator.
- Lemon juice is added to the mixture, about 1/8 cup. You need to mix until henna looks like a paste.
- The container should be covered with a lid or plastic wrap and allowed to stand at room temperature for 12 hours.
- After 12 hours, add 1 teaspoon of sugar, then 1 teaspoon of essential oil (such as almond or lavender).
- Everything mixes well, henna should be smoother as a glaze, not liquid.
- It is necessary to cover the mixture and insist for another twelve hours.
- After this time, lemon juice (2 teaspoons) is added a little.
- If it gets too liquid, the sifted henna is simply added.
- Now it's time to fill the applicator with henna. It can be a reusable plastic bottle, which is purchased in the Indian market or in a shop for artisans.
- Henna cooking is complete. You can start using it to create henna tattoos at home.
The popularity of henna lies in its low cost. It is attractive, painless and temporary. She does not leave drawings for life, like real tattoos, it is washed off after 1-3 weeks.
Henna Tattoos in the West
The introduction of Indian henna into European and American culture is a recent phenomenon. Today it is a fashionable alternative to tattoos. Many Hollywood actors and celebrities have become adherents of this painless art. Actress Demi Moore and No Doubt singer Gwen Stefani were among the first to try them out.
Then the following stars tried henna tattoos:
- Madonna
- Drew Barrymore;
- Naomi Campbell;
- Liv Tyler;
- Nell McAndrew;
- Mira Sorvino;
- Daryl Hannah;
- Angela Bassett;
- Laura Dern and others.
Some brands (such as Harper's Bazaar, Wedding Bells and Cosmopolitan) have further expanded this trend.
No henna, no marriage!
Henna is not just a way of artistic expression, sometimes it is necessary. The Hindu wedding includes a number of religious ceremonies before and during the wedding, and henna plays an important role in it. Every bride knows how to get a henna tattoo. No Indian marriage is complete without such a tattoo on the day of the ceremony. The reddish-brown pigment, which means the prosperity that the bride expects in a new family, is considered the most favorable for all wedding ceremonies in India.
The day before her wedding, the girl and her friends gather for a henna ritual, during which the bride should decorate her hands, wrists, palms and legs with a beautiful red tint. Even the hand of the groom, especially at the weddings of Rajasthani, is decorated with patterns. It is believed that such tattoos bring good luck. Perhaps that is why brides love them so much.
It is widely believed among Hindu women that the darker the imprint left on the palms of the bride, the more her mother-in-law will love her. This belief may have been invented to make the bride sit patiently and wait for the drawing to dry.
Brides usually include a hidden inscription of the name of the groom in the palm of your hand. It is believed that if the groom cannot find his name in intricate patterns, the wife will be dominant in married life. Sometimes the first wedding night cannot begin until the groom finds an inscription.
Types of Tattoos
Henna has been used since ancient times to color hands and feet. Such tattoos are often associated with a wedding or various festivals. Pictures may vary depending on the culture of different countries.
The most popular designs:
- Pakistani
- Indian
- Arab
- African.
Pakistani tattoos are often presented in floral motifs. Circle drawings, palm trees are the most popular Indian patterns, and the fingertips are completely covered with henna. Arabic tattoos include leaves, vine, flowers, and geometric patterns that almost completely cover the arm or leg. African tattoo designs are symbolic, express love and care. Basically, these are straight lines, complex patterns and geometric shapes.
Flower Arrangements
One of the most popular designs used for temporary henna tattoos is flowers. They symbolize joy and happiness. It is not surprising that floral ornaments are widely used for weddings and other celebrations. These simple Indian designs are mainly adapted for beginners and those who want to practice and learn. Compositions with the image of a lotus are especially popular. This flower means countless virtues - creativity, grace, sensuality, beauty, femininity and purity. It is said that the lotus contributes to the awakening of the soul.
Bird Compositions
A popular design that tattoo artists must face is the image of a peacock. This beautiful bird looks exquisite. Such a drawing for a wedding ceremony is very popular. Besides the peacock, many other birds, such as parrots and sparrows, are quite popular. They symbolize freedom, are considered messengers between heaven and earth. When applying temporary henna tattoos, the photos are especially interesting. This is a good option for a photo shoot.
Image of natural phenomena
The sun has always been considered the main source of energy in Indian culture. It means rebirth, immortality, eternal love and knowledge. A strong relationship between partners, a positive force for change, protection and health is what the moon means. The crescent symbolizes the appearance of the baby.
Other drawings
Butterflies mean transformation and change; dragonflies are associated with rebirth. Grapes with exquisite leaves and beautiful flowers is an attractive design that symbolizes longevity, perseverance and vitality. These are qualities that are very important for a relationship. Water is usually presented in the form of ripples. As a river or stream continues to flow, life is a constant series of changes and emotions. Water can also mean purification.
Values of tattoos on different parts of the body
In addition to drawings with specific meanings, a part of the body is also important. For example, henna tattoos on a hand or palm mean an offering to the world. Tattoos on the back of the hand symbolize protection, so it's best to choose a design that has strong meanings. Feet is the only point of contact with the ground, so any design that is applied should be aimed at strengthening the connection between your own body and the ground. Although henna has become an art, there is some mystery in it. Therefore, it is recommended to learn about the importance of design, the results may surprise the owner of a new tattoo.
How to choose henna
You should always buy fresh henna powder. He will give the best picture. In the description to it should be indicated that the powder is 100% natural and has no additives. Henna for tattoos should not contain pesticides or chemicals. The best henna is usually finely sifted. Dirt, sand and other impurities will not help to get a good henna paste. If you try to sift yourself, then most of the powder will be lost.
Black henna
Black henna for tattoos, used for temporary tattoos, may contain a high level of chemical dye, it is so powerful and toxic that scars and various irritations are possible. This is due to a hazardous substance called paraphenylenediamine. True henna, which is safe to use, has an orange color with a red or brown tint.