Have you wanted to make a drawing on your body for a long time, but are you very afraid of pain or just not ready to get a tattoo? Henna body painting exists for just that. But where do you start? Go to the salon or maybe do it yourself at home? And what is henna? Let's get it right.
What is henna?
Few people know that henna is actually a plant, which in Latin is called Lawsonia inermis. Different parts of this plant have different uses. Its upper leaves are used just for painting with henna, as they have the best coloring properties. Of the lower ones, they make powder for making red hair dye, and the stems are used to create a colorless powder. In general, all parts of a plant are involved in production.
Paint for painting with henna can be different: natural or with the addition of chemicals. Chemical henna is very easy to use at home, the pattern on the body can even be made colored if desired.
With natural henna, some difficulties may arise, since it dries very quickly and is more capricious in use: it requires additional auxiliary products (for example, oil), and there is a need to thoroughly prepare the skin before use.
A bit of history
How long do you think this kind of art appeared? Henna murals are 5 thousand years old, and it has been used by women from Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, India, and Ancient Greece. She was decorated with arms, legs, back, and even nails. This drawing on the body was not only an aesthetic decoration, but also was a kind of amulet from evil spirits and evil spirits.
In the XII century, in India, henna, mehendi painting - that is the name of this art, was part of the marriage ceremony. And today, Indian brides are painted with henna, and the remains of this product are buried in the ground so that the marriage is durable and protected.
Mehendi came to Europe relatively recently and, unfortunately, has lost the significance that is still preserved in many Arab countries. Europeans adorn their body with paintings because it is beautiful, and not because it means something. It is for the same reason that many people tattoo. But what is still better: henna or tattoo?
Tattoo or henna: what to choose?
Of course, a bio-tattoo (which is also called mehendi) has several advantages over a standard tattoo. But let's talk about this in more detail:
- Henna is hypoallergenic. Of course, today chemical impurities are often added to it. But natural henna does not cause allergies. Tattooing is a risky choice. You never know if you will be allergic to one or another component of the paint (some people, for example, are allergic to red). It is good if your skin simply rejects this color, but not always everything ends so happily.
- Compared to tattoos, when applying a henna drawing, no needles are used, that is, you do not damage or injure your skin in any way.
- Some people have a low pain threshold, so tattooing is not possible for them. Henna painting is a completely painless process.
- Henna, unlike a tattoo, is short-lived. The drawing is stored on the body from several days to several weeks, depending on the color of the paint. And if you get tired of the picture, then wait a couple of weeks, and he will disappear. With a tattoo, everything is much more complicated. Tattoo removal is an even more expensive, long and painful procedure than applying it.
Where to get inspiration from?
In fact, any pattern can be applied with henna. Applying henna painting on hands is very popular among girls. If you decide to apply something with meaning, but do not yet know what, here are a few tips:
- "The palm of Fatima." This drawing of an inverted palm symbolizing faith, love in the family, is also a talisman from the evil eye.
- "Peacock". A symbol of joy, celebration, creativity and inspiration.
- "Spiral". Symbol of living energy. Opens the chakra, is one of the most ancient symbols.
- "Lotus". This flower means innocence, purity, purity.
- "Elephant". A very revered animal in India, is a symbol of wisdom, poise and calm.
- "Triangle". From ancient times was considered a magical symbol that protects against diseases and natural disasters.
- "Mandala". Very popular drawing in recent years. Each mandala has its own meaning, so almost everyone can choose such a pattern.
Henna painting in the salon
Once you have decided which drawing you want to apply henna and where, it remains to decide only where you will do it: at home or in the salon.
In the salon or with a qualified craftsman at home, of course, it is easier to do. The procedure costs from 600 rubles to several thousand, depending on the complexity and size of the picture, and takes several hours (application + drying).
As mentioned earlier, no one is allergic to henna , well, with only a few exceptions. Rather, it can be caused by oil, with which the composition is mixed (henna dries the skin, so oil is mixed into it). But the master may well replace one oil with another, if you are allergic, the main thing is to inform you in advance.
The composition is applied to the skin with a thin brush and orange sticks, left for a while, and then removed with a special tool. The procedure itself is simple, it can be done at home, but if you are not sure that you can do your first drawing yourself, or it is not very convenient to perform it (for example, you want to paint your back), then it is better to contact a professional.
Mehendi at home
If you decide to apply a drawing of henna at home, then prepare everything you need in advance. What will be needed for this?
Prepare the skin a few hours before drawing. Peeling is best done at the application site, but you can skip this step.
Prepare the paste and application tool. Ready pasta can be bought at the store, it costs about 500 rubles. You do not need professional tools, you can completely get by with a plastic bag or a paper bag with a neatly cut tip.
To prepare the paste you will need:
- leaf tea;
- lemon juice;
- sugar;
- henna powder.
Cooking pasta:
- Make tea. The stronger the tea, the darker the shade of the finished composition.
- Add the juice of half a lemon and 2 tablespoons of sugar to the tea.
- To the powder (not vice versa!), Gradually add tea with lemon juice, stirring occasionally.
- Let it brew for 15-20 minutes.
Carry out a test on the bend of the elbow, applying there a little ready-made mixture. This step is necessary, as you may be allergic to lemon juice.
Wipe the place of application with essential oil. Henna, of course, will dry out longer, but the picture will turn out brighter.
It is better to apply the paste with gloves. It is not toxic, but the hands can be painted so that they look worse than after applying tanning! Since not everyone has artistic ability, prepare a sketch or stencil in advance. When drawing, do not rush, if you make a mistake, remove the excess with a cotton swab.
Leave the composition on the skin until completely dry. This process takes time differently for everyone, but usually it takes no more than 7 hours. Remove the dried layer of paste from the skin. And now you are the owner of a unique henna pattern!
Care
As with a regular tattoo, henna painting also needs care:
- Do not remove the dried layer from the skin with water! In general, limit the contact of the picture with water for 4-6 hours.
- Do not often take a hot bath or go to the sauna, as the pattern will begin to wash out.
- Do not soap or rub the place of application.
- For the same reason, limit your exercise and heavy exercise.
- The more often the drawing comes in contact with clothing, the less its durability.
- Lubricate mehendi with essential oil.
Conclusion
Mehendi is a unique pattern, not only because you can create your own sketches, but also because the color of the pattern will directly depend on your skin tone.
This article tells about the name of henna painting on the arms, legs and other parts of the body, how to make mehendi at home, how to care for and maintain the firmness of the picture. It will be useful to those who are very interested in this topic.
A photo of henna paintings will inspire you to create your own unique and inimitable drawings.