Henna Tattoo Designs

From what I know, my ancestors used henna. Their designs were just to put henna around their fingertips, and a circle in the middle of the palm. Other women would put it around their fingertips, put a ball of henna in their palm, and squeeze it into a fist. This way the hand would be stain on the hand, except the creases that we have on our palms and fingers. The more modern designs are more artistic. Most of them are flower patterns wrapping around the hands or legs. Some people like to draw animals or names. You can also have designs on your back, chest, or stomach. The henna will stain anywhere on your skin, but the darkest stain you will get is on your palm. We have thicker skin on the palm, and that causes the henna to stain deeper. The longer you leave the henna on, the darker it will stain. I recommend leaving the henna on for at least five hours. If you have the patience, you can put the henna on overnight and wash it in the morning. This way, you will get the best color.

Traditional Design Before

Traditional Design After

Modern Design Before

Modern Design Before

Modern Design After

Modern Design After

Henna for Hair

Instead of using dye, full of chemicals to get red hair, you can use henna. Henna can be used for dandruff or deep conditioning as well. For dandruff you can mix it with water, and a few drops of tea tree oil. The tea tree oil stimulates the scalp and gets rid of the itchiness. It also removes dead skin. You will feel it tingling on your scalp when you apply it. If you have dry hair there are three ingredients henna can help moisturize it. You can use olive oil, coconut oil, or raw honey. You will not get much of the color, but you will get shiny hair. I recommend using at least one cup of the oils or honey with milk when you mix it. You should do it every two weeks to see results. If you want it just for the red color, than you can just mix it with water. You mix the henna until it’s kind of a smoothie texture; not too watery but not too thick. Make sure you cover the whole scalp and the hair. With all the different techniques you should keep it on for at least four hours. If you have the patience, you can leave it overnight and wash it off when you wake up.

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After

                                                             

What is Henna?

Henna is a natural dye that people use to decorate their skin. It can also be used as a hair dye. Henna comes from the henna plant. The leaves are dark green and oval shaped. It is picked, dried, than ground into a fine powder. It is than sifted to get all the stems out. It can be mixed with water or tea. When you apply it on the hand or hair, it gives it a dark orange color. Henna is temporary. It lasts about two to three weeks, depending on how much you wash the area. You can purchase henna anywhere; Internet or stores such as Middle Eastern or Indian stores carry it. Henna is very popular in India and the Middle East. They use it during weddings, holidays, and special occasions. My mother uses henna a lot. She uses it to dye her hair and hands. I hated it when I was a child. I didn't like when kids at school asked me about it. As I grew older, I got familiar with the different designs and techniques, and I began to like it. In many cultures henna is a form of art, and is a very important aspect.
                                                                                                                                

Henna Powder