New art of mehandi

The name henna also refers to the dye
prepared from the plant and the art of
temporary tattooing based on those dyes.

Henna has been used since
antiquity to dye skin, hair, and fingernails, as
well as fabrics including silk , wool , and leather .

The name is used in other skin and hair dyes,
such as black henna and neutral henna,
neither of which is derived from the henna
plant.
Historically, henna was used for cosmetic
purposes in Ancient Egypt , as well as other
parts of North Africa, the Horn of Africa, the
Arabian Peninsula , the Near East and South
Asia . Bridal henna nights remain an important
custom in many of these areas, particularly
among traditional families.

Bridal design

Wonderful designs liked by bride.
Suitable for wedding occasions.

Henna stains are orange when the paste is

first removed, but darkens over the following

three days to a deep reddish brown. Soles and

palms have the thickest layer of skin and so

take up the most lawsone, and take it to the

greatest depth, so that hands and feet will

have the darkest and most long-lasting stains.

Some also believe that steaming or warming

the henna pattern will darken the stain, either

during the time the paste is still on the skin, or

after the paste has been removed. It is

debatable whether this adds to the color of the

end result as well. Chlorinated water and

soaps may spoil the darkening process;

alkaline products may hasten the darkening

process. After the stain reaches its peak color,

it holds for a few days, then gradually wears

off by way of exfoliation.

attractive design

Lawsone , an active compound in

Henna

Whole, unbroken henna leaves will not stain

the skin. Henna will not stain skin until the

lawsone molecules are made available

(released) from the henna leaf. Dried henna

leaves will stain the skin if they are mashed

into a paste. The lawsone will gradually

migrate from the henna paste into the outer

layer of the skin and bind to the proteins in it,

creating a fast stain.

Awesome design

Since it is difficult to form intricate patterns

from coarse crushed leaves, henna is

commonly traded as a powder made by drying,

milling and sifting the leaves. The dry powder

is mixed with one of a number of liquids,

including water, lemon juice, or strong tea, and

other ingredients, depending on the tradition.

Many artists use sugar or molasses in the

paste to improve consistency and keep it stuck

to the skin better.

 The henna mix must rest for

1 to 48 hours before use, to release the

lawsone from the leaf matter. The timing

depends on the crop of henna being used.

Essential oils with high levels of monoterpene

alcohols, such as tea tree , cajeput, or lavender,

will improve skin stain characteristics. 

Other

essential oils, such as eucalyptus and clove,

are also useful but are too irritating and

should not be used on skin.