There are a lot of misconceptions and myths about henna. We’re here to uncover the real truth behind them.
Information is everywhere, and it is readily available. A simple click on the worldwide web will lead you to various answers to your questions. The cyber age is at its peak. It is hard to distinguish which is real or fake information on the internet. And while there are a lot of data available everywhere, there are still people who keep close information that can be myths all along.
The same is true with henna. While its use is widespread, there are a lot of myths about henna that we still believe in. We commonly hear some while there are also those completely out of this world. Like, where-did-you-get-that kind of ideas. These myths can either entice us or discourage us from getting henna.
Cast your doubts aside! Here are 10 common myths about henna that you might have heard and what is the truth behind it.
1. Henna is a fake tattoo
Now, this is one of the myths about henna that hurts a lot of henna artistsā pride. There are people who casually say henna is a lesser version of the mainstream ink tattoo. And there are various reasons why they say so. Tattoo is permanent and lasts a lifetime while henna fades out in time. Tattooing uses complex machines while henna uses simple tools. These are among other things that associate henna as a fake tattoo. Of course, if you are a kid and your parents find you with a henna, it is easier to explain that way. But let us understand why henna is not a fake tattoo.
Henna and tattoo are two different things. They are two various art forms as well. The materials used are not the same. Tattoo uses artificial ink. Henna, on the other hand, uses powder from the henna plant. While some henna tattoo products may contain chemicals which they mix into the powder, a real henna is all natural. It also requires a different skill set from the artists as well. Some henna artists accept using āhenna tattooā But really, henna is not a tattoo and not a fake version of it.
2. Mehendi is a henna design
A lot of people usually get confused with this one, making it one of the common myths about henna.
Is it right to say, āI want to get a mehendi design henna?” Before you go and tell your artist that, read further on. When people decide to get a henna, another myth about henna commonly occurs. They want to ink a mehendi design. It is that very traditional and cultural design we commonly see. It is mostly visible during festivities.
Henna and mehendi are the same thing. The use of the word henna comes from its plant source, the henna plant. It originates from Persia, so the term is widely used in the Middle East.
On the other hand, in India and the Southeast Asian countries they use mehendi. Artists use it interchangeably and not to refer to a particular design only. So if you plan to get that henna tattoo youāve always wanted, you can use either of the terms.
3. Henna is harmful
There are accounts of people who get allergies and other skin complications from henna. Here springs another one of the many myths about henna; that it is harmful to your skin. Some claimed they used henna on their hair, and it started to dry or fall off. This can be true; that is when you use pre-made henna pastes.
These henna pastes are those that are manufactured. They mix additives and other chemicals, which may be harmful to the skin or the hair. You can further research on what these chemicals are, which can be dangerous. And be sure to check your labels before using it. Better ask your artist about it beforehand.
However, real henna pastes are safe to use. Henna comes from dried and powdered leaves of the henna plant. This is as safe as it can be! In fact, in the early years of human civilization they use henna. Probably even before we discovered the alphabet.
It is important to note that homemade henna paste is best if you want to avoid any complications like having problems with your skin or hair. Of course, we all have different skin types. Some may have oversensitive skin that gets easily irritated. Better check your physician first to make sure it is safe for you.
4. Henna is a paint (it looks like paint)
Why not use paint instead? After all, it is temporary, and, depending on the variety, paint easily washes off. Plus you can use many colors.
This is yet another one of the many myths about henna. It is not paint. Technically it is a dye. Some refer to it as a stain. While both don’t last long, the two are different.
First off, paint is easier to remove than henna. A water-based paint washes off very easily with water. In fact, our sweat can even wear it off. With face painting, for example, artists use a different kind of paint that is hypo-allergenic. But it only lasts until sweat starts dripping off. It can even be messy if you are still outside with your smudged paint on. This is because paints just stick to the top layer of your skin. Any appropriate solvent can wear it off.
On the other hand, henna seeps deeper into the skin and chemically bond, so to speak, with your skin cells. This allows henna to stay longer. However, they come off as your skin peels over time. Regular exposure to water can cause it easily fade though. For best results, allow a few hours for the henna paste to rest before you go out and expose it to heat and water.
5. Henna comes in different colors
In relation to the abovementioned myth, henna may come in a few colors. But it is not as colorful as paint hues. The natural color of the powdered henna plant is along the red and brown spectrum. At first, it looks a little darker or blackish. Over time, its true color will reveal itself.
More often, it is brownish red; although some say it is reddish brown. But isnāt it practically the same? Probably, but for women, it is not. Depending on the skin type or acidity, the color may differ.
Why are there claims that henna comes in different colors? That’s because there are a few henna pastes that stains in a different color. Yes, this is available. However, this is due to some chemicals that they add to the natural henna powder. These chemicals affect the resulting color that they use in more elaborate designs.
It is important to note though that there are chemicals used which may be harmful to the skin. Again, do your research and look at the labels to avoid complications. We all want to enjoy henna without the worries.
6. Henna is black
We would like to emphasize this myth about henna. It is not black. There are comments from people that they donāt like henna because it easily fades. Their basis came from the fact that first touch of the henna paste is a little too dark. Those who are not keen on identifying colors will easily look at it as black. After a wash or two, it will reveal its actual color.
The real color of henna is actually within the range of brownish red and reddish brown (whichever color you are more comfortable to use). When the tattoo starts to fade, people claim it to have worn off already. Again, a natural henna paste is somewhere along the red and brown spectrum. Anything far from it may be due to the addition of some chemicals. If you want it black, Iām sure there are available pastes that can give you that. Just make sure it is free from harmful chemicals.
7. A good henna lasts for months
We hope to lay this one to rest. How long should a henna tattoo stay? Here’s another one of the multitude of myths about henna.
We donāt know why there are people who claim that “good” henna lasts for several months. Some even suggest that if your henna fades out quickly, then it’s poorly done. Are they not taking a bath? Do they scrub? Judgement aside, henna, no matter how good it is, only stays for a few weeks. Even if it seeps deeper into the skin. At the utmost, it lasts for a month.
It is not the fault of the artist. It’s also not about the henna paste used. Naturally, we shed off old skin cells, and new ones surface. As this process goes on, we develop new skin cells. The henna peels along with the dead skin cells.
Since this happens fast, they remove the henna prints naturally. For people who regularly scrub, the fading process is quicker. Friction arising from the scrubbing activity contributes to the gradual erasure of the henna tattoo.
Well, if you want your henna tattoo to stay longer as possible, you may have to skip the daily habit of taking a shower. It will surely last as long as you want.
8. You can wash off henna
Let us be clear: while it is temporary, henna tattoos are difficult to wash off. They don’t easily fade away by simply rinsing it off with soap and water. For parents who don’t like seeing their kids with a henna tattoo, we’re afraid scrubbing it will only cause blisters on the skin.
Henna is not some paint that you can wash with any solvent. We hope it helps, but it does not work that way. The main reason behind it, as we’ve mentioned above, is that it permeates through our skin and will fade only in time. Yes, the proper term is fade.
Water, soap, or oil cannot remove it. While some scrubbing can help (albeit, only a little), henna fades away gradually as fast as we shed off our old skin cells and develop new ones. It is only until we completely rid off the skin cells covered by the henna tattoo that the design fades from the skin’s surface. In fact, no scrubbing is necessary as we naturally shed off old or dead skin cells every day.
The next time your mum tells you to wash your henna tattoo off, say that’s just one of the many myths about henna. It doesn’t work that way and that she’ll just have to bear with it for a few weeks.
9. Henna contains marijuana
And then there’s this (ridiculous) myth about henna that it contains marijuana. We’re not sure where do people get all these weird ideas. Why would marijuana be even in the henna paste? Would it enhance the color effects or henna? Who knows? But for now, it is a no.
Real henna pastes come from the leaves of a henna plant. Henna plant is different from marijuana. You can look it up on Google how the two are different. The physical distinctions are enough for you to conclude.
Marijuana does not contain the same natural chemicals, which create the brownish red (or reddish brown) hue. For whatever reason some people wishing it has marijuana, we’re sorry to burst your bubble. Because it doesn’t.
Henna is considered art and is used to achieve art. Henna and marijuana are two different plants that don’t look alike and serve various functions. Another distinction between the two is that marijuana use is regulated while one can freely use henna.
10. Henna is part of a religious practice
Due to its frequent usage in Indian culture, there is another one of the common myths about henna. Apparently, a lot of people think henna is used in religious practices exclusively. That is not entirely true.
Henna is not exclusively for religious use. In some countries, particularly in the Asian region, henna is synonymous with traditional rituals like weddings. In Indian culture, for instance, you’ll see a lot of brides with henna tattoos on their hands and feet on their wedding day.
Getting henna tattoos is a huge part of Indian wedding practice. In addition to having intricate tattoo designs on the hands and feet, they also write the name of the groom in henna in some part of the bride’s body. On their wedding night, nothing “happens” until the groom finds where his name is.
In some countries, they use henna as purely for art. It can be an expression of something they believe, reflecting a design that personifies their soul with a carefully crafted design. There are also those who use henna in unity with a festivity or as part of a solemn celebration. While others just love the beauty of a henna on their body.
Regardless of the purpose of their tattoo design, henna use is free for the enjoyment of all. We don’t know of any country or jurisdiction that restricts the application or display of these exotic tattoo designs. Also, no authority prohibits henna from free circulation. We all have our reasons for using henna, and we all are entitled to enjoy it.
There are other myths about henna that you probably have in mind. Ask your parents or grannies, and they may have a lot to say about it. You can readily find answers to these misconceptions with a click or two on the internet. It is best to know about these myths about henna and what is the truth behind it so you can enjoy your henna guilt-free.
Now donāt just keep this knowledge to yourself. Be informed with your family and friends. Go and tell people the truth regarding these myths about henna. Who knows? They might just get henna tattoos with you.
Are you interested in getting a henna tattoo artist at your next party or event? Get in touch with our talented artists. We create fun, intricate henna tattoo designs within the Loveland, Fort Collins, Windsor, and nearby areas in Colorado. Contact us at (970) 377-0093.