Henna Tattoos in Contemporary Body Art.
If you’re a fan of body art, then henna tattoos are probably not new to you. It’s a great option for people who aren’t leaping for a permanent commitment, settling only for a temporary fix. And guess what, henna tattoos aren’t new. They’ve been around for centuries. Many civilizations, even until now, practice this type of body art form. So how does it fit into the mold of modern, contemporary skin decor? Read on.
Were you one of those kids in elementary who dreamed of getting a tattoo? Did you grab a pen and started scribbling on your forearm, drawing awesome designs? If you haven’t gotten out of that phase growing up, then you’ve probably had a tattoo by now.
Of course, not everyone gets a tattoo. While they dream of having body art, some people may choose not to have one. Perhaps it’s part of the regulations in their profession or employment. Or maybe their families have a dislike for indelible skin designs. Whatever the reasons may be, it’s a personal choice not to get tattoos.
But guess what, for people who may not be committed to having a permanent body art, there’s an alternative. This art form has been around for centuries. Various civilizations celebrate this type of skin decor. For those who may be wary of making a lifelong commitment to permanent body ink, there are henna tattoos.
What is Henna?
For those not in the know, henna is both the ink and the art form. The term can be interchangeable.
As an ink, people get henna from the small flowering plant that usually grows in tropical areas in Northern Asia and Africa. Did you know people also use henna for medicinal purposes?
Henna is effective to bring down high fevers and soothe throbbing headaches. It can also reduce sleep-related problems like insomnia. One can also use the henna ink substance to dye clothes.
On the other hand, henna as an art form spanned centuries. Men and women, particularly of Muslim and Hindu lineage, use it to adorn their bodies during special celebrations like weddings. As part of the matrimonial tradition, there are henna parties where the bride spends a night of henna where she would be painted with plant-based ink.
This beautiful henna tradition lives on to this very day. In fact, Western culture widely accepted this decorative practice. It is, however, more common at parties and similar joyous celebrations.
An Ancient Practice and an Art Form by Itself
In old times, men and women had henna tattoos painted on their arms and legs. The rich tradition spanned from India to the Middle East. Ancient Egyptians even embraced this practice as they adorned their dead with these intricate patterns on their hands and feet.
Today henna is more popular than ever. The distinctive deep orange-red to dark hues are a common fixture in popular events. You can see young men and women sporting circuitous and ornate body art using henna in concerts and gigs.
Following the Indian tradition, some Westerners celebrate birthdays, weddings, and other important personal milestones with these intricate body art patterns on their skin. One of the principal reasons why it’s more common these days is that there are plenty of readily available kits that allow you to easily create henna tattoo designs.
Where Does Henna Come From?
In a nutshell, henna comes from a small flowering plant called Lawsonia inermis, which is also colloquially known as hina or henna tree. It’s amazing how many uses this plant offers.
Did you know you can make perfume and fragrant scents using its flowers? On the other hand, its leaves produce a useful staining pigment, ranging from burnt orange to red colors. Henna also offers many health benefits. The versatile plant can also relieve migraines, fevers, and sleep issues.
The History of Henna Use
While the exact origins are not clear, many believe the practice of using henna to create intricate skin art began during the time of ancient Egyptians. They would extract the leaves and then dry them. After collecting them, they would crush the dried leaves until they turned to a fine powder. They added water and the powder turned to paste.
Henna, as an ink substance for skin art, is not permanent. It usually lasts up to one week or even longer, depending on the mixture. Henna tattoo is a pain-free alternative to conventional tattooing that involves pins and needles.
Other experts may also claim henna tattooing started in India where they called it Mehndi. Experts say that henna use was more prevalent in hot, desert communities. According to these accounts, these people would use henna for its cooling effects. They would apply the henna paste to their feet and hands. That is until they discovered they could create more intricate patterns. And that’s when the tradition for henna body art started.
The evolution of henna tattooing involved both men and women. Indian brides, in particular, would gather around with their female friends and family members for a “night of henna” party. The practice of drawing henna tattoo patterns sourced the idea that it brought good fortune and more blessings to the newlyweds.
Following these practices, did you know their pregnant women also get henna tattoos in preparation for childbirth? It’s no housework for these women too as long as the henna tattoos are still on their hands and arms.
An Eclectic Mix of Traditional and Modern Contemporary Body Art
Today the tradition of body art using henna lives on. As the designs change, the spirit of skin art continues. But there is not much variance in the henna tattoo designs. Artists of today incorporate many of the Indian mehndi designs as they recreate the traditional body art concepts but with a modern contemporary twist.
Many henna tattoo artists create intricate lace and floral patterns, following the aesthetics of Indian designs. Some would also incorporate the elements of celestial bodies, animals, and plants. You may also see representations from pop culture like cartoon characters and superheroes. Tribal designs are also common, covering the wearer’s arms and legs.
On the other hand, African henna tattoo culture often involves bold, geometric shapes. You’d see a lot of squares, triangles, and angled designs—all of which are interconnected with lines, often with little spaces in between them.
Arabic henna tattoo designs are a bit more feminine in aesthetics though. They are usually floral in motif, displaying the delicateness and the dainty features usually associated with women. So it’s usually flowers, petals, and other feminine elements.
The Increasing Popularity of Henna Tattoos
If you want to decorate your body with beautiful art yet prefer a temporary alternative to conventional, permanent skin ink, you’ll love the pleasing intricacies of henna tattoos.
A symbol of joy, prosperity, love, and fertility, henna is a celebration of body art for many centuries and civilizations. The fact that it remains as that to this day is remarkable. A tradition that lived to see the time of Cleopatra and the pharaohs until today’s generation of millennials, emojis, and social media.
The rise of its popularity also owes it to a lot of celebrities interested in the traditional skin art practice. Many fashion styles also incorporate it in their holistic wear, with pop figures interested in enhancing their creative and fun-loving look. What a way to create a sense of style in personal beauty.
The younger crowd aren’t the only ones interested in henna tattoos. Even the adults look to have them as a fun way to spruce up their look.
Henna Tattoos vs Conventional Ink Tattoos
There’s nothing more natural as it is pleasing as henna tattoos when it comes to body art. Compared to permanent skin ink, henna is more organic and closer to earth. But while it doesn’t last as long as conventional body ink, henna tattoos tend to have more benefits.
Permanency aside, the aesthetics in both are virtually similar. A skilled henna tattoo artist can recreate the same level of intricacy and ornateness of conventional body ink. So it’s an attractive alternative to conventional tattoos for those looking to have body art.
What’s more, there are no needles and pins, and machines to speak of with henna tattoos. It’s like drawing with a pen on the surface of the skin. Totally painless but lasts longer than normal pen ink; henna tattoos won’t wash off like pen ink normally does.
With a conventional ink tattoo, you’ll have to live with your selected design. But imagine if you had one word misspelled in your skin art. Imagine having an awfully done design. You know you’ll have to live with that, don’t you? It’s a lifetime of dreadful typos and designs.
But with henna tattoos, you won’t get stuck with your chosen patterns. It usually stays on your skin for about a week or two. But while it fades away, you may opt to have it redesigned or redrawn so that it stays for another week or so.
And did you know henna offers a natural revitalizing effect on your skin? Yes, it can revivify and rejuvenate, creating younger-looking, smoother skin.
If you’re looking to complement your fashion sense and style, choose henna tattoos. It’s a fun way to spruce your look without going permanent with your choice of body art.
Steer Clear of Black Henna
You’ve probably heard horror stories from people who tried to use henna and ended up with skin allergies and similar complications. Well, not all henna products do that. There’s only one that can create a burning or blistering sensation on the skin. They call it “black henna.”
Technically speaking, there’s no such thing as “black henna.” It’s usually advertised with that name. You’ve probably heard how “black henna” has a darker shade and stains really fast compared to the traditional henna.
Actually, the name “black henna” isn’t entirely accurate as it appears to depict. Rather the substance mainly consists of PPD or paraphenylenediamine—it is a type of toxic dye. This component, if present in henna, can trigger blistering and burning of the skin. In serious cases, it can also leave a nasty scar.
Today’s Use of Henna
When applied the right way, henna tattoos look magnificent. No arguing, they are beautiful. A tradition of body art that spanned for centuries then more refined techniques are coming out today.
Cleopatra used it to adorn her queenly body. Egyptians used it on their dead too before burying them. Ancient Hindu practices also included the use of henna in weddings; their belief is that it brings joy and beauty as well as spiritual awakening to one’s life. Moroccans in old times too believed painting henna on their doors can chase away evil and attract good spirits and prosperity.
Today henna is more popular than ever. By incorporating many of the traditional patterns and intricate designs, today’s henna tattoo artists create wonderful pieces of art on the skin. Depending on the type of look you want to achieve, henna tattoos are a great alternative to permanent ink.
Various traditional techniques, however, may involve different styles as to how they approach their designs. The Hindu or Indian way involves fine lines and floral patterns. On the other hand, Arabic henna tattoo designs appear bigger than the Hindu or Indian techniques. There are also bold and big geometric designs, which are generally African in pattern.
How Long Will a Henna Tattoo Last?
A typical henna tattoo can last for about a week or so, depending on the skin type, exposure of the skin art to various elements, or the mixture of the henna ink. There may be instances where the henna tattoo can last for three weeks or a month.
Ideally, when the stain begins to fade, you may want to remove the henna tattoo of your skin. No particular reason other than for aesthetic purposes though. If you want to prolong the staining, you can do so by simply tracing the pattern, and coating it with another layer of henna ink. But if you want to remove it, here are some tips.
The Saltwater Soak
Water and sea salt—that’s a great mix for an exfoliating agent. You can Epsom salt (table salt also works) and put it in water. Then soak that part of the body where you have your henna tattoo. The sodium chloride content in your saltwater can nourish your skin while getting rid of the old, dead skin cells.
Exfoliating Scrub
Want to remove your henna tattoo fast? Scrub your skin with an exfoliating face or body wash. Ask a dermatologist which one is gentle on your skin.
Baking Soda and Lemon Juice
Did you know lemon juice can lighten your skin? Add baking soda and you get a wonderful exfoliating agent that can remove the henna stains.
Makeup Remover
You can also use a silicone-based makeup remover to erase the henna stains. Using a Q-tip, gently swab on the stained area to remove the henna tattoo. Repeat as necessary until it is completely off.
Whitening Toothpaste
Apply generously on your henna tattoo and gently scrub it off. After a couple of applications, your henna tattoo should fade.
Contact Us
Do you want these popular henna tattoo designs at your next event? Our henna tattoo artists will come to your party and create these beautiful works of body art.
Contact us at (970) 377-0093 (or email us at teamrjevents@gmail.com). Our talented artists will create fun, intricate designs for you. We serve the areas of Loveland, Fort Collins, Windsor, and nearby areas in Colorado.