Henna, Lawsonia inermis is a member of the Loosestrife family.

It is common in India, Morocco, Egypt, Sudan, etc. India's Ajanta Frescoes show the Bodhisattvas' body painted with henna.

Paintings of the Rajput, Garhwal and Kangra School also show extensive body paintings, albeit less than those of the erotic art. So henna was used in India several centuries before Christ and continues until this day.

Although powdered henna bears an undeniably special smell that is a heady combination of earth and damp green leaves, fresh henna leaves are odourless when crushed between the fingers. In the East henna is extensively used for its cooling affect on burns, mouth ulcers, hot swellings, etc. Henna decoction applied on cuts has the effects similar to those of the dragon's-blood tree.

Neena Kainthola – MA (Political Science), M.L.I.Sc, the lead, has been promoting Fun and Healing Arts of Henna Body Painting in the Edinburgh Fringe for 10 years.

Preparing Henna :
Henna preparation calls for basic ingredients like powder, bitter lime, warm tea/ coffee, etc. However, some people suggest using eye protection, gloves, face mask, etc.!

Preparation :
Apart from good quality henna powder, all needed to prepare and apply henna is available in most kitchens. Like every other arts, success comes with practise and patience.

To begin from the beginning prepare the henna paste by taking :
• A glass, ceramic or wooden bowl to mix the paste.
• An ounce of Henna powder.
• A wooden or stainless steel spatula to mix the paste.
• A bowl to squeeze 2 bitter lemons (and don't forget to squeeze those bitter    lemons).
• A strainer or a fine sieve.
• An ounce or two of strong tea leaves or coffee powder.

Now, make a real, real, real strong cup of tea (not the bags type) or coffee (again, ground real coffee and not instant) for yourself and the henna (no milk and sugar, thanks!).
Use the strainer to sift the henna powder into a bowl.
Once ready, pour about 100 ml of lukewarm tea/ coffee brew to henna and mix by beating until a tooth-paste like consistency is reached. With trial and error, find out which element or combination (tea and/ or coffee) gets you the colour of your choice.

Now add the strained lime juice into the bowl and stir the mixture, just enough to retain a paste like consistency. Being acidic, bitter lemon adds to darkness of the stain.
Cover with a gauze and leave it for about 6 hours.
Add a drop or two of an essential oil (eucalyptus, clove or henna).

Transfer the paste into a soft plastic squeezable cone or squeeze applicator, for use.

Henna Allergy : All ingredients are natural and taken as foods. However, if you suspect one is sensitive, test by applying some paste behind an ear and observe for 30 minutes.

Prepare the skin by removing traces of body oil, dirt, etc. with cleansing lotion.

To apply, squeeze the tube as you run the pattern over the skin. You can use gold or a silver stick (Tiffany or Dior are yet to design one!) a flat toothpick or a matchstick.

Where to Apply : Any where in the body (not the eye, cavities, etc.!).

Henna dye is most effective on the palms and soles of the feet.

Elsewhere it shows less strongly.

Henna will dye strong when left on the skin for six hours or more.

You may periodically put a drop or two of lime with sugar to keep the powder moist.
To keep the powder in place one may wrap it with tissue paper and keep it wet.

Body heat and perspiration (unless it washes the powder off!) makes the dye darker.

Two-Toned Henna Designs.

Designs of 'closed' elements like a petal or a leaf, can be created with two-toned henna. However it calls for some planning to carry out the task in 2 or 3 steps in one or more areas.

The first step is to plan major design elements. While considering the pattern, take up the portions where width of line adds depth and elegance. Line variations help enhance the image and draw attention from one element to the other. So, apply a thick coat of henna and let it set for 7 hours or so. Overnight, with coverings, etc. could be grand!

The second step is to bring a balance of light and dark areas by using the ‘weight' of the lines. A lighter shade is brought by letting the henna to set for half an hour or so (the longer they remain, the deeper they become).

Remove henna from the second area and proceed for the third planned step. Finally, remove all traces of henna paste with biter lime juice.

Contact us for :
Henna Kit
Henna Workshop