Introduction to Henna as a Medium

Introduction to Henna: 

Why we need to know about henna before we can do henna.

I find that  most individuals are often excited when they feel the urge to learn how to do henna body art.  They're so enraptured by the art (often times after getting their first henna done) that they hop into their car, drive to the nearest store, and purchase a large, foil-wrapped henna cone from the nearest place they can find one. The problem is this can be a dangerous impulse.   Many of the cones you find in stores are full of harmful chemicals. While it is good to feel that excitement, you must educate yourself on the medium before you can use it.  This will ensure that you and others you practice on are safe.

The purpose of this unit is to introduce you to henna as a medium.  You should understand what is and isn't in body safe henna paste.  Click, read, and take notes on each of the links below.  Email any questions you have for me at bodhitreemehndi@gmail.com.

PPD Henna: What is it?

PPD Henna Reading
The above article will give you a basic understanding of what PPD henna, or black henna, is and what it can do to your body. Never, under any circumstances, use it.

 

Medical Commentary on What PPD Henna Does to Your Body 

PPD on Bodies
This article provides you with some professional commentary on PPD and what it does.

 

How Natural, Body-Safe Henna Stains the Skin 

Natural henna should always be red-brown in appearance - mahogany would be a good name for the tone.  The paste should always have a greenish hue, though sometimes it is more brown-green in color.  It should only contain the following ingredients: sugar/sucrose/fructose, essential oils, henna powder, lemon juice/lime juice/tea/water.


 How Henna Stains
This page has a series of articles that describe how natural henna stains the skin.  It will provide you with a more in-depth overview of how the medium works.

Henna Recipe
This page will provide you with a simple henna recipe.  All natural, body-safe henna should contain these ingredients, though recipes vary from artist to artist.  You may use water, lemon juice, rose water, or a combination of these as a liquid.  There are several good Terping agents/Essential Oils you should also use in your henna paste. This link is from my mentor's/friend's website Victoria Welch.  Her paste (as well as her art) are wonderful for the Midwest region of the US.

Introductory Henna Videos

How to Mix Henna Paste by Victoria Welch

How to Roll Henna Cones by Victoria Welch