Also known as Mehndi, the application of the henna tattoo is an age old practice dating back thousands of years. Evidence of henna use dates back to 1200 B.C. and the ancient Egyptians, according to Earth Henna. A temporary form of art, henna tattoos vary between simple and ornate--some henna tattoos taking hours to apply.
Identification
The ink used to create a henna tattoo derives from the henna plant or Lawsonia inermis. Native to the Middle East and North Africa, the henna plant produces aromatic yellow, white, pink or red flowers. But it is not the flowers of the plant that produce henna ink. After drying and pulverizing, the deep-green foliage of the henna plant forms the henna ink base.
Features
Soap and water cleanses the skin prior to the application of a henna tattoo. After pulverizing the henna leaves, the artist mixes a paste by combining, coffee, tea or lemon juice with the henna. Henna Crazy explains that henna tattoo artists apply a thin layer of henna ink to the skin using a cone-shaped tube. In optimum conditions--sunlight and warmth--henna ink dries and develops within 20 minutes. In cold or damp conditions, the drying process can take up to 40 minutes. The henna tattoo must remain free of water for at least 24 hours.
Time Frame
Henna tattoos often remain on the skin between two and four weeks after application. Despite their temporary nature, the removal of a henna tattoo prior to the two- to four-week period is almost impossible. The henna ink absorbs into the top layer of skin requiring natural exfoliation for removal. Aside from this natural fading process, there is no way to remove a henna tattoo. Mehndi Skin Art reports that expedition of the fading process occurs with exfoliating scrubs, saltwater soaks or swimming in a chlorinated pool.
Considerations
Henna tattoo kits are available for online purchase that already contains the henna paste, pre-mixed in tubes for easier application. Beginners can also take advantage of the plethora of henna designs available from online designers. Some henna tattoo kits contain stencils that transfer easily onto the skin, making the application of a henna tattoo easier for the beginner.
Warnings
The use of henna for the purposes of tattooing is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA. The FDA warns against the use of "black hennas," which may contain coal tar or p-phenylenediamine (PPD). Either ingredient can cause severe allergic reactions. Rashes and scarring to the skin may also occur after the use of black henna.
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