How to Make Henna at Home?
Browse the latest bouquets in our collection below
Posted by Gift Flowers
Henna art is among the top trends right
now.
Take a look at Instagram, browse through
Pinterest or even walk down the street where the cool kids are, and you’re
bound to be enthralled with the beauty of henna designs inked on someone’s
hands, fingers or even feet. It raises the question: what makes these patterns
so captivating and how do we recreate them ourselves? Gift Flowers Singapore is
more than happy to explore these findings with you.
What
is henna?
Henna, also
known as Mehndi in Hindi, is a dye that is specially prepared from the leaves
of a plant called lawsonia inermis. When the leaves are crushed, an orangey-red
coloured dye is released. This dye is then dried, milled and sifted into a fine
organic henna powder that is ready for use.
This dye has been used since the Bronze
Ages, mainly in the Eastern Mediterranean region, including Northern Africa,
Italy, Spain, and the Middle East. Extremely popular and widely used in India,
it is now spreading worldwide, becoming a fashion trend and unique form of
temporary body art.
What
is henna used for?
Powdered henna becomes activated in the
presence of air and water. Mixing the henna and water together can create a
paste which can then be applied directly to your hair or skin. You can use it
as a permanent hair colour or a temporary tattoo that we see so often.
Understanding more about henna art and practicing with its exquisite painting
techniques will allow you to conjure up the most mesmerising temporary tattoos
for yourself and your friends.
Like with any art projects out there, start
with simple henna designs and look for easy henna art for beginners. Here,
we’ve got just the perfect clear-cut step-by-step guide to get you started.
What
should I be aware of before I begin?
Although there are generally few side
effects of henna, be aware that allergic reaction to the dye may occur for some
people, so always do a patch test first. People with glucose-6-phosphate
dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency should not use this product.
What
do I need to prepare?
Prepare some designs first, using a pencil
and paper. You can even create a template of your hand and fill the designs
within – vertical designs for fingers, a mesmerising mandala for your palm,
horizontal bracelets for your wrists.
What
do different henna designs mean?
Henna patterns have significant meanings,
so find the ones that are meaningful to you. They are usually nature-themed;
flowers symbolise joy and buds indicate new life / beginnings. Lotus can
signify awakening sensuality and creativity while peacocks represent beauty.
Other birds relay to freedom and butterflies show change. Vines mean longevity,
the sun means immortality and knowledge and the moon means lasting love. Fish
symbolizes femininity and water designs symbolise emotions or change in your
life. The mandala itself represents the universe.
DIY
Henna Care
After applying your design, don’t touch it for at least an hour so that you will not risk smudging it. The best thing is to leave it for 6 hours or overnight where the ink slowly darkens from its original reddish-brown colour. Prepare a sugar and lemon juice mixture. Once the ink is dried, coat it with the mixture – but don’t saturate it – and leave it for a few hours to keep the paste moist, resulting in an even darker stain.
The ink usually lasts anywhere between 1-3 weeks before it begins to fade and flake. You can prolong its duration by keeping your skin well moisturized. Avoid washing it with abrasive cleaning agents and try not to rub the design. With proper care, the beautiful design can last for several weeks.