marutani weaving henna by carlyanne
Henna Powder comes from the dried, crushed and powdered leaves of the Henna bush (Lawsonia Inermis) which has natural dying properties. To make fresh, all natural henna paste the powder is mixed with lemon juice, 100% pure lavender essential oil and sugar. This plant grows well in dry and arid climates throughout India, African countries and The Middle East. I work with a powder imported by 'Modern Henna' directly from a Certified Organic supplier in Rajasthan, India.
The earliest images connected with henna, discovered around Syria and Egypt, were of women with red hands using henna for medicinal purposes to protect their skin from cracking and drying whilst working in the fields. It is also known for it's use as a natural hair dye and connection to significant ceremonies and festival, such as weddings and child birth. Each culture and region that has used henna traditionally for many generations has developed unique pattern work and styles. While these evolve with fashionable trends in places like India and Morocco, western artists tend to work more by personal preference and individual style.
How to take care of your henna
1. Once applied to your skin, the henna paste will take around 20minutes to set and dry. Take this time to relax and be careful not to smudge your design.
2. For a dark, strong and long-lasting stain, allow the henna to stay on your skin for 3-6hours then allow it to fall off naturally or just scrape it off.
3. Do not wash the henna off and avoid getting it wet for up for 24hours. This will cause the design to fade and not last as long as it could.
4. Once the paste is removed, the stain will initially be a bright orange but the will darken to a deep brown over 48hours.
5. Henna responds differently to each person's unique skin type. When fresh, high quality and natural henna is used, the stain can last between 1-2weeks. This also depends on how well it is looked after.
6. To extend the life of your henna design, moisturise each day using natural ingredients. (Vegetable oils, natural moisturisers etc) Also avoid spas, chlorine, exfoliating and excess scrubbing with soaps.
Events, private bookings and parties
Looking for a way to bring an energising and creative flair to your next party or community event? I love bringing my unique, all-natural, expressive, beautiful, free-hand designs to local events, fundraisers and gatherings. As a henna design evolves it has a wonderful ability to weave two strangers together, bringing openness, connection and inspiration!
Is Henna good for my skin and body?
Natural henna is safe and reactions are very rare and mostly due to an artist using pre made cones containing artificial ingredients, which give the paste an unnaturally long shelf life. Your artist should be able to tell you what is in their paste and have made it fresh themselves. If you have citrus allergies or a known G6PD condition, in which you may have been told to avoid henna, then please let your artist know.
AVOID BLACK HENNA AT ALL COSTS as it can contain added Paraphenyladiamine (PPD), a chemical dye. This can result in burns, scarring and internal organ damage.