Hennaisious S h a l i n i S u g a p a t hy
Hennaisious �Copyright 2015 Shalini Sugapathy Cover Graphic by Shalini Sugapathy Published by TapDancing LizardTM LLC 4237 Klein Ave. Stow, Ohio 44224 USA All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews, and within the terms of use as described on page 3. Library of Congress Cataloging–in-Publication Data Shalini Sugapathy Hennaisious
Table of Contents What is Henna?
5
Henna Design Tutorials
Growing Henna in the House
6
History of Henna
7
How to draw Peacock Design using Mehendi Henna Design on Fingers Henna Design on the Palm Henna Design on the Wrist
Henna as a Tradition
9
Henna Designs and Dresses
10
Mehendi Traditions in Weddings and Celebrations
12
The Benefits of Natural Henna
14
Health Benefits of Henna
15
Henna Art in the West
18
Henna as Body Art
19
International Mehendi Body Designing
20
Henna as Crowns for Cancer Patients Henna as Arts and Craft
21 22
23 24 25 26 27
What is Henna? Henna (Lawsonia Inermis) is a flowering plant.
The leaves of the Henna plant contain a natural and very effective coloring pigment: Lawsone. This Orange/Red dye releases as the leaves are crushed. Drying, milling, and sifting the Henna leaves into a fine powder maximizes the pigment (Lawsone) release. The powdered henna will activate with air and water. After mixing to a paste, you can apply directly to your hair or skin for Natural, Super-Effective
coloring.
temporarily tattoos the body, and permanently colours the hair.
Henna
The Lawsone dye molecules actually color the hair and skin by safely binding to their protein molecules. They darken as they absorb deeper into the hair and skin (bind to additional proteins). The color maxes out in about 48 hours and can naturally last for weeks. Pretty awesome stuff—no wonder Henna has been trusted for hair & body for thousands of years—evidence of cosmetic use found from ancient Egypt to Persia to the Roman Empire. This wonder shrub grows in the tropical and subtropical zones of Africa, Southern Asia, and Northern Australasia. Henna thrives just outside their desert regions. And the best quality Henna, known for its color richness and content purity, is grown and harvested in Northwestern India
5
Growing Henna in the house Henna, lawsonia inermis, is a small deser tree, but you can grow it as a houseplant. You can grow it outdoors if temperatures never drop below 50F or 11C. If it is indoors, keep it in the sunniest place possible, and plan on it getting 8 tall in five years.
If your henna houseplant gets aphids or scale, powder it with cat flea powder, or spray it with pet flea spray. From time to time, a young henna plant may shed all of its leaves. If your plant drops its leaves from a sudden chill, a pest attack, or just because it feels like it, it is probably just sulking and not actually dead. Prune the braches back, repot the plant, mix up a little fertilizer into water, and give it a fresh start. In a month, your plant should put out vigorous new growth
When you get a new henna plant, put it in a large pot of potting soil, and give it one drenching watering, then put it in your sunniest window. It may drop its leaves from the shock. If it drops it s leaves, prune it back and let it shoot out new growth. Henna prefers a hot climate with long droughts. Let your henna plant s soil get dry, then give it plenty of water all at once. Henna is constantly moist soil suffers from aphids, root rot and scale.
6
History of Henna The history and origin of Henna is hard to trace with centuries of
The use of Henna in the 4th-5th centuries in the Deccan of western
migration and cultural interaction it is difficult to determine where
India is clearly illustrated on Bodhisattvas and deities of cave
particular traditions began. There is very persuasive evidence
wall murals at Ajanta, and in similar cave paintings in Sri Lanka.
that the Neolithic people in Catal Huyuk, in the 7th millennium BC,
The evidence proves henna usage in India seven centuries before
used henna to ornament their hands in connection with their
the Moghul invasion, and hundreds of years before the inception
fertility goddess.
of the Islamic religion, which began in the mid-7th century AD.
The earliest civilizations to have used henna include the
The word Henna has its origin in the Arabic word Al-Hinna. In
Babylonians,
and
botanical terms it is Lawsonia Enermis, a plant which grows to be
Canaanites. The earliest written evidence that mentions henna
4 to 8 feet high in hot climates and can be found in Iran, Pakistan,
specifically used as an adornment for a bride or woman s special
Syria, Persia, Morocco, Palestine, Yemen, Egypt, Uganda, Tanzania,
occasion is in the Ugaritic legend of Baal and Anath, inscribed
Afghanistan, Senegal, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and India. The
on a tablet dating back to 2100 BC, found in northwest Syria.
leaves, flowers and the twigs of the plant are ground into fine
Henna has also been used extensively in southern China and has
powder containing natural dying properties called tannins; the
been associated with erotic rituals for at least three thousand
powder is then mixed with hot water.
Assyrians,
Sumerians,
Semites,
Ugaritics
years, during the ancient Goddess cultures.
7
Centuries of migration and cultural interaction make the task of
Ancient and Traditional, Henna has been used for centuries for
determining henna s exact origin a complex one. However,
body
historians argue that henna has been used for at least 5,000
mummification. People all over the world continue to use henna,
years in both cosmetic and healing capacities.
primarily for cosmetic purposes. However, in countries where henna
decoration. Ancient
Egyptians
used
henna
prior
to
is rooted in historical tradition, members of the working class more Some researches argue henna originated in ancient India while
commonly apply henna for medicinal and healing purposes, as
others claim it was brought to India by Egyptian moghuls in the
well as connection to Spirit.
12th century C.E. Still others will contend that the tradition of applying henna to the body began in the Middle East and North
In Cairo, Egypt, for example, many working class citizens had their
Africa in ancient times.
hands and feet dipped in henna to produce a solid covering, which differs from the common decorative design that is usually
Archaeological research indicates henna was used in ancient
applied for weddings and other celebrations.
Egypt to stain the fingers and toes of Pharaohs prior to mummification. But research also argues the Pharaohs were not the only Egyptians to use henna. Ancient Egyptians and many indigenous and aboriginal people around the world believed that the naturally derived red substances of ochre, blood and henna had qualities that improved human awareness of the earth s energies. It was therefore applied to help people keep in touch with their spirituality. Ani, a mummified scribe (1400BC), had fingernails stained with henna. There are also several medieval paintings depicting The Queen of Sheba decorated with henna on her journey to meet Solomon.
8
Henna as a Tradition Henna, the art of applying henna on the skin, is one of the most beautiful ways to adorn your body with beautiful patterns and elaborate designs. During weddings, the bride is adorned with exotic patterns and designs and in eastern cultures it forms an integral part of the marriage ritual. Sometimes the groom is also applied henna but not as elaborately as the bride. In some countries like India, Pakistan, Morocco
and
some
from
the
Gulf, Henna
becomes a ritual that provides sanctity to special occasions such as functions, marriages, religious events, etc. In marriages, special henna ceremonies are held where everyone soaks up in the festive ambience and enjoy themselves to the fullest. Depending upon the culture and custom, the henna ritual is celebrated in different ways in different regions. In any occasion, the tradition of applying henna, hold more significance because of its symbolization, rather than the beauty of its design.
10
Henna Designs and Dresses Traditionally, there are three categories of henna
Indian henna design is
designs, namely, North African, Indian and Arabic.
the most complicated and
elaborate
that
North African Designs
one can ever stumble
These types of henna designs are usually loud and
upon. In weddings and
comprises of thick lines with big patterns. African designs
religious
sometimes include geometrical shapes and floral outlines
people
that look very attractive. In Africa, many people use black
type of pattern since it looks very artistic and decorative.
henna, which is considered to be unsafe for it contains
As the fill-ins are quite complicated, this type of designs
synthetic chemicals that can cause allergies.
is a time consuming activity but completely worth it.
occasions, opt
for
this
Arabic Designs Arabic designs are classy and look very elegant. The designs mainly use floral patterns, which are often minutely detailed. One of the most happening and popular Arabic designs are vines and leaves with charming flowers. The main advantage of such designs is that they are less time-consuming and can be easily created. Whatever be Indian Design
the design, the main idea behind getting your henna
11
done is to know its significance and make your skin look appealing. Thus, there are various attractive designs available from which you can choose. You can take your pick from simple designs, suitable for small functions to elaborate and decorative designs for special occasions. Some of the most common and sought after henna designs are peacock, lotus, flowers, birds, leaves, sun, etc. For weddings, special bridal designs are selected, which are quite exotic and elegant. In brides, the henna designs are painted on both the hands and feet in intricate detail and for this special henna artist are hired. Arabic and floral patterns are also equally popular these days and more and more people are going for it. There are also a few henna parlors and an increasing number of beauty parlors, which offer henna design packages, especially during the booming wedding season.
As henna is temporary and harmless, it is a favorite among women. Henna goes very well with traditional outfits like ethnic kurtas, saris, embroidered suits, etc. It plays a significant role during the time of Karva Chauth too, an occasion where married
women fast
from
sunrise till the moonrise to pray for the longevity of their better half. Celebrated mostly in North India, in the month of October, this occasion allows women to dress in their wedding clothes, apply henna and fast until they glimpse the
full
moon.
Thus,
henna
and
marriages go hand in hand and are quite inseparable.
12
Henna Tradition in Weddings and Celebrations In weddings and religious festivals, the application of
decorated with henna, before the wedding night, called
henna, mehendi, is an auspicious ritual. In the Indian
the henna night. The night is decorated with flowers and
subcontinent, this tradition had been carried on for
her family, relatives and friends get together to celebrate
centuries. The henna plant was brought to India by the
the wedding to come. The night is filled with games, music
Moguls during the 12th Century and since then mehendi
and dance performances that may have been rehearsed
has crept into the social and religious fabric of the
for months prior to the event by those closest to the bride
country. In the Mediterranean, during the Bronze Age,
while the bride gets extensive henna patterns done on her
women used to decorate their bodies using henna in
hands and feet that go to her elbows and sometimes,
social celebrations.
knees.
Henna is considered to be a symbol of fertility and so the
The bride's feet and palms are decorated with beautiful,
henna ritual during weddings is considered sacred.
intricate henna designs. As the henna artwork signifies the
Adorning the bride with henna also symbolizes prosperity
strength of love in a marriage, the bride makes an effort
and happiness. In Hindu marriages, the groom's name is
to keep it on as long as possible. The bridal patterns can
sometimes inscribed within the complex henna design in
take hours and are often done by multiple henna artists.
the palm of the bride. It's believed, that if the groom is
The guests will usually receive small designs (tattoos) on
unable to find the name in the intricate pattern, the bride
the backs of their hands as well.
will be more dominating. In Muslim weddings, the bride is
13
Today, brides prefer to have their henna done prior to the mehndi night so that they can enjoy the festivities and also have a deeper stain by the wedding day. Tradition holds that for as long as the henna stain appears on the bride, she doesn't have to do any housework!
Also, the
darker the stain the better the marriage and the better the mother-in-law will be! So you can imagine why the bride would want the stain to come our dark and last as long as possible!
The Benefits of Natural Henna Some of the most important health benefits of henna include its
Henna can be used in a wide variety of ways,
ability to relieve headaches, detoxify the body, improve nails,
including its dye form, as well as in aqueous extracts,
protect the skin, boost hair health, cool the body, reduce
tinctures, and salves, composed of the bark, seeds, or
inflammation, and speed healing.
leaves. This versatility makes henna a very valuable element
The word “henna� is understood by people around the world in
in
traditional
medicines,
particularly
Ayurvedic practice.
many different ways. The majority of people probably associate henna with the dark-red/brown dye for hair and skin that is
Henna oil, bark, and seeds are the most common forms
traditionally used in Eastern cultures, but the name also applies
for medicinal benefits, and the high concentration of
to the flowering plant from which
chemicals
that dye is derived.
anti-inflammatory,
and
nutrients
in
the
hypotensive,
plant
gives
it
antibacterial,
astringent, and antiviral effects, among many others. While henna as an herbal treatment been widely accepted in the west, it has been used in Eastern cultures for thousands of years, and its popularity is beginning to spread. Now, let s take a more in-depth look at the many impressive health benefits of henna.
16
Health Benefits of Henna Wound Healing:
Headaches:
One of the most notable uses of henna is for protecting
The juice of the henna plant is not always praised as
the skin against infections and eliminating inflammation.
being particularly beneficial, but in fact, the juice of the
Henna has been applied to burns, wounds, and scrapes
plant can be directly applied to the skin for fast relief
for generations, not only because it can add a protective
from headaches. The anti-inflammatory effects of the
layer against foreign pathogens and substances, but also
compounds found in henna help it reduce that tension
because it has natural cooling abilities that literally suck
and promote healthy blood flow in the capillaries, which is
the heat from the skin. This makes it very useful for sunburns,
a common cause of headaches and migraines.
in a similar capacity as aloe gel. Anti-Inflammatory Capacity: Fever reducer:
In a similar vein as the headache solution outlined above,
Henna is also able to bring downfevers, according to
henna oil is used topically for arthritic
Ayurvedic traditions. When people are suffering from very
and rheumatic pains. As we age,
high fevers as a secondary symptom of another condition,
our joints become more painful
that rise in temperature throughout the body can be
as
dangerous for organ function and metabolic processes.
deteriorate. This can result in
Bringing the overall temperature of the body down is
painful inflammation in many
essential, and henna can accomplish this by either
different parts of the body. By
inducing sweating and effectively “breaking� the fever, or
applying henna oil to the
simply cooling the body and providing some relief.
inflamed or affected
17
cartilage
and
muscle
areas, you can guarantee a healthier and broader range
The liver is a crucial level of protection for the body, and
of motion to maintain and active and happy life.
helps to eliminate the toxins that accrue in the body. By optimizing its function and ensuring its health, you can
Anti-Aging:
prevent a wide range of other health conditions.
Although the antioxidant capacity of henna has not been widely studied, the oil has been proven to be an astringent, which has led some people to use henna juice and oil on the skin to reduce the signs of aging and wrinkles, as well as unsightly appearance of scars and other blemishes. This is complemented by the antiviral and antibacterial effects that can protect the body s largest organ – the skin! Sleep issues:
Hair Health:
Henna oil has been directly linked to alleviating certain
Although most people would associate henna s effect
sleep disorders, so if you are suffering from insomnia or
on the hair to dying its color, henna actually plays a
chronic restlessness, adding a bit of henna oil to your
number of roles in that part of our body. Henna has
herbal regimen can get you back into a regular, restful
been proven to increase the strength of the hair and
schedule of sleep by soothing the body and mind, easing
therefore
it into a relaxed state before sleep.
permanently affect the health of our follicles. Henna
represents
a
safe
dye
that
doesn t
helps seal the hair cuticle, preventing breaking, and Detoxify the Body:
increasing the shine and appearance of the hair. For
By soaking the bark or leaves of the henna plant in water
people suffering from hair loss or baldness, henna also
and then consuming the consequent liquid has been
inhibits this from happening. The traditional mixture is
connected to improved spleen and liver health.
putting henna juice or oil into curds and then mixing this
18
Henna Art in the West Henna, the art of painting henna designs on the skin, is not just popular in Asian countries but has also found a new fan base in western countries too. Using henna tattoos to adorn various parts of body have caught the attention of the younger generation and has become one of the most favored fashion statements. While in India, getting a henna tattoo is considered auspicious, in the west, people do it mainly to enhance their glamour and fun quotient. Besides being temporary, it is also a painless procedure and a good alternative to permanent tattoos. The body art not just accentuates one's beauty, it also oozes sensuality and aesthetic appeal at the same time. Girls and boys who want to flaunt their individuality and express themselves artistically rely on henna art. It's been a traditional motif in weddings in eastern societies.
20
Blood Pressure: One of the most important and undervalued effects of henna is as a heart healthy herb. If you consume henna water or seeds, you can enjoy a hypotensive effect that relieves
stress
on
the
cardiovascular
system
and
effectively lowers blood pressure. This can help prevent the plaque and platelet build-up in the heart and arteries, preventing heart attacks and strokes.
into your hair, as this increases the effect of the treatment. Nails: People often forget about maintaining healthy nails, but the cuticles and space under the nails are prime locations for infection and bacterial presence; therefore, treating your nails with henna is a wise choice. Drinking the water in which leaves have been steeped helps to prevent nails from cracking and also reduce inflammation. Applying a poultice directly to the nail beds can clear up irritation, pain, and infection in the nail beds.
21
Henna as Body Art We all know how yoga, which originated in India, has
whole body is eye-catching and this form of body art is
taken the world by storm, with both Indians and
considered to be very safe as it is free any kind of
foreigners practicing it reverently. Mehendi, the colorful
harmful chemicals. Famous international beauty icons like
designs that you see on the palms and body of people,
Demi Moore, Naomi Campbell, and Madonna among
is also another fashion accessory that has found many
others have shown their strong fondness towards this
takers in western countries. In fact, it has become so
5000-year-old mehendi art by revealing their body
popular that there are exclusive mehendi artists today
parts decked up with exotic henna designs.
and the demand for them is slowly gaining momentum. Some beauticians also conduct henna workshops to make people aware about the uses and how to make the best out of it. Getting the body inked has been a passion for human beings since time immemorial. The toes and fingers of Pharaohs were stained with henna before mummifying them. In Arab countries, including Morocco and other central Asian countries, people paint their skin with mehendi on special events such as during the time of pregnancy, engagements, family get together, etc. Applying henna patterns in myriad designs on the whole
22
International Henna Body Designing Mehendi body designing is, nowadays, not just confined to women but is also increasingly undertaken by men who want to look cool and unique. While girls usually opt for designs like butterfly, flowers, etc, guys can choose from a wide range of designs such as skulls, zodiac signs, tribal art, scorpions, fish and lots more. Getting a henna tattoo done is definitely not as complicated as it may seem. You can depend on mehendi or tattoo artists to get your body tattooed. Or you can just buy henna cones, kits and bottles to apply yourself. Those who are running short of time and looking forward to look fashionable in a jiffy can buy instant henna tattoos.
Henna as Crowns for Cancer Patients Overcoming Cancer With Henna Heals: Global Artist
Other people who seek “henna crowns” include those
Community Empowers Patients With Temporary Head
suffering from alopecia, an autoimmune disease which
Tattoos. Henna Heals is managed by a group of
causes partial or total hair loss. Henna Heals also
committed
specializes in henna for other parts of the body, such as
volunteers
who
devote
their
time
to
empowering men and women using Henna.
breasts and chest. The idea is to allow people to associate positive thoughts with an area of their body
Complete hair loss is one of the most common side
which has been physically (and emotionally) scarred.
effects of chemotherapy. Patients often turn to wigs, hats, Henna Heals keeps the organization running by offering henna services to the community and using 10 percent of those proceeds to pay for the henna for those who've lost their hair due to medical conditions.
and scarves to cover their heads, but now there s a new alternative. Henna Heals is a global community of artists that tattoos temporary “henna crowns” on patients' bald heads, as a form of empowerment. In 2011, Henna Heals began as a group of five women in Toronto,Ontario, but has since expanded to nearly 150 artists worldwide — in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Australia. The intricate designs take anywhere from one to two hours to draw, then last about two weeks, and will naturally fade off the skin.
24
Henna as Arts and Craft However, creative Henna art is not limited to the body. Henna art making talent into crafting handmade projects with the love for Mehndi designs. These beautiful and cool Henna art projects are crafted with acrylic paints, gel pens, glass paints, glass lead and sharpies. Each piece is unique in it s style and made with love.
25
Henna Design Tutorial Now women enjoy applying henna on their own hands and
Beginners should first go through the simple basic shapes
others for either festivals, get-together or just has become
that are used in the simple henna designs by following
a part of their hobby.
step by step henna designs tutorial, like suggested. Once they are aware of these basic patterns, they can make
For those who have always wanted to learn this how to
use of them in intricate bridal henna.
apply henna step by step, we have some tips for you. After reading on how to apply henna designs for beginners,
In order to start with any kind of henna design, you have
you will look for an empty hand to try and practice this
to learn the art of drawing leaves and vines.
henna design. How to Start? Always begin with small designs. Simple henna designs such as making leaves, veils, flowers need to be practiced and mastered before going into the elaborate and beautiful
mehndi
designs
including
peacocks, dulha – dulhan, lord Ganesh, and so on.
27
How to draw Peacock Design using Mehendi After you have practiced the leaf and vine designs, now
according to your wish. You can make small flowers or add
you should start working on the peacock design, which is
checks to fill the peacock.
essential in the art of henna. Follow this peacock henna step by step tutorial to learn how to do henna. Peacocks are one of the most beautiful henna designs which add elegance and charm to the body art. Go through these image tutorials to easily learn how to draw the outlines and also the elaborate patterns within.
Here are some more images of simple henna designs. Use the above mentioned techniques on step by step henna
With basic henna designs mentioned earlier, you can fill in
application, and keep practicing different shapes and
the body of the peacock. However, always make sure to
sizes of motifs that you love.
carefully draw peacock s eye and beak to create natural effect. For fingers, you can either go for checkered designs, floral patterns or simple vines. You can make bigger or smaller peacock designs with mehndi. Fill it up
28
Henna Designs on Fingers The patterns on your fingers will go from your
-Another idea is to draw a ring-like pattern at the
fingertip to the top of your palm. Here are some
base of each finger.
ideas to get you started:
Here are some more samples of henna tattoo designs for fingers:
-You can use the same pattern on all fingers, or put a different pattern on each finger. -You can also decorate the fingertips with special designs, like flowers, stars or other symbols.
29
Henna Designs on the Palm The palm gives you a wide open space for creative
that describes who you are. You don't need to worry
expression.
about making it look realistic, because henna designs are abstract. This is all about creative expression!
Henna designs on the palm commonly involve an abstract design that emanates out from the center, like a mandala. To create a design like this, pinpoint the center of the palm (or close enough to the center) and start with a dot, a circle, a spiral, a flower, a star‌ any symbol or image that you like. Then continue adding designs that radiate out from that central point. That's one of the easiest ways to create a mandala, and they happen to look great on palms! Another idea for decorating the palm is to draw something that personally symbolizes you. It could be a particular flower, a bird, a favorite pet, or any object
26
Henna Designs on the Wrist The henna design on the wrist will basically be a horizontal pattern that goes across one side to the other. Here are some examples of henna wrist designs:
30
When it comes to drawing henna hand designs, the possibilities are endless. Be inventive and follow your creative bliss. Everyone will come up with something unique, which makes Henna Hand Designs excellent as a self-portrait project!
The End