Henna Tattoos

Henna tattoos are created by applying henna paste to the skin in various tribal, floral and geometric designs. These temporary tattoos have been used to adorn young women's bodies as part of social and holiday celebrations since the late Bronze Age.

Fast Facts

1. Henna tattoos are most commonly applied to the hands and feet
2. The art of henna tattooing is also referred to as "Mehendi"
3. Natural brown henna tattoos last one to four weeks
4. May be applied using patterns or drawn freehand
5. Henna is also used as hair color
6. Traditional henna comes in various shades of brown
7. Art originated in the areas of India, the Middle East and North Africa

Henna

The fresh leaves of the Lawsonia inermis plant are ground into a fine powder and then made into a paste to create henna. The hennotannic acid in the lawsonia provides the dye, which does not penetrate, but only stains the dead cells in the outermost layers of skin. After the henna paste is applied, it should be left on for up to eight hours before the excess paste is gently wiped away. The longer the henna is left on, the darker the tattoo will be and the longer it will last.

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