Eureka, CA 95503, US
All About Henna
What is henna?
What is henna?
Henna, derived from the small shrub Lawsonia Inermis, undergoes a fascinating transformation from dried leaves ground into fine powder to a paste used for dyeing natural surfaces such as skin or hair. The art of applying henna paste to the skin, known as mehndi or henna tattoos, results in intricate designs that leave lasting impressions. These designs can last for a few days to a week or more, contingent upon factors like the duration of paste application, the body part involved, and post-application care.
The cultivation of henna spans various regions in Africa and Asia, fostering diverse traditions across cultures. From adorning brides for weddings to belly blessings for expectant mothers, henna plays a pivotal role in numerous cultural practices. While the exact origins of henna traditions remain elusive, its historical use is deeply rooted. Henna has been recorded dating back thousands of years from mummies in ancient Egypt to ancient tales from India. Henna continues to weave its rich tapestry through time.
What's so important about "natural" henna?
The emphasis on "natural" henna at Human Canvas is paramount due to critical distinctions in product safety. While some items are labeled as "natural" henna, they often conceal chemical components that pose the risk of causing permanent skin damage. Authentic natural henna, the core of our commitment, proves exceptionally safe, with minimal allergic reactions. Its color spectrum is limited to orange, red, and brown, debunking the existence of "black henna," a misnomer that can lead to severe consequences, as indicated by graphic results from internet searches. News reports of scars attributed to "henna" almost always refer to chemical henna. We welcome your inquiries on the natural vs. chemical henna debate and are dedicated to offering secure alternatives for all your body art requests.
Additional Info
What is the big deal about natural henna?
Can people be allergic to natural henna?
Yes. It's rare, but it does happen. Most people are NOT allergic to henna itself, but may be allergic to the other ingredients commonly used in natural henna paste such as lemon juice or essential oils. To read more about henna sensitivity and for more information, go to the Henna Page at: http://www.hennapage.com/henna/warnings.html
How can I be sure I'm getting natural henna?
- Ask. Any reputable henna artist will tell you what is in their paste. There's no "secret" to henna paste. If they won't tell you what's in it, don't use it. If their explanation doesn't sound right to you, move on. Getting a design with chemical paste can cause permanent damage to your skin.
- Observe. Natural henna paste is green/brown/dark brown. It is not black or bright red. The stain from natural henna starts out bright orange and take 1-2 days to darken to full brown-red color. Anyone promising instant results is not using natural henna.
- Sniff. Natural henna paste does not have a chemical smell. The powder itself smells like alfalfa or grass, and is commonly mixed with lemon juice and essential oils like tea tree or lavender.
- 100% natural henna is not shelf stable - the dye breaks down when exposed to heat or air. If the henna paste you are buying has been sitting out in a bin for days, it's not natural henna. Natural henna is stored in an ice chest or refrigerator, or frozen until thawed for use.
