Henna Fun!

Wow! It's been so long since I have posted that I ALMOST forgot what color font I was using! hehe Soo, for quite some time now I have wanted to do a post on Henna, because it's absolutely beautiful and really awesome part of my Arab culture.

So, first, some history! Henna has been used by people to adorn the skin and dye the hair since the Bronze Age! Henna, also known as Lawsonia inermis, is a shrub that grows in Africa and Southern Asia. The leaves of the Henna shrub is where the burgundy dye comes from. The dye is used widely in the Middle-East and South-East Asia to decorate the hands and body as well as to color the hair and preserve leather and cloth material. Henna flowers have also been used to make perfume.

In order to make that lovely paste that is used as dye, the Henna plant must be made into a dry, ground powder. The powder is mixed with an acidic liquid, such as lemon juice and left to rest for up to 12 hours.

Henna as body adornment can be worn anytime, but is primarily seen during times of celebration such as Eid and weddings. As Arab tradition goes, a day before a wedding, the females of the family all get together for a Henna Night as the Henna is thought to have "Barakah," or blessing and good luck. If happiness is being celebrated, Henna is sure to be accompanying this happiness!

Now, Henna ONLY comes in ONE COLOR: BURGUNDY, so, if you see any BLACK HENNA, THIS IS NOT THE ORIGINAL! "Black Henna" does not exist and is most likely mixed with chemicals to get that color. Many of these products have caused allergic reactions among those who have used them, and most of these reactions don't occur until a few days after the dye has been placed on the skin, so please be careful; always leave it up to the professional!

Here are some amazing Henna pics I found online; enjoy everyone!!