Hi! Welcome to WatchMojo. I am April Ana. I have been asked to come here today to speak to you about henna. Henna is a plant that comes from India, Africa, Morocco, all Arabic countries. Basically anywhere it is very hot, the henna grows. They take the best parts of the henna and they grind it down into a fine powder, like a flower, and then you mix it with different ingredients such as eucalyptus oil or clove oil and a variety of other ingredients that may include coffee or lemon juice, tamarind and fenugreek.
The henna I use, if you do it non-traditionally, will start off a bright orange color and change into a dark brown. In India I know that a lot of women do have a message hidden in their hands or on their feet that their husband is suppose to find. And some of them say that the husband is not allowed to sleep with her the first night until he finds the message and understands it.
Henna does not come in more than one color. There are ingredients that are available overseas, in India and Arabic countries they cannot import here which will alter the henna color into a natural red color or purple tones. But the basic color of henna cannot be changed. Black henna which is quite popular out there is not safe. I have never come across the black henna that was safe for the human body. I will not use black henna. I only use natural henna.
There are many traditions that are used with henna. Each family will usually have their own unique customs and of course, a major cultural custom. Non-traditional henna will last between five days of the three weeks. Traditionally applied henna will usually last between 10 days up to two months. When you are applying the henna, you want to slow down how quickly it dries just like using hair dye. So, I usually apply lemon juice and sugar in every time it looks dry so maybe every 10 minutes for about an hour. I usually gauge it by eye. I know that the Moroccan people like to use rose water than, you know instead of the lemon juice and sugar.
There is no major design that is picked over one design to another. Designs are very personal for a person to receive. A lot of people show me the kinds of things that they like and I custom create something for them. My favorite design is often the drawing of the Lourdes flower. I like the Lourdes because it reminds me of the Tree of Life which also reflects the Kabawa.
If you want to learn how to do henna, there are many books out there that you can probably find in your library to teach yourself. I originally taught myself but then I applied many techniques and test the different theories. I had a search reading recipes and techniques with women who were very experienced with henna.
