Henna is probably the most widely used cosmetic of all time.  Made from the dried and crushed leaves of the henna plant, henna paste creates a beautiful orange to burgundy dye that is 100% natural and has been used as body art for thousands of years.  Traces of henna have even been discovered on the hair and nails of ancient Egyptian mummies.   

 

"In India, North Africa, South-East Asia and the Middle East, henna is seen as a blessing with the power to bring the wearer happiness and wealth.  In the twelfth century, the moguls are thought to have introduced the art of mehndi (the Indian word for henna) to India, where it has long played a significant part in the wedding ritual."

- The Art of Mehndi by Sumita Batra

 

In our modern Western culture, henna is not just reserved for the wedding ritual but is a fun and meaningful way to honor other life transitions and celebrations - birthdays, pregnancy & Mother Blessings, breastfeeding milestones, signifying the end of childbearing, wedding showers, reunions, reaching personal milestones, etc.  

 

**A Note About Henna Safety**

If you've decided to get henna done, be sure to know what exactly is being put on your skin!  I make all of my own henna paste using only 100% natural, fresh green henna powder, lemon juice (the acid helps to release the dye from the leaves) sugar (helps the paste stick to your skin longer), and lavender essential oil (which helps the dye to stain the skin).  100% pure henna stains skin in some color between orange, red, burgundy, brown or coffee.  Henna is NOT black.  If someone offers you something called "Black Henna", it is NOT henna.   If someone has something that stains skin black, it is NOT henna.   The black dye is probably para-phenylenediamine, also known as PPD, which can cause severe allergic reactions and permanent skin damage.