A Brief History of Henna

Transcription

A Brief History of Henna
Henna, or Lawsonia inermis, is a small bush that produces a natural red dye from its leaves. The leaves
are dried and ground into a powder, then mixed into a paste. The paste is applied to the skin in intricate
patterns leaving a reddish-brown stain known as ‘mehndi’.
Over 9,000 years old, henna use dates back to the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. It has roots in spring
fertility celebrations, was used by warrior goddesses to celebrate victories, and was useful in determining
agricultural cycles. Henna is mentioned in the Bible and is the oldest documented cosmetic. It is soothing and cooling to the skin and has been used to treat heat exhaustion, lice, and fungal infections. It has
mild antiseptic properties, and is a natural sun block.
Henna was used by the Egyptian civilization of Pharaohs, queens, and pyramids. Famous Egyptians
Nefertiti and Cleopatra were known to have used henna on their skin and hair. Traces have even been
found on ancient mummies and their hair!
The ancient Eastern art of mehndi has been used in cultural and religious practices by Christians, Jews,
Hindus, and Muslims. Henna is currently used in over sixty countries including regions of India, Morocco, the Middle East and Mediterranean, Africa, South China, and Southeast Asia. The Prophet Muhammed dyed his beard with henna and his daughter, Fatima, dyed her hands with it.
Thought to ward off evil, the natural red coloring of mehndi is applied for many celebrations and holidays. Traditionally, mehndi is applied in great detail to the hands and feet of Muslim and Hindu brides
before marriage. This is a show of wealth and beauty, and brings good luck, fertility, and love to the new
couple. Don’t forget, no housework is to be done while the bridal henna stains are visible.
Birthdays, bar and bat mitzvahs, grad nights, book clubs, bridal showers, sangeets, weddings, baby
showers, blessingways, and girls nights are great times to include henna and create a day of pampering
and relaxation for friends and family. Henna is not just for women. Include men, too, by adding henna to
birthdays, super bowl parties, team parties, or sporting and league events.
Lounging while the lightly scented and cooling henna paste is applied to the skin is very calming and
provides an opportunity to visit with friends. It is a fun reason to gather the people in your life together
for support and encouragement while celebrating an event or just hanging out. Plus, everyone has a little
reminder of the day together as the designs last 7-10 days. As henna is being incorporated into modern
culture, new traditions are being created. Add henna to your next event and create a special memory to
share.
© 2011 www.HennaCaravan.com
A Bit on the Science of Henna
Storage
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Henna paste and powder should be wrapped well and stored in the FREEZER.
It will last perfectly for 6-12 months, possibly longer. Natural dyes such as henna,
once mixed, have a very short time-frame they can be used for the best result.
Freeze henna paste to stop the demise process of the dye and preserve it to be used another time
Freezing the henna paste stops the molecular breakdown of the dye molecule
Defrost frozen paste at room temperature for thirty minutes before use
Only defrost the amount of henna you will use at any one time
Paste repeatedly frozen and defrosted may lose potency over time
Lemon Juice
The citric acid in lemon juice breaks down cellulose in the henna powder and draws the dye out so it is available to stain your skin or hair (or paper, hides, leather,
fabric, wood, drums, etc).
Lemon juice is safe, affordable, easily accessible and PH Balance of 2-2.6, the optimal acidic PH balance
to break down the cellulose in the henna powder. Orange juice, lime juice, grapefruit juice, tea and water
have different PH Balances and are not as effective in your henna pastes. If you have citrus allergies use a
mix with just water or tea.
Henna releases dye efficiently at PH 5.5 (slightly sour). This helps break up the cellulose in the henna leaf
so the henna dye molecules are released and can efficiently penetrate your skin.
Sugars
The sucrose/sugar helps the paste maintain moisture and adhere to the skin.
More sugar is needed in dry climates, less in moist humid climates.
White cane sugar is our preferred sugar, it’s in most kitchens, safe and affordable. Turbanado sugar,
sugar in the raw, fructose, sucrose, dextrose all work well.
Molasses may be used but cautiously, it’s known to alter the consistency of the henna paste. Avoid honey
as it will crystallize when frozen and ruin the consistency of your paste. Honey creates peroxide which is
a bleaching agent and will compromise the color of the henna.
Essential Oils
Essential Oils, specifically those high in mono-terpene alcohols, help break down the henna dye molecule making the dye available to stain the skin.
• Essential oils are extremely strong and should never be applied directly to the skin.
• For external use only, keep out of eyes.
• Not all essential oils are safe to be used on the skin, we recommend Cajeput, Lavender, Tea Tree and
Naiouli oils. For use during pregnancy, or with children, please use only pure Lavender Oil.
How to Store Henna
Store henna powder and paste in the freezer.
Henna is perishable, protect from light and heat.
Store fresh henna powder or paste in the freezer. It can be stored in the plastic applicator
bottle or cones, sealed well in the freezer. Wrap tightly and protect from moisture and light.
Use within 6-12 months for best results once opened.
How to Mix Henna Paste
24 hours prior to use begin mixing
* Henna Caravan 20 gram packet of henna with sucrose *
or (1/4 cup henna + 1.5 teaspoons sugar)
yields approximately 3 ounces paste
1. 24 hours prior to use:
Open 20 gram packet of henna + sucrose
Pour into the zip lock baggie:
1/4 cup lemon juice (fresh or bottled) strained
1 vial (1.5 teaspoons) of Henna Caravan Essential Oils
2. Carefully stir the ingredients in the bag.
Seal baggie closed and continue to gently mix by
squeezing and massaging the baggie until all the
lumps are smoothed out.
3. Let the baggie of henna paste rest in a warm
location for 24 hours (about 70-80 degrees
Fahrenheit).
4. When 24 hours has passed, cut off one
small corner of the baggie and fill your
applicator bottle/cone
5. Go make beautiful henna designs!
6. Store leftover henna paste in the freezer to
be used another day.
How to Mix Big Batches of Henna Paste
1. 24 hours prior to use mix in a bowl:
1 Box Henna Powder (100 Grams)
1 Cup Lemon Juice (strain, fresh or bottled)
STIR WELL
THEN Add
1/4 Cup Sugar
1 Ounce of Henna Caravan Essential Oils
(or Cajeput, Naouli, Tea Tree or Lavender)
2. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients
are fully incorporated and there are no lumps.
3. Cover with plastic wrap,
pressing all the air out.
The darker area at the top of
the bowl shows where the dye
has begun to release in the
paste mixture
4. Let rest in a warm location for 24
hours (70-80 degrees Fahrenheit)
Under a small light is a great spot to
control all the variables.
5. After 24 hours, mix well
and check consistency, make
adjustments if necessary by
adding a pinch of henna or
drop of lemon juice.
How to Fill Storage Carrot Bags
Place a Storage Carrot Bag or large ziplock bag
inside a tall glass. Fold the top edge over the glass
so it will stand up straight and not collapse.
Remove the storage bag.
Pour your ready to use
henna paste into the storage
carrot bag.
Twist the tail 1 or 2 full twists above the filled
portion to completely lock the bag closed.
Close the bag with a small rubber band or knot.
Cut about 1/4 inch or less off the tip of the storage
bag to fill applicator bottles/cones now. OR store
your ready to use paste in the freezer.
How to Fill Applicator Bottles
For paste mixed in the small ziplock baggie:
Once the paste is completely mixed cut a small piece off one corner of
the baggie.
Carefully insert the baggie into the bottle and slowly squeeze the henna
paste, careful to keep it off the edges of the bottle so it doesn’t goop up.
Pause to tap tap the bottle and settle the paste down.
Gently squeeze and unsqueeze the bottle to create a bit of suction while
squeezing the paste in.
When the bottle is full, securely attach plastic plug by popping it into the
bottle and press firmly, then screw on the applicator tip.
For large batches of paste:
It’s easiest to pour your henna into a storage bag
(these are often referred to as ‘carrot bags as they
are a triangle shape) to fill your bottles or cones.
Cut a small piece off the tip of the storage bag.
Insert the carrot bag straight into the bottle as far
down as possible.
Gently fill with henna paste. Try to keep the paste
off the sides for cleaner, easier filling.
Gently squeeze the bottle to create a bit of suction while squeezing the paste in. When the
bottle is full, securely attach plastic plug by popping it into the bottle and press firmly, then screw
on the applicator tip.
How to Fill Henna Cones
3 ounces of paste (from 20 grams of henna powder) will fill about 6 large cones.
A cone holds 1-3 Tablespoons of henna paste depending on how large you roll your cones.
1. Gather henna, cones, a
2. Stand several cones in the glass until there is enough
narrow glass, and rubberbands that they support themselves and the center cones stays
or tape to seal the cone
upright.
f
3. Insert the storage bag
straight down into the cone
and squeeze in henna paste.
4. Fill cone about half to 3/4’ths full.
Be careful not to overfill.
TIP
Keep the sides of the cone clean and the henna flowing
into the center of the cone. This will make for a cleaner
seal and prevent the paste from clinging to the edge of
the cone and making a mess.
How to Seal Henna Cones
1. Grasp the tail of the cone
and pinch together the
excess, empty mylar.
2. Pinch the empty tail
tightly and slide your fingers
down to the filled portion.
Squeeze and twist the mylar
to tightly seal the cone.
Be sure not to let any henna
paste squeeze up into the
tail.
3. Twist the tail to make 1
or 2 full twists above the
filled portion to completely
lock the cone closed. This
prevents the henna paste
from squishing up (so
much) and exploding out
the back.
4. Seal your cone with a tiny rubber band (the Henna
Caravan preferred method, though taping works well too).
Wrap the rubber band on several times to ensure the cone
is fully sealed and no henna will explode out the back while
you draw.
TIP
As you draw and use up the paste, slide the rubber band
down to keep the pressure full in the cone. If you notice
your cone is limp and hard to squeeze, try adjusting the
pressure by sliding the rubber band.
How to Apply Henna
Begin with the BASICS
With a bit of practice you’ll be able to create your own free hand custom designs! Start
with the basics and soon you’ll be able to mix and match these simple elements to create
a variety of designs.
Learning henna fundamentals is just like learning how to write the alphabet. Practice each letter or
element over and over till you’ve got it perfect. If you take a little time to learn the basics your henna patterns will flow easily look great!
First Practice simple shapes like dots, teardrops, and swirls on paper with a marker, this helps build
your ‘muscle memory’.
Trace over your marker lines with henna paste on the paper until you’re comfortable with the flow of the henna and the pressure required.
How to Apply Henna
Clean skin with an alcohol swab to remove
the body’s natural oils and any lotions or
creams.
Draw patterns onto the skin with a non-toxic washable
marker or use Henna Caravan Transfer Paper. Adjust the
design and make changes until you’re happy with it.
As you get more practice you can skip the tracing and go
straight to skin.
You’re now ready to apply the henna paste directly over your marker guidelines.
• It’s much easier to draw with the henna paste if you have an outline to follow when you are first
learning.
• The marker does not interfere in the staining process
• It will help you to feel more comfortable and self-assured when creating your custom one of a kind
body art.
• Slowly apply even lines of paste by gently squeezing the applicator bottle.
• Rest the weight of your hand on your little finger to help maintain a steady line.
• Do not touch the metal applicator tip to the skin; hold it just above the skin so the henna paste lies
down in a rope shape. This creates the most even and consistent lines resulting in a sharp and clear
image.
• To keep a steady and even flow of henna, keep the bottle full of paste.
Seal Henna Designs After Application
In 10 - 20 minutes the henna paste will lose its shine and be dry to the touch. Once dry, the design may
be sealed with medical tape. This ‘bandage’ prevents the paste from flaking off or smearing, and protects
clothing and bedding from becoming stained.
Alternatively, a mixture of lemon juice and sugar may be used to seal the paste and help it adhere to the
skin.
How to Seal Hands, Wrists, Feet or Legs
Seal any firm areas such as hands, wrists, feet, and legs with medical
tape.
Place two–inch strips of tape slightly overlapping each other across the
design. Slide a sock or nylon over the wraps to hold the tape in place.
The tape helps to prevent flaking or smearing of the design and helps
protect clothing and bedding from becoming stained by the paste and
cracking off too quickly. The paste will flake off naturally over several
hours.
How to Seal the Body, Back, Shoulders, or Chest
For designs on soft, stretchy areas or large muscles such as the belly, shoulder, chest,
or torso, use Henna Caravan Aftercare Citrus Sealant. Or make your own with two
packets of sugar with one Tablespoon lemon juice. Gently dab the lemon-sugar on the
design with a cotton ball or q-tip to help it adhere to the skin. Be careful not to over
saturate the paste as designs can run and bleed together. Apply the citrus sealant two
or three times to ‘glue’ the paste to the skin and prevent it from drying
Remove Paste After 4 to 12 Hours
For the best results keep the paste on the skin for as long as possible; 4-12 hours is optimal. Sleeping
with the paste on is just fine.
It can be difficult to achieve a very dark stain on the torso and back as the skin is thin and can be quite
oily preventing the henna from penetrating. To help darken the stain keep the body warm and leave the
paste on as long as possible, 4-12 hours is optimal.
When you are ready to remove the paste, gently peel off the tape, then flake off any remaining henna
paste. If the tape or paste is difficult to remove, moisten skin with lemon juice or vegetable oil and gently
rub off the excess residue. Finger nail polish remover will take off any stubborn bits of tape adhesive. Do
not use water to remove the paste; it can ruin the stain and prevent the color from darkening.
Duration of henna stain and the depth of color depend on the area of body chosen and length of time
the paste remains on your skin. Henna produces the best stains on hands, feet, wrists, and ankles, while
designs on upper arms, torso, back and face will last the shortest amount of time.
After Care
• Mehndi lasts about 7-10 days. For best results avoid water for the first 24 hours. Water prevents
fresh henna stains from darkening.
• Apply a coat of Henna Caravan Aftercare Balm to protect the design before bathing or swimming.
Do not use petroleum products such as baby oil or sunscreen, they can degrade the henna stain
• Frequent washing, soaps, shaving, sunscreen, baby oil, and rubbing of clothing will cause the design
to fade more quickly.
• Your new design will be a light yellow-orange color when the paste is first removed. Over the next 2
days the dye will oxidize and the stain will become darker and richer in color.
• For an extra long lasting stain retouch your design when it begins to fade. Henna stains will act as a
sun block on your skin. If you spend a lot of time in the sun you may notice a reverse image once the
pattern fades away.
Creating a Round Design
To create a balanced circle use a round object like a cup, lid, or
bottle cap. We like to call these ‘circle makers’!
Apply dots of henna paste along the edge of the object.
Press the object gently onto the skin to transfer the henna dots.
Connect the dots with a line of henna paste to make a perfect circle.
Embellishing Henna Designs with Glitters
Add playful color and shimmer with glitter gels and powders. Used on their own or combined with the
henna paste or stains, you are sure to sparkle and shine for that special event or photograph.
For external use only, avoid glitter gel or glitter powder in or near the eyes. In case of contact with eyes
flush with water.
Glitter Powder
Glitter powders add sparkle to the henna paste during the application and
drying process.
Squeeze the applicator bottle to ‘poof’ a bit of glitter powder over the wet
henna paste and add color to the design while it dries.
The glitter lasts for the day and comes off easily when the paste is
removed.
Glitter Gel
Add fabulous sparkle with glitter gels!
Glitter gels shimmer in the light and look great in photographs. Line, define, or embellish for glimmer
that lasts all day.
Grasp the applicator in the palm of your hand and gently squeeze to create a flow of glitter gel. Apply in
fine, delicate lines, using the same method as when applying henna paste.
If the opening becomes clogged simply use a needle or pin to clear out any lumps. Glitter gel takes
about thirty minutes to dry. Using a blow dryer will help it to dry more quickly.
Henna Caravan Glitter Gel is made with only FDA approved cosmetic ingredients and polyester glitter
powders. Glitter gel is non-perishable and can be stored at room temperature. It will last all day, won’t
stain the skin and can be washed off with soap and water. It’s great for children too!
Embellishing Henna Designs with Rhinestones
Swarovski Crystals and Bindi Body Jewels
Add elegance with crystals and bindi body jewels!
Self-adhesive bindis can be paired with the henna paste or stains, with glitter gels, or used alone for a
bit of dazzle. These stunning little jewels will last all day! Simply press onto the skin. To reuse jewels,
add a drop of spirit gum or eyelash glue to the back.
For an extra special touch use Swarovski Crystals and adhesive to embellish the henna. Apply a dot
of Henna Caravan Acrylic Adhesive or Eyelash Glue to the skin. Allow to dry till clear and press on the
crystals.
They will last all day and can be reused.
How to Place Henna Designs
Feet and Hands
Henna works best on all parts of the feet and hands, wrists and ankles, and will
be darkest and longest lasting on these areas. The skin on the hands and feet is
thick and dry allowing the henna to soak in deeper resulting in a rich, dark and long
lasting stain.
Wrists
Bend the hand up and down and look for the natural wrinkles in the wrist. Place the
pattern one inch above the natural bend to prevent smudging of the paste as the
wrist bends and flexes.
Ankles
Designs placed one inch above the anklebone will make the leg appear slim and
prevent the paste and resulting stain from being rubbed off prematurely by shoes.
Lower Backs
Apply henna to the lower back while the person is standing. This area stretches a
lot and designs can easily distort if not allowed to dry a few minutes before walking,
bending, or sitting. Place the pattern one or two inches above the waistband to
prevent smudging.
Stomachs
It’s best to apply patterns to the stomach while the person is standing or lying
down. Designs on stomachs can be tricky as the belly folds when sitting or bending
and can smudge easily. Let the paste dry a few minutes before walking, bending, or
sitting.
Pregnant Bellies
Position the mom on a comfy couch, and work around her. Sitting on the floor
between her feet works well. Only use Lavender Essential Oil in henna paste that
will be applied on pregnant women.
Faces and Neck
The skin on the face, neck and chest is very thin with high concentrations of body
oil and does not absorb henna well. These areas will be light in color and last only a
few days.
How to Position Yourself and Your Canvas
Here are a few examples of how we like to be positioned when working with henna.
Some positions are for artist and canvas comfort but mainly we work in these positions for ergonomic support and to make sure the henna is least likely to be smeared.
For hands, wrists, and forearm make sure both
people are positioned and well supported so
wiggles are limited.
We like to rest the hand on a firm surface such as a
notebook and hold that stable on our legs. It
creates a great desk to rest all the hands on.
For stomachs, lower backs and sides have
the canvas STAND. Position next to a chair or
table so they may stabilize themselves, keep
knees bent to minimize fainting.
When sitting or bending the skin stretches
several inches and the design will distort
when they stand.
Henna Caravan Body Art Kits contain only natural ingredients and fresh red henna (100% Lawsonia
inermis), sucrose, and pure essential oils. They DO NOT contain chemical additives, PPD black hair
dye, preservatives, chemical dyes, or nut derivatives.
Warnings: This product is intended for use in experimental body art. Henna body art should be avoided
on those under six years of age, those with extreme anemia, G6PD deficiency, napthoquinone sensitivity, have been advised to avoid fava beans, or have citrus allergies. If you have any concerns consult your
physician. This kit contains small objects that may pose a choking hazard.
If pregnant, use only lavender essential oils in the henna paste and consult your physician first. Do not
ingest. All products can, on rare occasions, cause allergic reaction. The product should not be applied
in or near the eyes, nose, genitalia, on open wounds or cuts, or to sensitive or broken skin. If you are
unsure about sensitivity, a patch test is advised. Apply the product to the inside of the elbow. If a reaction occurs within 60 minutes, do not use. Not for internal use.
Avoid “BLACK HENNA” products that may use chemical additives or hair dyes that contain PPD (paraphenylenediamine) to obtain a black stain. PPD can cause long-term damage to internal organs such
as kidneys and liver, can blister and permanently scar the skin. Chemical dyes stain the skin within 30
minutes and are dark immediately. Black henna products are not safe or natural and should
never be applied to the skin.
For more information or to reorder henna supplies visit
http://www.HennaCaravan.com
© 2011 All Rights Reserved

A Brief History of Henna

Transcription

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