Ink tattoos have become a mainstream obsession in the United States. For those people who are hesitant to commit to a permanent tattoo, henna tattooing is an option that became popular in the U.S. during the late 1990s. Henna tattoos produce earthly looking body art in colors ranging from red to dark brown.
Identification
Henna is a dye made from the leaves of a flowering shrub that grows in North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Iran and East India. The plant has been called the Jamaican mignonette and the Egyptian privet. A paste is made from dried, ground and sifted henna leaves. When applied to the skin, the paste will leave behind a stain. This can be used to create body art, or henna tattoos.
Features
Acidic liquid such as lemon juice or strong tea is mixed with the ground henna leaves to make the paste. Essential oils can be added to the paste to enhance the staining characteristics. When applied to the skin the dye is absorbed into the cells. The paste will flake off the skin, leaving behind a stain. Lemon juice or a sugar mixture can be applied to the paste to increase the stain's intensity. The stain is typically orange and can darken to reddish brown over time. Eventually the stain will disappear after all the affected cells have exfoliated.
Significance
Unlike ink and needle tattoos, henna tattoos are not permanent and they have a limited range of colors. Henna tattooing requires a darkening process, which can be hastened by alkaline or steam and compromised by chlorinated water and soap. In India, henna body art is part of the wedding ceremony. It is believed that decorating the bride's hands and feet will bring good luck, health and love and will protect her from bad spirits.
History
As far back as the Bronze Age women were using henna to adorn their bodies. Before mummifications some pharaohs had their feet and hands dipped in henna. Henna has been used as dye for body art for more than 5,000 years in the Middle East, India and Africa. In India the art is called Mehndi. Henna has been used by women in Asia to color fingertips, feet and fingernails. It has also been used to color the beards of men and the hooves and manes of horses.
Warning
Adding the chemical para-phenylenediamine to the paste creates a substance called black henna. Compared with natural henna, black henna paste dries quicker and its stain lasts much longer. Some people are seriously allergic to black henna. Allergic reactions include severe blistering that can cause scarring or a permanent darkening of the skin. The allergic reaction can also trigger future sensitivity to some anesthetics and medications.
