Henna (or Mendhi) is the ancient art of painting the body with a paste made from the leaves of the henna plant Henna has been used for at least 9,000 years, and pre-dates Christian times. It has been used by a wide variety of cultures including North Africa, the Middle East and India. The use of henna has been used for the preparation and beautification of brides, for coming of age ceremonies (first menstruation) the painting of protective amulets on warhorses, and even for adornment fo favoritism into the next life after suicide.

The paste is painted on the skin using either a bottle or a small bag, in varying types of designs and left to dry. Once dry, the paste is left on as long as possible, usually overnight. The next morning, the paste is removed and underneath will be a dark orange color that will deepen to the final color over the next 12-24 hours.

I can accomodate many types of henna designs, such as traditional Indian, Celtic, tribal, and various other types of symbols, glyphs, and patterns. The henna will usually last for a couple of days up to two to three weeks, depending on the amount it is moisturized (olive oil is best) and exposure to rubbing and soap. Hands and feet will take the color best, other areas of the body will stain a much lighter color.

The paste that I use I make myself, and is only made with natural ingredients. And please know that I do not use black henna. Black henna is a very dangerous type of henna, as the paste may contain caustic ingredients such as kerosene or gasoline, all to make the paste an un-natural black color. These ingredients can burn and scar for life.