To begin with, you may wonder what is henna? Henna is a plant to which its leaves are dried and crushed to turn it into a powder. Its powder is then transformed into a paste that was used as paint in designing a tattoo on someone’s skin. It is also used as a hair dye. In other countries, henna tattoo is always associated with celebration during special occasions like pregnancy, marriage, holidays, manhood and it is also used even in death.
In India, tattooing using henna is called Mehndi. They have this bridal tattoos that are elegantly created to signify the marriage of the couple. When you are already done in choosing the design you like, the artist can start sketching the design of your choice on your skin. It will take about 4-8 hours before the paste will transform into a darker shade.
On the other hand, there is a “black henna” that seem to be dangerous on the skin. The paste that was used on this one contains a black hair dye that can cause severe allergic reactions on the skin that may lead to a permanent scar. When you plan to have a henna tattoo asked first the artist regarding on what color of the tattoo that he will be using and its ingredients. When he won’t answer you back and is hesitant to give the ingredients, he is probably using the black henna. That could be your signal, refuse to let that person have a tattoo on you to secure your safety. Black henna is never safe.
After the paste has been applied, you have to leave the paste on the skin for about 4-8 hours. Then scrape it off and cover with a thin coating either of cocoa butter or olive oil to darken the color and make it last longer. When you remove the paste, the henna will produce a light and orange color that will eventually evolve in a darker shade of reddish brown within 24 hours. A henna tattoo can stay on the skin within 3 up to 40 days that depends upon the type of skin and where the tattoo is located.
Temporary tattoos like henna can be fun since you can have different tattoos on your skin and doesn’t have to worry of removing it afterwards. It is safe too since the ingredient is natural. This is better compared to a real tattoo that is permanently inked on your skin which is a disadvantage especially if you aren’t sure of the design in the first place.