Henna is an herbal leaf powder from the Lawsonia inermis plant and has a long, rich history as an art form and spiritual ritual throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. Henna is most commonly used for body art, since it produces a bright orange-red color when mixed into paste and applied to the skin. Henna tattoos are temporary, lasting anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on the type of henna used, how it was mixed, and how long it is left on the skin.
The process of creating henna artwork requires mastery that is earned through study and practice. To prepare the henna paste, the leaves of the Lawsonia inermis plant are dried and ground into a fine powder. This powder is mixed with lemon juice, essential oils, and other ingredients to create the thick paste required to create henna designs. Henna artists typically use a thin wooden stick or cone-shaped metal tube to apply the paste to the skin and create intricate designs.
Today, henna is used in wedding ceremonies, festivals, and other celebrations around the world. In addition to its spiritual and cultural significance, henna is also a popular choice for temporary body art because it is safe and easy to use, and results in beautiful, unique designs that last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.