What is the significance of henna tattoos

The peculiar smell, so appealing to Indians, may have been considered obnoxious to Americans. The same can hardly be said about it now. An art finding origins in South Asia, Middle East, India and North Africa, henna, also called mehndi in Hindi and Urdu has adorned hands and feet of women for centuries.

From geometric designs in Morocco to the more fluid, floral designs in India, henna, extracted from the plant Lawsomia inermis has been used for its cooling properties on skin, as a dye and as a culturally integral part of weddings. Times have changed. Henna tattoos are so much more accessible now. Of course, the fact that it is a temporary tattoo adds to its appeal, especially to those who are wary of indulging in permanent ones. This gives the individual a myriad of options in exploring new designs keeping interest alive.

It is safer temporary tattoo, since the skin is not pierced by a needle, so it is painless as well. Stencils, glitter and white henna have also added to the mystique. The true beauty of an art lies in its application beyond the traditionally accepted approaches, harmonizing the delicacy and appeal of henna with a whole new purpose.

Thus, henna and symbols are used respectfully, sensitively and knowledgeably. Nowadays, people of all backgrounds receive and also apply the art. If you are someone that is applying the art, please be mindful and don't use cultural terms to promote your henna business.

Don't call yourself a Guru or change your name just to get more clients. While the rising popularity of henna has resulted in some distortion and misappropriation of its original significance, many artists are committed to keeping the tradition alive. I would get my henna done at any given chance and absolutely loved it.

I started doing henna professionally in I was 14 years old and my very first client was a bride. The rest is history. Thus, henna design is a harmonious experience for me, one during which I access and use various facets of my identity to be present with, and benefit, people. For Haque, mehndi is a deeply personal practice that she's been able to share with clients of all cultures.

I loved the process. My aunties would tell me that it was a good practice of patience and grace, as you need to be mindful as you let the henna dry and set into the skin. As a young girl, I always wanted to be an artist but my immigrant parents weren't always supportive. When it came to mehndi art, they allowed it because it kept me close to my culture and it made my family members happy when I applied it on them.

After over 10 years of being a henna artist, it has now become a way for me to showcase my culture and where I come from, to express myself artistically, a way for me to help people mark milestones and bring more intention into their lives.

And while Haque encourages both henna artists and clients to respect the sanctity of the tradition, she also believes a modern and gracious interpretation of the practice is possible. For larger pieces and more intricate designs, they can get pricier, but still nowhere near what a permanent tattoo can cost.

Savla also notes that the experience and skill of the henna artist plays a role as well. Interested in learning how to do henna yourself? If so, the best way to master it is simply to practice, practice, practice. Watching YouTube videos, reading books, and talking to experts are just a few ways to familiarize yourself with the art form and to get educated enough to be able to do it on your own. Once you've learned the significance of the patterns and symbols and feel confident in a few basic sets, you can then start to practice on your family and friends who are willing.

Savla recommends trying to make your own henna paste so you can get the consistency that works best for you when applying. This also allows you to play with the combination of ingredients to get the best outcome in color, as well as finding a cone shape that works best for you. Side-effects of henna and semi-permanent 'black henna' tattoos: a full review.

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By Jodie Michalak. Jodie Michalak. Jodie Michalak is a cosmetologist and contributing writer for Byrdie where she covers the tattoo space. Byrdie's Editorial Guidelines. Michelle is a contributing writer for Byrdie with nearly 10 years of experience in the beauty industry.

Her writing has appeared on PopSugar, Hypebae, and more. Medically reviewed by Dr. Dendy Engelman. Dendy Engelman on Oct 18,