History of temporary henna tattoos, advantages and disadvantages. Recipes for preparing a mixture for drawing a picture. Instructions on how to make a beautiful henna tattoo on your own at home and take proper care of it.
Since ancient times, designs on the skin have been popular. Initially, only natural dyes were used for their application, which were applied under the top layer or on the surface of the skin. The peculiarity of such tattoos was that they had a temporary effect, but could also be permanent, depending on which method of applying the paint was used. Such drawings were either symbolic or magical.
Today, tattoos have become one of the best ways of self-expression, but not everyone dares to apply a drawing on the body that will remain forever. In addition, such a procedure is accompanied by not the most pleasant painful sensations and it is difficult to understand exactly how the skin will react to the dye used. At the same time, there is a high probability that the result will not be very pleasant and there will be a desire to get rid of the pattern. It is possible to remove the tattoo, but there is a risk that ugly scars will remain on the body in the future.
That is why, every day, tattooing applied to the skin with henna is becoming more and more popular. This is a great alternative to an ink tattoo.
The history of henna tattoos
On the photo henna tattoo
Making a henna tattoo at home is quite simple, you need to learn just a few secrets and subtleties of this procedure. You can experiment with different styles, choose the perfect pattern for yourself, choose different parts of the body to apply the pattern. At the same time, you can not be afraid at all that the drawing will cease to be liked, because after a certain time it disappears itself.
It is believed that if a henna tattoo is applied correctly, the drawing will have strong magical properties, which are determined depending on the selected image. Such drawings can become both physiological and mental amulet. Henna does not cause allergic reactions, is able to resist dermatological diseases, and has a positive effect on the skin.
Scientists believe that people began to apply henna tattoos on the body in ancient Egypt more than five thousand years ago. During the excavations, ancient mummies were found, whose nails and hair were covered with an unusual composition. Over time, it was possible to establish that it was henna. It was also used to dye other areas of the body. In the 12th century, the technique of decorating the body with henna was widely used in India, North Africa and the countries of Central Asia.
Temporary henna tattoo is called mehendi. She had both aesthetic and practical purposes. For example, for the women of India and Muslim women, mehendi was considered an obligatory festive decoration. This was due to the intricacies of the wedding ritual, when the painting was applied to the bride's body, which was preserved throughout the day. Bridesmaids and older women of the family painted the body of the newlywed with intricate and very beautiful patterns that have a sacred meaning. Therefore, for girls, a temporary tattoo became a symbol of future family happiness, a talisman against diseases and the evil eye. Also, the bride did not have to do any homework until the drawing was erased from her hands.
In the camps of the East, pregnant women applied patterns to their bodies while carrying a child, including before upcoming important ceremonies and in case of serious illnesses. Depending on the state and region, the shape of the patterns and the technique of the drawing may differ.
At the beginning of the Middle Ages, henna tattoos became an integral part of the cultural heritage, including the national tradition, which remains in demand today. Nowadays, this tradition is considered a distinctive cultural feature of the Eastern countries.
Outside the East and Central Asia, the art of mehendi came out not so long ago. In addition, under the strict prohibition of Christianity, body decoration with henna tattoos were until the 17-18 centuries. This tradition was considered a relic of paganism. But the modern world has completely got rid of such prejudices, so anyone can get temporary henna tattoos at home.
Advantages and disadvantages of henna tattoos
The benefits of henna patterning on the body include:
- henna is of natural origin and has healing properties;
- no special care for the pattern is required;
- a universal version of a tattoo that can be used at any age and is suitable for different types of skin, including sensitive;
- during the application of the pattern, no unpleasant or painful sensations appear;
- budget version of the tattoo, however, the finished drawing looks interesting and stylish;
- the drawing will last on the skin from 5 days to 2 weeks, it all depends on how often you shower, the length of time you spend under the sun, contact with clothes and other factors.
There are also some disadvantages of mehendi henna tattoos. The fact is that the elements of the picture can be very small, so only an experienced master can make a beautiful pattern. However, even if the pattern is made by a professional, it will stay on the skin for no longer than 14 days.
