Weddings and Henna – An Old Connection
Beautiful designs and the intoxicating aroma of henna definitely attract the bride. Indian weddings are incomplete without henna. Henna is considered one of the many sacred items for married Indian women. It is not only popular in India, but also in the Gulf countries. Arabic henna designs are very famous. Bridal henna is very important in Indian culture and people arrange for bridal Arabic henna artists during weddings to recreate the beautiful designs they are adept at.
Nowadays, henna tattoo is the new trend. Being temporary, henna tattoos can be incorporated without pain in almost every design. It is gaining popularity all across the globe. Many western artists have started learning the henna tattoo art with a rise in its demand.
Henna, also known as Mehendi, is linked to many beliefs. A dark color obtained after henna application signifies that the bride would be loved immensely by her husband and mother-in-law. Besides, henna is a potent medicinal herb. It relieves the body from stress and releases tension. It is used to treat small burns, cuts or scratches.
The rich burnt color that comes after henna application is a vital part of bridal decoration and make up. A simple paste of water and henna is often not sufficient to bring out the desired depth of shade. Well prepared henna pastes contain clove oil, a few drops of lemon and some eucalyptus oil besides water and henna. Eucalyptus oil enhances the color and makes it darker.
You can enhance the color of henna and make it last longer by following some of the easy tips discussed below:
- To make henna art beautiful and dark at the same time, bridal Arabic henna artists recommend juice of lemon and sugar to be dabbed over the palm after the applied henna is dry. This feels a little sticky and stops the henna from peeling off and hence increases the darkness of design.
- Henna artists don’t approve of sitting under the sun after henna application. This way henna dries up early and doesn’t produce the same effect that is achieved when it remains moist for several hours after application.
- Any bridal Arabic henna artist would highly recommend the application of mustard oil after removing henna. Also, henna should not be removed with water. It should be scratched or taken off by rubbing both the hands after several hours of drying. Just 30 minutes before taking off henna, mustard oil should be applied. Oil provides warmth and darkens the henna shade.
- Many people recommend the use of Vicks. It can be applied once the henna is removed. Like mustard oil, it deepens the henna color.
- Gloves are recommended to prevent hands from water. Gloves would keep the hands warm too. Some people remove the henna, apply Vicks and wear gloves to maintain warmth. Doing this gives a long lasting, beautiful and dark henna design.