Henna as body Art and Decoration   The art of henna or mehendi has been practiced in many cultures across the world for as much as 5,000 years, for various medicinal, artistic and cosmetic reasons. However henna's most familiar role is in decoration and beautification. Henna leaves are crushed in a mortar to make a fine paste or dried and processed as a fine powder for easy storage and use. The powder itself is green in color but a source of a reddish-brown natural dye. Henna is completely natural and is applied as a paste on the skin which is made from the leaves of the Henna Plant.   Henna in San Antonio is getting increasingly popular as a temporary body tattoo and decoration among both men and women. It is very cost effective, painless, natural and beautiful.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What is Henna or Mehndi ?   Lawsonia Inermis, Hina/Henna and Mehndi are the latin, Arabic and Hindi names for a fairly large plant with white flowers that grows in North Africa, the Middle East, India and South East Asia. Mehndi is the application of Henna as a temporary form of skin decoration in these countries as well as expatriate communities from these countries. Henna is completely natural and is applied as a paste on the skin which is made from the leaves of the Henna Plant.   Scroll down for more information and pictures for henna                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Realistic Looking TEMPORARY TATTOOS all natural !     You want to get a tattoo and also have a design but you don't know how it would look and wish if there was a way you could feel the design and see what your friends have to say about it ??   Sure, there is a way now. All natural, realistic looking and cost effective !   ABOUT JAGUA For centuries tribes of the South American jungles have been adorning themselves with black temporary tattoos for rituals, ceremonies and festivals. These tattoos are created using a natural dye which they extract from a fruit (Genipapo Americana) locally called Jagua. Due to high demand and after successful trial and certification, Jagua, for the first time, is being harvested from sustainable sources and refined into a user friendly gel. Jagua gel is totally natural, safe and fun for everyone to use. It’s very easy to use and is applied directly onto the skin. Upon drying it peels off and takes 8-10 hours to develop its full colour which will last 8-12 days.   WHAT IS JAGUA   Jagua Tattoos are totally safe. The dye comes from a fruit that grows throughout the Amazon rainforests called Jagua (Latin name Genipa Americana). The dye has been used for hundreds if not thousands of years by the indigenous people of the Amazon.   Jagua Tattoos are longlasting temporary tattoos that wear off naturally over a few weeks. They do not wash off or rub off like other types of temporary tattoos. Like a henna tattoo, jagua stains the skin and then simply wears off in its own time. Best way to try your tattoo idea before you go under the needle !   * Jagua is a real look temporary tattoo gel                                      * 100% natural and safe * Lasts 8-12 Days * Cost Effective  * Jagua is NOT henna * Jagua is a totally new product * Harvested from sustainable sources                                                         Typical Application : $ 30.  Almost all designs are done free hand. You may also bring your own design !                                                                                                                                                            How is Henna/Mehendi Used ?   Henna is usually applied on the palms and feet where the color will be darkest because the skin contains higher levels of keratin which binds temporarily to "lawsone" the colorant of henna. Left overnight, it will last one month or more depending on the plant and how well it was ground and how long it is left on. The primary colorant or dye in Henna is lawsone and it migrates into the outermost layer of the skin and makes a red-brown stain. Whole unborken henna leaf will not stain the skin. Crushed henna leaves will stain the skin in a very short time but it will be difficult to render a pattern with it. Therefore dried, ground and finely sifted henna powder mixed with lemon juice, tea and other mildly acidic solvents form is easy to work with. Mixing essential oils like camphor oil, clove eucalyptus and cajeput oil add aroma and freshness and also add to the stain characteristics. The mix or paste should be left to sit for atleast 6 to 12 hours before use.   Things to Remember # Henna will not result in a stain as strong as a permanent Tattoo. # Natural Henna does not come in other colors like blue, green, black     etc. # If you are applying henna on the forearm, shoulder, back, belly, thigh   etc, it will not be as dark as the palm and feet. Moreover results vary   from person to person. # Please be patient and let the henna sit on your skin for as long as   possible after application.                                                                                                                                                                                                      Preparation and Application of Henna   Henna body art is an "In" thing and there are numerous companies with wonderful products. Over the years i have personally seen and used various preparations and ready to use products. There are a lot of products available in the market from cones to plastic bottles and tubes. Ingredients differ from product to product and so do their color and strength. I have made my own henna on and off and tried various recipes that i saw being prepared as a kid. My Henna Paste Recipe   1. Sift henna through a fine sieve 2. Well strained strong tea or coffee liqour 3. Eucalyptus oil or camphor oil 1 tsp 4. Strained fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon 5. Sugar 1 table spoon Take the henna powder in a bowl, add the tea or coffee liqour till it becomes a thick paste. Add eucalyptus oil or camphor oil and sugar and lime juice and mix well to make it into a smooth and thin paste (similar to waffle batter). Leave it covered over night or during the day if you prefer to apply in the night. Make a cone by cutting a thick plastic sheet or freezer bag and cut it into a rectange approx. 7" X 4". Twist one corner to make a cone. Cut off excess plastic on the top and pour the henna paste into the cone with a spoon. Tape and secure the sides and the top tightly and cut a tiny opening at the tip of the cone. Keep a paper towel handy and press the cone slightly to check the flow of henna.   Voila !                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  HENNA SAN ANTONIO

It is not known for certain when and where the use of henna for skin decoration originated but there is ample evidence that it is an ancient practice. Henna body decoration is generally practiced on festive occasions, religious ceremonies and most notably weddings. Henna during weddings take on an entirely different meaning.

The red color of the henna dye complements the red wedding dress symbolizing energy, happiness and passage into womanhood. The intricate mehndi designs, which are painted on both the hands and feet may also contain a secret language of geometric designs, figurines and even ancient text. Mehndi symbolizes satisfaction and happiness in marriage.

The whole process of henna application assumes a ritualistic aspect when both the bride's and grooms female relatives and friends apply the designs. This is done on the wedding eve with much fanfare and feast. Design motifs vary from culture to culture and there is a lot of meaning associated with the design and symbols. Indian designs consists vastly of moghul floral patterns, paisley patterns (the paisley symbolizes "keri" or a budding mango which represents coming of age for young women) tendrils, vines, lotus flowers, mandalas and myriad of smaller patterns. The history and importance as well as application of henna is varied and differs from region to region.

 Price : basic henna application- $ 30

 Full pattern                                  - $ 35

 Kids henna (basic pattern)       - $  20Henna in San Antonio, Mehendi in San Antonio, Temporary Tattoos in San Antonio. Henna in San Antonio is a very popular art and is widely appreciated by local omen. 

 FAQ

WHAT IS MEHNDI?
Henna or Mehendi (botanical name Lawsonia inermis) is a shrub that is commonly found in the Indian Subcontinent, Middle-East and North Africa.
It is beautiful form of temporary body decoration which is made of Henna Leaves and is completely natural.
 

Henna leaves and tender twigs are ground and mixed with water to make a fine paste and applied on the hands, feet and hair to give them a reddish-orange color.

Henna is used for decoration on hands and feet. It is also used to dye the hair. Henna is heat sensitive. The warmer the skin, the longer-lasting the dye. The stain lasts longest on the palm of the hand. The color is much lighter on the back of the hand. The bottom of the feet also takes  mehndi well. If applied on the hair it

dyes it to a reddish-brown color.

Remember to leave mehendi/ henna to dry on your skin and keep it on for as long as possible for best result. The color can be considerably darker if left on the skin overnight, or for several hours. The longer the paste remains on the skin the longer the color last. It helps to keep the application a little moist with a mixture of

lemon juice and sugar (it smells good, too!). It fades gracefully. Mehndi/henna usually stays on the body for fifteen to twenty days but varies from person to person.

It fades gracefully and changes its color or tone during the course.

To decorate one hand on both sides with an intricate pattern it may take upto 1 hour. An even finer and intricate design might take longer. Simple designs can be done quite quickly. But that's not all. The Henna has to be kept on the hand for at least three to four hours after decoration.

We use all traditional patterns and designs. In North America and Canada anything goes. We also do modern designs incorporating various art forms and elements from the Indian Subcontinent to the Middle-East and Africa. From dragons to hibiscus to aspen tree to local high school basket ball team logo we have done it all.

HOW DOES IT FEEL LIKE GETTING HENNA APPLIED ON ?

Henna in San Antonio is getting popular like other places and there is an ever growing need for good henna artists in San Antonio. We organized couple of henna parties and women from all walk of life eagerly looked forward to the event. Gourmet food, wine, music and a relaxed atmosphere created a perfect setting for everyone and made the women sit down with the artist feeling served in royal manners. The whole act becomes therapeutic and is very relaxing. The feel and earthy aroma of henna reminds you of home. Some women have remarked that its intoxicating to their partners or betterhalf. 

SERVICES

• Artists are available for private henna appointments.
• Design catalogue is available or you can provide your own design(s)! All work is done freehand.
• Appointments are usually held in the artists studio. If you would like an appointment at your house - this provides more privacy and comfort.
• Prices will vary for private appointments.
• For more intensive work (eg. both feet, both hands; several hours of henna decoration) it is recommended to bring someone to assist you with walking,   

              using the washroom, eating or drinking.

• Appointments consume a great deal of time and attention. A private henna appointment starts at $50.00
• If you are interested in having henna in your event or party for your guests. The flat rate is $ 125 for the first 1 hour and $100 per hour thereafter. This includes any conveyance or transportation cost.
• A minimum of 2 hour has to be committed for.
  

The prices quoted here are subject to change at any time.

Please contact us to discuss your needs!