H is for Henna

Henna also known as Mehndi is a temporary form of skin decoration, originated from India, usually applied on special occasions such as weddings. It started off as the bride who will have the henna designs on her hands and feet with the grooms initials written within the pattern and then the groom will have to look for the initials, there's no deep meaning behind it, just for fun! But now as its become so popular, anyone at a wedding or any occasion can have henna designs on their hands or feet. There are also 'Mehndi nights' which is few days before the wedding, where friends and family can have henna applied, to celebrate and be part of the special occasion.

I had henna applied last Thursday, for my cousins wedding, the henna artist designed it so quickly, I love the patterns and how it dries up and crumbles, love the smell too! I also applied a mixture of lemon juice and sugar when it had dried so that the henna will stain darker, I left the henna mud on for few hours then washed it off, it was dark orange at first but the next day it had darkened to a reddish brown, the henna design will last for one to three weeks depending on the quality and type of henna paste applied, as well as where it was applied on the body (thicker skin stains darker and longer than thin skin). Moisturising with natural oils, such as olive, sesame seed, or coconut, will also help extend the lifetime of the stain. Skin ex foliation causes the henna tattoo to fade.

This picture was taken few days after it was applied, it was reddish brown there but now its fading!