Mariam Nihal

Saudi Gazette

Remember when Rihanna tattood her hands with what we regularly use as henna? It soon caught on to Hollywood celebrities and hit the younger realm, which caused a stir, and here we are, all over instagram, doting over henna tattoos fashioned in our own backyard.



Henna, also referred to as Mehendi by South Asians, is used during wedding celebrations and for other main festivities like Eid. But in the rural sects of both the Arab and Asian worlds, Henna is still used as part of traditional culture and defines a woman’s pride and feminist appeal that defines our roots. But now that a singer in LA or western blogger puts it up on their instagram, the Arabs have gotten a little defensive. Now (check your social media feed) they are all out and about displaying their nationalism with new Hollywood approved henna designs. Some even use flash tattoos with it. You can spice it up with nail art, diamonds and urban chic jewelry.

 

Many cultures and nationalities incorporate intricate henna designs into their daily lives. Traditionally, henna is applied by hand in mehendi cones. Some artists’ even use stencils for intricate patterns, but others are able to draw these with a free hand. These are easily available at South Asian stores and salons.



Henna is a natural dye powder also used to dye or color hair. It is usually used by the older generations to cover up grey and white hair.



Also highly regarded in Ayurvedic medicine, henna is used to eradicate infections and soothe stomach glitches. The fragrant white blooms of the henna plant are also used to make perfume. Henna tattoos are popular in flower and leaf designs, especially in India and are also available in a number of shapes and motifs. Brides to be in India or Pakistan have a customary ‘Mehendi’ ceremony usually for only female family members and friends at home where all women get their hands and feet designed with henna tattoos. The belief is that henna applied to the bride-to-be will bring her good fortune as a new wife. The designs of flower buds are an indication of the new life that the bride is about to embark upon, indicating that love will cultivate her marriage. Arabic designs are less complicated.



To apply henna designs on your body, you can easily make a paste and apply it. Henna leaves a dye or red pigment behind (the shades vary). This gradually fades over a period of days depending on the henna used. Black henna is a little controversial as it uses a toxic dye (added to make it black). Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) is traditionally used in black dye which can cause an allergic reactions or permanent scarring. Salons in the UAE had banned the use of black henna, whereas Saudi Arabia is still fine with the phenomena.



Nowadays you can easily find temporary henna tattoos with various detailed designs and colors.  Men use them too! These strips of tattoos are usually inexpensive and sold around salons. However the quality varies and generally tattoos lack color quality and fade quickly.



Moving away from hands and feet, you can now use these tattoos anywhere, as body art just like tattoos.  Due to the religious implications of tattoos, these temporary designs are a great substitute for muslim women all around the world.



Apart from the alluring aesthetics, the appeal lies in the deeper connotation of its origin.  Henna revives conventional beauty, which is now worn like jewelry and used as make up to enhance a new dimension to one’s individuality.