Generality
The execution of henna tattoos is a practice that has its roots in antiquity where it was widespread among the eastern and northern African populations. The "execution of a temporary" henna tattoo is indicated by the word Hindi "Mehndi'.
In the West, however, the henna tattoo does not have a real meaning, therefore, it can be defined as a fashion of the moment.
What is Henna
Henna is a natural dye made from the dried and pulverized leaves of a shrub commonly called henna (Lawsonia inermis L. fam. Lythraceae).
This plant, probably originally from Arabia, concentrates in the leaves a reddish pigment called lawsone, which makes henna a substance particularly used in decorative phytocosmetics for making temporary tattoos. Very common is also the use of henna as a dye for dark hair, to which it gives coppery reflections, or for blond hair, to which it gives a carrot color.
The art of painting some parts of the body with henna, especially the hands and feet, has for some time arrived in Western culture, while in the countries of origin it boasts a millenary tradition: this is the case, for example, of Egypt. , where traces of henna have even been found in the nails of mummified pharaohs.
Preparation of Henna
The method of preparing the paste with which henna tattoos are to be performed requires some practice, so it should be done by expert hands.
However, the procedure is roughly the following:
- Mix the dried and pulverized henna leaves with lukewarm water to obtain a compound with a consistency that is neither too thick nor too liquid (indicatively, the consistency must be similar to that of toothpaste);
- The mixture thus obtained must be left to rest for at least 12 hours, after which lemon juice is added in order to favor the fixing of the color on the skin.
- Finally, at the discretion of the preparer, essential oils, tea or coffee can be added to the mixture.
Once the henna has been prepared, you can proceed with the execution of the tattoo. The drawing is performed using a "special syringe equipped with a fine nozzle, in order to allow a" precise execution. In India, on the other hand, special plastic cones are used, while in other countries tattoos are performed with the help of wooden sticks.
Duration
Henna tattoos are temporary and can last a few days; of course the residence time is inversely proportional to the number of washes and local applications of various creams and detergents.
Risks
Risks and Dangers of Henna Tattoos
In recent years, particular emphasis has been given to the possible presence of some chemical compounds, added to the base mixture to strengthen the color and fixation of the henna; this is the case, for example, of para-phenylenediamine (PPD), very toxic and responsible for the so-called "tattoo dermatitis". Not surprisingly, this substance is currently banned in Europe for cosmetic use, except in the production of hair dyes.
The risk is obviously greater when henna tattoos are carried out along the streets, beaches or markets, while it appears safer in specialized beauty centers.
In case of doubt, it is advisable to give up this type of ornament. In this regard, consider that an authentic tattoo performed with henna (Mehndi) takes a long time to be performed and fixes on the skin, appears red-orange, is not very resistant to washing and therefore lasts a few hours. presence of para-phenylenediamine, the henna pattern sets more quickly, appears darker and lasts a few days. However, the brown color can also be conferred by sophistication of the original drug, for example by adding indigo leaf extracts to the henna.
