Thursday, September 27, 2007

Henna Tattoo: When You're a Bit Doubtful

Thinking of reconsidering yet you still can't fight the urge to be "cool like everyone else"? Well, you are fortunate to have an option that will help set your mind when it comes to tattooing. Why not try henna tattoo.

Don't be confused. While most of us know that henna is simply henna tattoo, it would be good to note that the actual process is called Mehndi.

Mehndi is a tradition as ancient as time. We may see variations of this practice among other cultures yet there is no other culture that has created significant influence in this form of practice than that of the Indians.

In the past centuries, Mehndi has been used in ritualistic and ceremonial activities that typically cover religious practices. However, with the revival of tattoo industry, the art of Mehndi has seen its second glory days.

So what now is Mehndi?

In a sense, Mehndi is an art that aims to create temporary markings on a person's skin, whatever the purpose is appropriate for the practice. The primary constituent of this art is the use of henna powder (from which the term henna tattoo was derived from). This powder is gathered from the plant species named as Lawsonia inermis that is typically found in dry and hot regions such as the Middle East and India.

The leaves are ideally used for henna tattooing (in the form of a prepared paste that is used in henna designs) while the lower parts of the plants are used in other purposes like hair treatment, skin conditioners and heat rash relief.

The henna powder is in itself greenish in color. Yet once it is applied on human skin, the red-orange shade becomes more prominent. Although we can find strange colors in the market these days. (Note: henna powders that come in black cause the strongest allergic reactions known. Second to it are the artificially produced colors.) Henna powder is still best used in its purest form.

Henna tattoos come in familiar traditional designs. These by large are used in wedding ceremonies as an adornment for the hands and feet of the brides-to-be. In typical cases, the henna tattoos design are intricate and very artistic in nature.

The process of this ritual lasts for hours and require the individual to remain still so as to produce the best effects.

Henna tattoos are known to hold well in feet and hands. This may be attributed to the fact that these areas are in general, dry. Thus the color holds faster and better. Nonetheless, henna tattoos can be applied anywhere in the body (including the skin of the face!).

Now, question often arises why there are henna tattoos that last longer in the skin while many may wash off in a span of few weeks. Well, the answer lies solely in the natural property of your skin to hold as much color. There are skin types that are not as absorbent as others.

These days, due to the popularity of body art and tattooing, henna tattoos are becoming the main choice among undecided customers. Many who contemplates on inking or not inking their skin normally find comfort in henna tattoos since they get to see the features of the tattoos first before they have it done permanently. Some find contentment with the temporary designs though.

You see, whatever your interests might be, you still are in advantage of experiencing a beautiful art culture.



http://www.todaytattoos.com/Tattooing/55.html