Is henna a natural product? Yes. Henna is a natural pigment, and in most people will cause no harm. The leaves are taken from the plant, dried, and ground into a powder. Some commercial henna products may have added ingredients; always read the labels. It is best to do a patch test to be sure that your skin is not sensitive to this plant.
Does it hurt to apply henna to the skin? No! Whether for everyday wear or special celebrations, painting henna on the skin is a painless beauty treatment. It is a pleasant and relaxing experience. The most difficult part of getting a henna design is sitting still for the time required, which can be anywhere from few minutes to several hours depending on the complexity of the design. Henna designs are drawn free-hand with a pastry-bag-like cone, that does not pierce the skin.
How long will my henna design last? Permanent Tattoos are not easily removed and, in some cases, may cause permanent discoloration. Henna body designs will last anywhere from few days to weeks. It fades off naturally in 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the original color of the henna, where it is placed on the skin, how long it is left on the skin, your skin type, the number of soap water washings, and any exfoliation of the area.
What do you do after henna is drawn on the skin? After the henna design is drawn on the skin, it will take about 15–30 minutes to dry completely. The artist will then seal it with a natural product to keep the design intact so it won’t flake off. You have to leave the design on the skin for minimum 6–8 hours (more for better results) without washing or scrubbing the area. When ready to remove the paste, you will apply any oil and scrape off the design. Then apply heat to the design for few minutes to activate the henna color. Make sure you do not wash the design with soap for the next 24 hours when the color gets darker and darker.
What are the usual colors of henna? Depending on your body chemistry and skin color, the designs can appear as orange, red, brown, burgundy, or khaki green. The color of henna is also based on the strength of the henna paste, the length of time it is left on the skin and the after care given. The best place to get the really red shades are palms of hands and soles of feet. Most other areas won't show the reds nearly as well. As a rule, the hands and feet take the dye the best and so will have the most vibrant and long-lasting color. As you move away from the extremities and closer to the body, your stains will be lighter and less vibrant. You can counteract this to some degree, especially if you are having the design applied for a special occasion, by having a second application of henna a day or two after your first.
What is Black Henna and why is it used? Black henna is not natural henna! It often contains a chemical (PPD) that can cause serious inflammation to the skin. People use black henna because of the black tattoo like color. DO NOT USE BLACK HENNA. Always check with the artist to see if they are using Black Henna. If so, choose another artist who uses natural henna.
What is the new & trendy GLITTER HENNA / zardosi and jewel henna? Glitter henna is the latest craze to hit the fashion world. Its not merely being used for decorative purpose, but also for making a unique fashion statement. It is the latest fad all around the globe. Manufacturers are designing stylish and innovative glitter henna and exporting them to meet the growing demand for such products. It is waterproof and does not have any adverse effects on the skin. Left on the skin, glitter henna stays until the design is washed off. They're colorful and festive, and make simple patterns look dazzling. They are worn to match the outfit and add glamour & style to the occasion.
Zardosi henna: Body safe glitter in gold or silver. Adds a very rich and ethnic touch to the henna and looks like the zardosi work on bridal sarees and lehngas. These are highlights added to the henna design to match the wedding/party outfit.
Gems or Jewels: Gems or Body jewel embellishments add sparkle to the henna design and stay until the design is washed off. These can be used on bridal designs for a very special effect. The colored designs seen on this site are henna embellished with zardosi (body safe glitter and gold),  jewel crystals and body safe skin products.
Glitter tattoo stick ons: For those who are on the run and want a quick, pretty, non-messy beauty treatment on their skin, glitter tattoo is the way to go. These are black or burgundy sticker tattoos ( with gold or silver highlights) that will stick to your skin and adorn your body. The beauty of this is that it looks like a real tattoo ( since it comes in black color too) and can be applied to any part of the body. It stays for a few days on the skin. Great for a real tattoo look - models can consider this for ease of changing attire for a show.
Jewel sticker tattoos: These are something similar to the glitter stick ons, but are more functional like the bindis. They are gorgeous designs made completely of jewels (fine crystal stones) and come in a wide range of colors and patterns. These can be used several times (like the bindis). You can stick them on anywhere in your body and peel & save them after the party and reuse them anytime. Great for parties, fashion shows and models.
Block Mehndi: These are wooden blocks with artistic henna designs carved on them. The artist dips the block in a Mehndi ink (red) and imprints on your body. It stays on the skin until washed off. Great for people who want a design just for the occasion and then wash off.
What are the other uses of henna? Henna is often used as a natural hair-dye, conditioner and cooling agent. It casts a lovely reddish brown hue to the hair. It can also be used to cover grey. It is safe, effective, and a great conditioner. It is also used as a fabric dye. All of these uses of henna have been around for many centuries. Henna is extensively used as a therapy. Since it cools the body and calms the nerves, it can be a totally relaxing, uplifting experience to heal your body and spirit. If you get frequent heat related headaches, having henna drawn on your palms and feet can relieve you of the pain. Any stressful situation, can find henna painting to calm the nerves and muscles. The new trend of henna painting on head has started with patients undergoing chemo-therapy, needing an added beauty to their looks and feel. Having henna done on your head leaves you with an elegant and delicate look, and you can choose to paint different designs each month to make you look and feel great!
For what type of occasions would henna be appropriate? Henna or Mehndi is widely used for weddings, baby showers, festivals or any celebration all over the world. However, Henna is becoming very popular in the USA, as a body decoration and fashion statement. It can be used as an adornment for any kind of celebration like birthday parties, opening ceremonies, promotions, fashion shows, school/college carnivals, henna parties, vacation, therapy, weekend parties, to name a few. It is a fun, beautiful and relaxing experience for any age group. Its a great way to decorate your body without the commitment of a tattoo, adds richness and beauty to your being. Henna would make an ever lasting impression as a birthday gift for someone special.
What is the best time of the year to get henna? Although there is no constraint on the “best time” for henna, spring and summer would add more beauty and color to the henna, since warm weather gives a darker stain to the henna and you can wear outfits to showoff your henna design. Fall and winter will be great months to have henna done to your hands and feet, where it will add elegance to your look and enhance the mood of the wearer.
How much would a design cost? Typically it would be $5 and up. Rates vary depending on the type and size of the design (the intricacy and time involved), the type & size of the event, the number of people served, and the travel time. Typically individual rates are applied to individuals and small groups (less than 10). Big events and parties are charged by the hour. You can contact me for your particular situation to get the best rates and discounts.
Preparing your skin for Mehndi Prior to getting your henna design started, cleanse your skin thoroughly with warm water and soap. Do not use any lotion, perfume, powder or oil in the area you're going to have the henna on. Your skin should be clean and dry. Make sure you schedule your appointment so that you have ample time to leave the henna paste on your skin for an extended period of time without disturbing it. This means, not having to wash the area for at least 6 to 8 hours, preferably overnight. Keep in mind that it takes the dye 24 to 48 hours to get to its peak, rich color. So, if you are scheduling mehndi for a special occasion, your appointment should be 2-3 days ahead of time.
Disclaimer: Only natural henna is used in all our work. Ingredients in my henna paste are: henna powder, tea extract, sugar, lemon juice and pure essential oils.  As with all cosmetics and body care products, test on an inconspicuous area of skin for any  allergic reaction. Allergies can develop anytime, based on your health condition, so re-test before every application. Henna Bash strives to maintain all safety standards within its limit. However, Henna Bash is NOT responsible for any allergic reactions caused to its clients for use of its products and other 3rd party products.