Henna is a widely popular and significant part of South Asian weddings. For ages, it has held great cultural significance in the bridal ceremony of Indian Weddings. It is also popular in other countries, such as Bangladesh and Pakistan. It is a symbol of good luck and a positive spirit. Brides apply it the night before their wedding day to bring prosperity to their new journey.
Apart from being a part of the sacred wedding ceremony, it is also a unique creation of nature. Artists using the henna leaves create natural art. They turn into a paste and include essential oils to enhance the colour and give a vibrant look.
Let’s explore the world of henna here. Know its history, traditional uses, safety concerns, and essential tips for your henna ceremony.
History of Henna: Origin and Design
People have practised the art of henna in Pakistan, India, Africa, and the Middle East regions for over 5,000 years. Originally, the application of henna was to get benefits from its natural cooling properties. It was especially helpful for people living in hot desert climates. Earlier, it was also famous for its medicinal purposes, such as treating stomach aches, burns, open wounds, and headaches.
Over the years, artists evolved into a decorative form of body art, developing into wedding designs. The design varies from region to region. It features intricate patterns from India, bold motifs art from the Middle East, and symmetrical tribal art from Africa.
So, now, for weddings, you will have diverse design options to give yourself a unique and creative look.
Prioritise Safety Concerns Before Buying Henna
Today, henna is available in product form from different brands. You will easily get access to henna products for Mehndi Arts. Also, artists make their own formulations with various ingredients. However, keep in mind that safety is a major concern when buying the product.
No doubt, Henna is extracted in a natural way. The rising demand for a richer look and more vibrant colours led to the introduction of chemicals into the products. This is sometimes harmful to the skin. PPD (paraphenylenediamine) is one such controversial chemical due to its potential health risks. It can cause severe allergic reactions in many individuals.
When hiring your henna artist, do not hesitate to inquire about the ingredients added to the henna paste. If possible, request a sample to see how your skin reacts and do a patch test before application. It is better to prioritise natural options when you have young children participating in the wedding ceremony.
Safety Tips for Applying Henna During the Ceremony
- Hire a Reputable Artist: Select a henna artist who uses high-quality and natural ingredients. Discuss the henna paste’s contents to avoid harmful chemicals. Let them know about your allergy concerns.
- Conduct a Patch Test: Before the application, perform a patch test by applying a small amount of henna to a small area of the skin. Wait 24 hours to check for any allergic reactions.
- Ensure Clean Skin: Clean the area before applying henna. Make sure it is free from cuts, irritations, or any skin conditions to reduce the risk of infection.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Keep the henna application away from direct sunlight and heat. It can impact the henna’s staining quality.
- Right Application Time: Choose the right time without interruptions, preferably in the evening or nighttime.
- Intensify the Henna Colour: Apply warming solutions such as oils or vapour rub to intensify the colour.
- Allow Henna to Dry Completely: Let the henna dry thoroughly before touching or moving. This helps enhance the stain’s intensity and prevents smudging.
- Follow Aftercare Instructions: After the henna has been set, avoid water for at least 6-8 hours. Moisturise with natural oils and refrain from using soaps to retain the design and maintain skin health.
Role of Mehndi Ceremony in the Wedding
The mehendi ceremony serves multiple significant roles in weddings. The ceremony is not only about the tradition but also enhances the overall celebration and preparation. It fosters bonding and celebration and leads to pampering and relaxation. Moreover, it enhances aesthetic vibes in the wedding environment, providing great photo opportunities.
This gathering adds to the joyful and festive atmosphere of the wedding festivities while honouring cultural traditions. It unites loved ones in a happy union.
Wrapping It Up!
Henna is more than just a beautiful design. It is a symbol of culture, tradition, joy and celebration. It links you to ancient traditions and adds a great touch to your contemporary celebrations. So, don’t you think Henna art should be the centre of attraction in your wedding? Do you want to capture the best Mehndi moments? Want to make perfect transitions of video clips to capture memorable moments? Get in touch with Visionary Photography, a professional Asian wedding photographer in London.
FAQs
Q1. How long does henna last?
Henna usually lasts 4 to 7 days, but with natural oils, it can also last two to three weeks. It depends on various factors, such as skin type and aftercare. The stain fades gradually due to factors like skin exfoliation and exposure to water. Darker stains tend to last longer, while lighter stains may fade more quickly.
Q2. How to remove henna?
There are many ways to remove henna faster. You can use an antibacterial soap, use micellar water, or go for a scrub exfoliation or chemical exfoliant. If you want to remove it from clothes, you can use baking soda or vinegar. You can also use whitening toothpaste to remove stains on cloth.
Q3. How long does henna take to dry?
The henna takes about 30 minutes to dry. It is kept over 5 to 8 hours for better results. Once it feels dry to the touch, it is essential to leave it on for several hours. The ideal choice is to keep it overnight to achieve the best and darkest stain possible.
Q4. Where to buy henna?
You can buy henna at beauty supply stores, speciality shops, and online retailers like Amazon and Etsy. Additionally, local cultural markets often carry high-quality henna products. Always look for natural, skin-safe options to ensure the best results for your application. Mehndi artists also make their own products.
