Henna or mehendi is an ancient Indian tradition of adorning the body with intricate patterns. Mehendi leaves are plucked from a particular bush that grows quite aggressively in most parts of India and which is used as a hedging plant because of its thorns. These leaves are dried and crushed into a dark green powder. Magically enough, when this powder is mixed with water and the paste is applied on the skin, it leaves behind a dark orange to bright red pigment which stays on for a couple of weeks before fading away. Sometimes other natural ingredients like black tea are mixed in the paste to enhance the color of the pigment. Since the skin exfoliates, the henna pattern etched on it eventually goes pale and disappears.

Mehendi’s bright colors signify auspiciousness and it is widely used for happy occasions like weddings. In fact, the couple’s family and friends get together and celebrate, with mehendi patterns being drawn on their hands and feet. Folk music and laughter makes the whole occasion very enjoyable. Henna is used for many Indian festivals too, where young girls and married women apply it on their hands. Both Hindu and Muslim cultures place importance on bridal mehendi.

At Perfect Shape salons, we bring you this delightful age-old tradition in all its authentic splendor. You can get henna applied on your palms, hands, arms, neck, back and feet or go for henna tattoos. Henna takes a while to dry and the longer you let it dry, the deeper the color turns out to be.

What all can I get done with henna?

As Reshma Monteiro suggests, ‘You can get beautiful henna patterns drawn on your hands and feet. You can even opt for henna tattoos. We also do elaborate bridal mehendi fit for grand occasions.’

Henna is also used as a natural hair colorant. If you are fed up of hair dyes and their chemical impact on your hair, you can use henna. Henna paste is applied on the hair and left to dry. After an hour or so, it is washed and you are left with sweet smelling hair colored bronze with a slight orangish tint. You get perfect grey coverage and henna acts as a natural conditioner for hair too.

Can I go for temporary henna tattoos?

Yes, Perfect Shape Threading Salon also specializes in temporary henna tattoos. You can pick up a pattern of your choice or go in for an original design and it will last for a few days. The color will wash away quite easily. There is no pricking, sticking or pasting involved. A trained beautician will use a cone to squeeze out henna paste on to your skin and leave it to dry. Once you wash the dried paste off, your temporary tattoo will reveal itself.

What is the difference between henna and black henna?

Black henna is used to dye hair black. It is not henna but has extracts from the Indigo plant along with mild chemicals. Trained beauticians at Perfect Shape know how to use black henna for hair coloring effectively. You can color your hair raven black in a few minutes with black henna.