Theres something so beautiful and feminine about Henna art.  Which is why I was so excited and honored to have TSB, from TSB artistry take timeout of her busy schedule to do my first Henna body art.

TSB started off with burning Palo Santo (holy wood) smudge sticks, to cleanse away negative energy, to inspire creativity, evoke protection, blessings and bring forth love and good fortune. The smoke from the smudge stick helps keep mosquitoes and flies away.  A beautiful and spiritual start to my first Henna art experience!

My interview with TSB

I interviewed TSB while she was doing my Henna.

When did you get started with Henna?

I’ve alway played with Henna as a child, my mom had it around the house, but professionally 3 years.

 

Are there different tools for doing Henna Art?

Yes, there are many different applications and techniques. I use mainly the cones, I roll it myself with cellophane and recently I started to use pins to keep it closed and give me that consistent tip size. Im trying to practice using the Moroccan glass syringe. In Morocco its traditional to use glass or plastic syringe with the henna paste in a Moroccan tea cup. I brought mines to show you.

Are there different colors of Henna?

Yes, (TSB shows me her foot which she has both the traditional reddish color henna and the Jagua Henna that produces a realistic-looking blue-black tattoo) I mix the henna powder myself with back tea, sugar and essential oils. The black looking henna is the same mix, but with jagua juice added.

 

What is Jagua juice? I’ve never heard of it.

Its a tropical fruit from South America, its newer to the scene. I haven’t had anyone react to my Henna. But with Jagua there are people that can be sensitive to it.  A lot of people want black Henna (not to be confused with jagua Henna), any product labeled “black henna” is actually a synthetic concoction containing  PPD (p-Phenylenediamine) a chemical compound that can be very toxic and damaging to the skin.

Where can I buy Henna? 

On-line, and at most health stores, look for body art Henna.

 

Can you use the body art Henna on your hair?

Yes, you can use body art Henna on your hair, I only use the body art on my hair, it has more dying potential so it covers gray hair really well.

 

Is this Henna your using organic?

Yes, the lady I buy it from only sells organic Henna

 

What do I need to do to care for my henna and how long will it last? 

Henna paste should be kept on for 4-6 hours, overnight is also suggested. To remove Henna paste scrape it off or allow to fall off naturally. Immediately apply oil or cream to fresh Henna stain and avoid water for the next 24 hours. The stain will start a bright orange and darken for 48 hours as the Henna oxidizes.  Henna stains the skin so as your skin naturally renews your Henna will slowly start to disappear.

TSB continued to do Henna on both my palms and back of both hands. As she hennaed the quarter moon I picked from her book of Henna art, she explained the waxing moon represents intention, hopes, and wishes. She asked me what do I want to bring forward. I thought, health, money and love. Of course, most important thing I could hope for is good health, for my son especially. Money is nothing without good health.

TSB was done all four henna art pretty quick. Everything TSB hennaed was free handed. She put lemon and sugar juice on my henna to keep it moist and to intensify the henna, and gave me care instructions.

It was truly a fun and spiritual experience. Would I do it again? Hell Yeah!!!

 

It is said that Cleopatra used henna to adorn her body to beautify herself.