Mehndi

How did you become interested in henna tattoos?
I became interested in henna tattoo by accident. I was helping a young women who was looking for an interesting way to make some summer money. She was not sure what she wanted to do, but knew that she liked to doodle.
Browsing at a local metaphysical shop, I found a henna kit that included a book, some designs & henna ingredients. I bought it for her and we set about experimenting with henna tattoo. The paste was wonderfully fragrant, the designs were fun... the process was captivating and the result was just wonderful.
As an "alchemist" of sorts, I became interested in the discovery of a recipe for the perfect paste. To test the paste, I had to do henna tattoos and the more I tattooed, the more I had to learn, the more fun I had, the more satisfied my clients were and there you have it.


Do people always use traditional designs for Mehndi or can they create their own?
I can only speak from my experience as an American henna artist. I offer my clients a choice of traditional henna designs, original designs and of course invite them to create their own. It is my experience that Americans prefer simple tattoo designs. As well, very few choose a full palm design. Most choose a tattoo design for their wrist, ankle or belly. Many choose back of the hand patterns, and some choose a henna tattoo for the foot.


What’s in your henna paste recipe?
Paste recipe's vary..... as a rule my paste includes fresh ground & sifted henna from Yemen, lemon juice, essential oils and a spiced "henna tea".
What’s the most elaborate tattoo you’ve ever applied and how long did it take to create?
The most elaborate tattoos I have done are full palm and full back of the hand tattoos. While I would love the opportunity to do full bridal mehndi, I have not yet had anyone order is. Full hand tattoos take about an hour to an hour an a half. Time is dependant on the willingness of the client to sit still.

Is the Mehndi culture different from the permanent-ink tattoo culture?
Apparently. I do not have much experience with being a part of either culture... however it is my experience that people who have permanent tattoos often are not interested in henna tattoo as they have a "real one."
People who choose henna are delighted by the flexibility mehndi provides as well as the unique color of the finished design.
Further, the henna paste by it's nature will not produce the same effect as permanent tattoo, so the style of art is different.