About the artist
After having henna done on a beach in India, I liked it so much I wanted to try it for myself. I bought some henna off the local market and started experimenting. For the rest of our travels I used my boyfriend as a guinea pig, as well as any other people willing to sit still long enough. I continued to practise when we got home and my newfound hobby soon turned into a full-fledged passion!
Since then I have been doing henna here in Dartford, London and the surrounding counties. I've done Moroccan and Arabian themed parties, festivals, markets and more. I've met some lovely people along the way and got to know them through the medium of henna and I hope there will be more great henna experiences on my path!
~ Mish
Origins of Henna
Henna has it's origins in a number of countries from Northern Africa to the Middle East and Asia. The tradition of using henna for ceremonies, celebrations or just in every day life, goes back thousands of years. It's used to dye hair, fingernails, fabrics, drum heads and ofcourse as body art. The latter becoming more and more popular in western culture as it's a beautiful and pain-free way to decorate your body.
Black henna
There is no such thing as black henna. Temporary tattoos promoted as black henna will most likely contain PPD (para-phenylenediamine) which is a very dangerous chemical. It can cause allergic reactions, blisters and even life long scars! Click here for more info on black henna.
Ingredients
The ingriedents used in the henna paste are:
- Organic Henna Powder
- Henna powder consists of dried and ground henna leaves. The henna plant (Lawsonia Inermis) contains natural dyes which temporarily stain the outer layers of the skin.
- Lemon Juice is added to the henna powder to create a paste. An acidic liquid like lemon juice brings out the natural dyes in the henna.
- The sugar is added to stop the paste from drying too quickly and help to it to stick to your skin better. It also makes the paste more smooth and easy to work with.
- Certain essential oils contain 'terpenes' From wiki; 'Terpenes and terpenoids are the primary constituents of essential oils of many types of plants and flowers'. Essential oils containing terps are added to henna paste to help darken the stain.
The ingriedents used in the aftercare balm are:
- Bees Wax
- Shea Butter
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Sweet Orange essential oil
Frequently Asked Questions
Is henna safe?
Yes, the henna paste is made with all natural ingedients and no chemicals or additives are used. Unless you're allergic to one of the ingredients listed above, henna is completely safe.
If you are allergic or intolerant, please let me know beforehand and the particular ingredient can be substituted.
How long does it last?
Henna can last upto 2 to 3 weeks. How dark the stain will be and how long it will last, depends on good after care. Find out how to best look after your henna here.
Where are you based?
I live in Dartford where I take private appointments. I serve the London and Kent area including Gravesend, Greenhithe (for Bluewater), Bexleyheath, Orpington, Maidstone, Bromley, etc. (View Map)
If you would like henna done outside the London/Kent area or even outside the UK, Henna Vibes also offers henna on location. Please get in contact with your requirements!
