The art of body painting with henna has been practiced for over 5000 years in Pakistan, India, Africa, and the Middle East. Because henna has natural cooling properties, it originally was applied as a paste to soothe overheated hands and feet. When the stain then faded away, it naturally left patterns on the skin surface. This eventually led to the idea of using henna to make designs for decorative purposes, which is how we usually rock it today!
While intricate henna painting has long been used in many cultures as adornment for celebrating weddings, birthdays, and holidays, it is so incredibly easy to use that we just love it as a gorgeous way to express personal style in a non-permanent way. Particularly in the Summer, this exotic body art looks so boho chic peeking out from under your favorite tank top or sundress!
Fun henna fact: Henna can act as a sunblock, creating tan lines around the patterns you create! If you create a henna design and would like to see this awesomeness in action, let its natural color stay on for 3-5 days, and then go hang out in the sun for awhile!
Here’s our video tutorial on how to get started with henna:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiJj60w0J6s]
Feeling curious about henna? Mexicali Blues offers a full kit so you can try out this terrific traditional body art for only $5!
The post Traditional Techniques: The Art of Henna appeared first on Mexicali Blues Blog.
