Where is henna tattoo from

If you attend a traditional Indian wedding, henna will almost always be a part of the celebration. To learn more about specific henna designs and their meanings, we spoke with Shaily Savla, a henna tattoo expert based in Los Angeles. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about henna tattoos. Meet the Expert. Shaily Savla is a henna tattoo expert and founder of Gold Nine Ink , henna-inspired temporary tattoos. While the term "henna" is Arabic and is tied to many cultures and religions, it's most predominant in India where it's known as mehndi.

Savla explains that henna is a crucial part of many Indian celebrations, including Diwali, engagements, and weddings. The henna itself is a temporary dye that has gained popularity for its beauty, but among Indian culture it's considered more of a ritual.

Henna paste is is made from a powder derived from the henna plant. The temporary dye has—and still is—most popularly used to adorn women and men as part of their marriage celebrations. Those unfamiliar with the practice may question if henna tattoos are permanent, and while they are temporary, there are a few factors that go into the longevity of them.

The darker it is, the longer it will last. Savla notes that while most henna pastes include natural ingredients to elevate the natural colors, black henna—a type of henna that's been laced with a harmful substance to make it darker and last longer—has gained recognition over the years. These additives can pose major risks to the skin in the form of chemical burns and allergic reactions. Like ink tattoo, henna can be applied almost anywhere on the body, albeit certain locations hold more significance than others.

For instance, henna tattoos placed on the palms have been said to allow the person to be able to receive and offer blessings. Also, the physical feeling of getting a henna tattoo plays a role. According to Savla, "henna has a natural cooling effect when applied, which is said to have nerve-calming properties before the wedding day when placed on the hands and feet. On the flip side, when henna is applied on the top of the hands, it suggests protection—traditionally, brides get their mehndi adorned all the way up the their elbow.

Aside from the hands, the feet are also a spiritual place to get henna. The biggest drawback is perhaps the proliferation of a chemical called paraphenylenediamine PPD , aka "black henna. When you ask to get your henna done, triple-check the fact that the henna being used is chemical-free. If one opts for a black or bluish color, Jagua Gel is available and has a beautiful stain. It is all natural and is free of chemicals and dyes. Another downside of the globalization of henna, according to Haque, is the widespread appropriation and lack of respect for the sacred tradition.

Some hold this art very sacred and it is important to ask your artists the tough questions, so that when people ask you, 'what it means and where it comes from,' you can answer enthusiastically and confidently.

Some communities even consider the substance itself to be sacred. Thus, henna and symbols are used respectfully, sensitively and knowledgeably. Nowadays, people of all backgrounds receive and also apply the art. If you are someone that is applying the art, please be mindful and don't use cultural terms to promote your henna business. Don't call yourself a Guru or change your name just to get more clients.

While the rising popularity of henna has resulted in some distortion and misappropriation of its original significance, many artists are committed to keeping the tradition alive. I would get my henna done at any given chance and absolutely loved it. To learn more, see Color Additives and Cosmetics , and, for information on how color additives are approved, Color Additive Petitions. Cosmetics must be safe when consumers use them following directions on the label, or in the customary or expected way.

Except for color additives, the law does not require cosmetic products and ingredients to have FDA approval before they are marketed. In addition, firms are not required to report their safety information, including complaints. For example, we can issue Import Alerts and Warning Letters.

We have two Import Alerts in effect for temporary tattoos. FDA issues Warning Letters to let companies know that they have violated the law and to tell them what corrective action they need to take. While states have jurisdiction over professional practices such as tattooing and cosmetology, that oversight differs from state to state. Some states have laws and regulations for temporary tattooing, while others don't.

Where can you get henna tattoos? What does it look like? Suggest a correction. So Long, Hyaluronic Acid. Working Too Hard? Not Sleeping Enough? Experts Explain. Newsletter Sign Up. Successfully Subscribed!