Are you cosmetically obsessed? Do trips to makeup counters and drug stores get you excited? Why not try something from Mother Nature`s cabinet instead? The roots of today`s beauty industry can be traced back to over 90 centuries ago. Members of these earlier civilizations created a paste from the dried leaves of a bush known as lawsonia inermis, and voila, the birth of henna!

This ancient art of body-painting has been found as a component of a variety of traditions and celebrations among diverse religions and cultures, and now even in recent years it is making a comeback in popularity!

The intricate art of henna allows designs and symbols to transform ordinary skin into living canvases!  The all natural medium is applied to the skin`s surface, leaving a temporary stain on the outer layers. No pain here! The henna paste feels like pudding on the skin. In as little as 30 minutes of drying, the paste will begin to crumble off, leaving the dyed layers of skin below. Over the next 24 hours, the design will continue to darken in color, resulting in a deep burgundy-brown.

And for all of those commitment-phobes, not to worry, henna only lasts, on average, two to three weeks. The life of your living art depends mainly on how fast your skin sheds, which often depends on the body part (i.e. henna will last longer on the soles of your feet than your hands). Exfoliation is one factor that can actually accelerate this process. So if you`re hoping to preserve the life of your delicate ‘tat`, try gentle cleansing and moisturizing!

Most commonly, henna adorns the hands and feet, but henna can be applied wherever you have skin! Like the more permanent kind, henna tattoos can vary drastically, including traditional designs as well as creative interpretations. However, with henna you can give yourself a test-run before going for that permanent tattoo you’ve been longing for, in less time, no tenderness or healing needed, and still all the beauty!

So get in-touch with society`s ancestors! Whether it’s a celebration worthy of a party or just a celebration of yourself, henna is a unique display of your inner exuberance!

About the Author: Shobha Tummala owns two high-end spas in New York City, Shobha SoHo and Shobha, specializing in making the exotic more familiar.  At Shobha, the dedicated staff brings ancient hair removal and skincare traditions like threading, sugaring, and all-natural facials to the mainstream in a relaxed, Indian-inspired environment. Skilled henna artists are also available for private events.

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