| History of Henna |
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Henna is known to exist for many centuries and the history of henna is associated with many inconsistencies which is a bone of contention. It is traditionally used in Hindu and Muslim countries and as a temporary measure in the west. Henna is extensively cultivated in various countries of Asia and Africa. The output of henna in terms of quality and quantity depends on the prevailing atmospheric conditions of that country.
Names of Henna in different countries
The history of henna traces its name in different forms in different countries. Here are some of them namely Lawsonia inermis, Hinna or Mehndi, Mehandi, Al- Khanna, Jamaica Mignonette, Henna, Al- Henna, Smooth Lawsonia and Egyptian Privet.
Inhabitants of the countries in the Middle East have learnt how to crush henna leaves and make it into a powder. They also found out that this powder contained chemical agents which provides the powder to stain any object touched by it. They have also found out that it can be used on the human skin if the powder is mixed with natural oil. From them, it spread to all parts of the world by their trade contacts with the Europeans. Europeans in their conquests are aware of this product from their trade in the Middle East. They encountered the Polynesians who used to wear permanent designs on their skins. European knowledge of henna and Polynesian culture of permanent tattoo paved the way for henna design, which are temporary and can be suitably altered to suit the prevailing mood of the situation. The benefits of henna designs are that they can be discarded at any time, being temporary in nature. The safety features of henna as a hair dye is recognized the world over.
Henna is a small dark green leaved plant with natural fragrance. The application of henna on the palm is for ornamental purposes and is also used as a natural hair dye to conveniently mask graying hair. It has natural color rendering, staining and conditioning properties. They are used for ornamental designs on the feet, fore arms and hands.
History of henna throws light that the usage of henna differs from place to place depending on their religion. Henna designs signify fertility, spiritual explanation and good health depending on the interpretation made in that geographical location. Nowadays, almost all over the world people are using henna for hair treatment and design purposes, so to pinpoint the nationality would be a futile exercise.
Arabic henna designs are usually big and they have floral pattern on the feet and hands. Indian designs comprise of thin and fine lines for paisley, lacy and floral patterns for feet, fore arms and hands. African designs are generally black and geometrical designs are incorporated. Africans prefer black and they mix the henna paste with ammonia to turn it to black. Ammonia is toxic, not preferable and deaths have been reported after use of ammonia. Egyptians applied henna paste on the fingers of deceased Pharaohs, before mummification process in their belief that it would protect from evil forces. Later several styles evolved depending on the cultural and social aspects.
The history of henna portrays its use as a hair dye prompted many manufacturers to improve on it and design products that offer henna paste of different colors as a variation to the original texture. The original stains made by the henna paste were either brown, orange brown or reddish brown. In the quest to conquer all mines and as a strategy to expand the product range, artificial chemicals were introduced into the paste to achieve other colors like blue, black etc. Unfortunately these chemicals are not suitable to all and produce allergic reactions in some. Complete acceptance of these color variations of henna is not there and application of this can be done only on individual discretion.
Before deciding on going for henna, you have to decide whether you will stick to henna or not. Sufficient time should elapse after a chemical dye is applied for henna to show the desired results. Henna tends to stay longer on the hair and if you want to change to your original dye, the henna colors only appear to your amusement. Brighter colors in henna tend to dominate the original hair color. |
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