7 WAYS TO USE HENNA YOU MAY NOT HAVE CONSIDERED
Henna has been used for dying hair and body art for weddings and celebrations for many thousands of years.
There are reports of Cleopatra adorning her body in intricate designs and the ancient greeks were renowned for it.
Henna was one of the many wonders of the east brought to Europe hundreds of years ago, and since then we’ve been using it to add colour to our worlds too.
But it does more than that.
In recent years, with the advent of TikTok, there’ve been some fun and inventive ways to use Henna creatively and with fantastic effects!
So, here’s our guide to some inventive new ways to try Henna art – let us know on Facebook what you’ve tried and share the results.
1. Henna Brows:
Henna brows are a natural, skin friendly and long-lasting way to ensure you have fantastic eyebrows for up to 21 days.
Our brilliant stockists It’s Pure have a full guide to achieving henna brows here, but in general it’s very easy, just be sure to patch test first for colour results >
2. Dying your Beard:
Men’s beard dyes are often very dark and very opaque which can look unnatural and heavy.
Using henna, which is more translucent, in a series of layers so you build up tones, is a lovely way to add colour.
You do need to use quite a lot of amla and a little indigo to get a cooler, brown shade but when you get it right, it works beautifully.
3. Contouring:
Some very clever tik tokers have taken to using Henna to overline and plump lips for a longer term tattoo effect to their makeup. It's clever and very effective.
4. Creating Freckles:
Another trend originating across social media is the creation of freckles using henna.
Get an old clean toothbrush and literally flick makeup onto your cheeks, nose and across your forehead.
Leave for about 40 minutes then wash off, for a pretty ‘Meghan Markle on her wedding day’ type effect.
Note: If you’re using Henna on your face, avoid using lemon to mix it, it’ll be too harsh, especially for sensitive skins.
5. Body Tattoos:
We’ve used Mehndi art for thousands of years, but some people are having a lot of fun using Henna on their bodies in different ways.
Little stars on the abdomen, dolphins on feet and other cute little designs are appearing all over the place.
6. Nail art
In some cultures, nail polish is strictly prohibited, but intense henna, mixed with beetroot can be used in its place to add colour and shine to nails.
The best bit? It never gets chipped!
7. As a clothing dye
Henna can also dye clothes. It’s messy for big areas but if you use it carefully, you can create the most beautiful patterns on silks and cottons. It may bleed a little so be careful, but once it’s set it tends not to fade.
Hopefully our guide will show you how creative and inspiring Henna can be, get yours here and have fun!