Henna in our culture is a symbol of tradition and also celebration. Getting beautiful Mehndi patterns done has become a ritual on festivals such as Diwali, Eid, Karva Chauth. Today with growing globalization, celebrities such as Madonna and Liv Taylor have been spotted sporting tattoos.
Brief history
It is believed that Cleopatra used Henna as nail polish and often had her palms adorned with its intricate patterns. It was also used to paint the nails of the Egyptian mummies. Such is the history of this art that it India, the deeper the color of the bride’s Mehndi , the more her husband loves her. Many games and traditions surround Mehndi ceremonies of the subcontinent such as hiding the groom’s name in the bride’s Mehndi. In northern Africa, Mehndi is painted on doors to ward off evil.
What is Henna?
Henna is an evergreen herb known for its coloring properties. The art of applying Henna on hands and feet is called Mehndi. In India application of Mehndi holds a special place in the festivities of any wedding.
Traditional Mehendi is obtained by crushing the leaves of the Mehendi plant. This gives a fine powder. The commercial plant available on market shelves is made by adding chemicals to it. These chemical additives can cause harmful chemical reactions and allergies. They can also remove the natural luster of your hair making it limp and lifeless.
Mehendi powder
Preparing Henna for your hair
- Crush Henna leaves and get a fine powder. Mix this powder with water until you get a smooth blend with a thick consistency.
- Let it stay so that the color develops. The longer you keep the mixture aside, the deeper the color will be.
- You can add additives such as Amla (Indian gooseberry) powder, Aloe Vera, or coconut oil to the paste. Amla powder contains fatty acids that strengthen and nourish the hair. Aloe Vera contains Proterozoic enzymes that repair dead cells and undo the damage done to your hair by pollution and dust. Coconut oil hydrates your hair and moisturizes it.
Benefits of applying Henna
- Scalp health
It promotes overall well being of the scalp. You can even use it as a hair coloring agent because it does not have any harmful side effects that chemical hair colors have.
- Dandruff remover
Scalp itching is controlled and dandruff is reduced.
Boosts hair growth and stops hair fall
It cleanses the hair follicles and sets the acid-base pH of your scalp to an optimum value. It also makes your hair grow longer and stronger.
- Cooling agent
It acts as a cooling agent and has a soothing effect on the skin. Henna can also be applied on burns as it not only assuages the pain, but also prevents infection by microbes. It can also be used for acne treatment and eye redness.
- Treats cracking nails
Henna, when applied to nails, heals them and makes them lustrous.
- Softens and strengthens hair
Henna turns dry and limp hair smooth and shiny. For even better results, add coconut oil to the henna-water mix as mentioned in how to prepare.
- Stops premature graying of hair
Henna prevents thinning of hair and keeps gray hair at bay.
- Conditioner for your hair
It acts as a protective coating for your hair and adds volume to it. It also makes your hair bouncy.
- Kills lice
Your hair is protected from lice with this magical product. Applying henna on ring worms and eczema is known to reduce sores and redness.
10. Anti inflammatory
It has anti inflammatory properties that make it good for your scalp.
So the next time your hair or nails need some pampering you know that you can always trust the Evergreen mehndi!