Thursday 15 October 2009

watching the Henna Artist at work

No visit to Little India is complete without at least watching the exquisite work of the Henna Artist ..... or maybe have it done yourself.

The henna has been used for numerous centuries in Middle Eastern and North African countries as part of the adornment of the body. In the 20th century, Henna patterning in India became more complex and beautiful. Still used by brides today, Henna designs are also popular with many as a temporary tattoo.

When the Henna paste is applied to the skin, the tannin in its molecules penetrates the columns of skin cells, resulting in a pattern which stays clear and in place till the last day of exfoliation. Depending on where it’s applied, a Henna stain may last from a few days to two weeks. The henna normally will go off after 2 to 3 weeks.



To read more about Little India, click here or visit previous posts on this blog:

Ice Delivery in the Tekka Centre


Deepavali 2009

Deepavali 2007

Janine's visit - April 2007

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