henna

:: henna gallery ::

For thousands of years, mehndi, the art of henna painting on the body, has been practiced in Africa, the Middle East, and India where the henna plant is believed to bring love and good fortune, and to protect against evil. As far back as 1200 B.C., the ancient Egyptians used henna on their nails and hair. Henna was also used to dye animal skins, textiles, and men's beards. When the henna plant's cooling properties were discovered, painting the skin became a way for the desert people of India to cool down their body temperatures.

As part of the total salon experience, Afrodisiac also features the ancient art of Henna tattooing. From Africa, by way of Somalia, Henna Artist Muna Dualle adorns the body with creative imagery and historic art for all occasions. A paste made from the crushed leaves of the henna plant is applied to the skin, and when removed several hours later, leaves beautiful, artistic markings that fade naturally for up to three weeks, depending on the level of moisture in the skin.