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Henna Tattoos

In Western culture, henna tattoos are somewhat of a misnomer. A tattoo is implantation of pigmentation under the skin of a subject. Henna, on the other hand, is a dye that is applied to the outer layer of the skin. It can be applied like paint with a brush, or like icing with a cone. Once the pigment is applied the affected area is wrapped in bandages overnight to expedite the bonding of the pigment to the skin.

The original use of henna tattoos was for ceremonies in India. The most notable is the marking of a bride’s hands and feet for her wedding day.  A bridegroom is also marked in many parts of India. This practice has been honed over centuries of use in the area. As these people immigrated to other countries, they spread the practice with them. With the rise of globalism, cultural practices such as this that were once limited to one area are now available to all.

In almost any metropolitan area of the US, for instance, you will find henna tattoo artists plying their trade. While Western culture doesn’t hold to the cultural significance of henna, they are a popular marking for special occasions, such a prom. They can also serve as a placeholder while someone decides if they want a permanent tattoo in that location. Henna tattoos last anywhere from 2 weeks to six months, depending on your skin type and the type of pigment used.

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