Newbie Henna Question

My daughter saw some of Kim's fabulous works of Henna Art, She thought it was the most beautiful thing ever and asked if we could try it. Of course I told her we could give it a try. But I have a few questions. I looked online and became so confused, I thought I'd post my questions here so the henna professionals could help me. One is she to young to have henna on her skin? She is only 6. I read there are many kinds of henna, some bad, some good. How do I know which to buy? Is there a kit anyone would recommend? Can I store left over henna or must it be discarded? Sorry I know I seem clueless...But I totally am. Any help directing me to a reputable site or distributor would be greatly appreciated.

No one can help?

I really don't know anything about henna, but saw your call for help. On this thread they say this:

Re: Show and tell
by Teri on Thu Jul 08, 2010 5:41 pm

.i have been checking these out and some sources online. how does one learn, find resources, stencils etc. did you all just get a book and give it a go?

i absolutely love the look, all your work looks so pretty!

teri.
Teri
Apprentice




Number of posts: 87
Registration date: 2010-06-29

Re: Show and tell
by dixieddl on Fri Jul 09, 2010 12:33 am

.www.hennapage.com

is a great resource!

they have a "henna school kit" that is what I started out with, just to see if I could even do it! it comes with a disc that has numerous designs to start you off. along with most of the other stuff you will need to give it a go. .
_________________
Dixie
www.daydream-designs.com

from this thread
http://www.facepaintforum.com/t2411-show-and-tell

The Henna page is a gr8 resource - take some time to browse through the how to and beginner info sections. My personal opinion is to be a bit wary of henna kits as some premade henna is of questionable quality and can have dodgy ingredients. Get some Pre sifted Jamilla and make your own mix which can be stored in the fridge for a day or two of the freezer for up to a few months. There are different recipies on the henna page but so long as there is some lemon juice and maybe black tea and some kind of "terp" it should be good for home play.
I think the standard line now is under 5 kids are too young for henna but there doesn't seem to be real scientific research on this??
My old boss henna-ed her youngest since she was about 2 but I guess it is like anything... patch test and leave it a day or two and don't do it if you know she is sensitive/allergic to lots of stuff. I don't generally henna youngesters that age as they can't sit still long enough for it to dry so it turns out to be quite messy. Oh yeah the some bad henna some good? BLACK HENNA IS BAD!!!!! But if you buy Jamilla and make it yourself it will be brown. Then it is OK.
Oh and don't feel bad if you can't replicate Kim's awesomely amazing designs straight off the bat. I've been doing henna for 7 yrs and her seeing her work has been making me push myself to get better enough to do what she does... she also has books on her website that you can buy and download...
hope that helps

Thanks for your Help ladies. Its much appreciated. I'm off to check out the henna pg
PS whats Terp?
JB saw your glitter henna phots on FB they are beautiful!

Sorry I did not notice this earlier.
If she has no allergies she is fine to have it on her skin. The concern with putting henna on young children is due to a G6PD deficiency. It is one of those allergies that are worse the younger you are.

There are many crops of henna but henna only comes in 1 color range as it is a natural plant dye. Anything that says it is colored has something other then henna in it. NEVER GET BLACK HENNA. Black henna has dangerous chemicals in it.

If you want safe henna buy from a reputable dealer or artist. Mixing it yourself is best. That way you know what is in your mix. Jamilla is a great powder as it is shifted very nicely. Powder can be kept in an airtight container the freezer practically forever. Paste can be kept in the freezer for about 6 months or so.

I buy all my henna and when lazy premixed paste from an artist I have worked with for years. http://www.magicalmehendi.com/

Terps are oils you add to your paste to help boost the color. eucalyptus and Cajeput are the most popular and very effective while lavender is less effective but the safest for pregnant women and people with allergies. I think henna page has a list of them.

You can also purchase pre-made henna paste to try from www.hennapages.com and also from www.hennacaravan.com

They are both extremely reputable, have nothing untoward in their henna and before investing in powders and oils until you learn if you like it, it's a good option.

They both ship it frozen so by the time it reaches your door, it's ready for use- which is really nice too. I've been ordering from both of them (my henna powder and applicators) for years without issue and know others who've used the paste.

These are definitely the way to go if you don't want to make your own the first time out.

Good luck!

Thanks Amy and Lynnie off to check it out now

anramire2 wrote:Thanks for your Help ladies. Its much appreciated. I'm off to check out the henna pg
PS whats Terp?
JB saw your glitter henna phots on FB they are beautiful!

I only started adding glitter after seeing Kims glitter pics. It has definitely been a huge hit!!

Hi Angela! I didn't catch this one AT ALL, but I did PM you. If you or anyone here needs some hints, links, tips, just pm me! It seems you have gotten all the info you would need so you are good to go!

Good luck and happy henna-ing!