What is henna or mehndi?
Design by Shanna Smith
Henna, or mehndi, is a natural dye commonly found in the Middle East, Africa, and India. This dye produces a reddish-brown, temporary stain for the hair and skin. The art of painting designs on the hands and feet can be found throughout history. Often times this tradition is associated with weddings, holidays, and celebrations, but it is also used daily in some regions of Asia and Africa as an enhancement of beauty.
Despite the lingering presence of henna in the world today, the art is still very unfamiliar to people, which is why I feel the henna programs are so popular.
Despite the lingering presence of henna in the world today, the art is still very unfamiliar to people, which is why I feel the henna programs are so popular.
Words of Wisdom (or Life Experience)
David Goe assisting with the henna, Mesa County Libraries
After holding 15+ henna programs and counting, I have some tidbits of information for first time henna programmers…
-Set the Age Limit!
I always limit henna to teens (ages 12-18 or grades 6-12). It is time intensive to create designs on anyone younger, due to the patience required.
The other day I was doing henna on a sixth grader, and not ten minutes later they had smeared the henna so bad that I asked them to wash it and I would just start again! This situation only gets worse with younger kids.
-Date Preferences
Think about creating this program for the summer months. Two reasons: you won’t have to worry about permission slips and the best henna is made on hot days! If you decide to do this program during the school year, I would keep the designs small and out-of-sight, and I would require written permission from parents/guardians (example permission slip attached at bottom of the page).
-Prepare for LARGE numbers!
I rarely have small crowds, so I always have a sign-up sheet ready. Also, do a talent search at your library (employees and volunteers) for other artists to assist with your program. A few times there are so many people that my eyes and back start aching from the strain, so DO consider finding some assistant for your own well being!
-Recycle henna paste
I try to make fresh batches of henna paste for each program, which leads to mass amounts of old henna cones. Instead of throwing away old henna paste, save it and allow teens to experiment with their own designs. I have seen some pretty scary designs by teens, so it is much better to have them practice with henna that will not last quite as long.
-DO NOT BUY YOUR HENNA…
At Hobby Lobby or other craft stores. The henna on these shelves is old, so the color will be faded. Henna paste has a very short shelf-life, so who knows how long the henna has been sitting on those store shelves. Periodically, I have people ask why their henna paste at home is not as dark or long lasting, this is the reason.
-Beware of Black Henna
I have never run into this problem, but apparently there is something advertised as "black henna" on the market. There is no such thing as black henna, so beware of this product. You can find more information about it at: http://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/productsingredients/products/ucm108569.htm.
-Set the Age Limit!
I always limit henna to teens (ages 12-18 or grades 6-12). It is time intensive to create designs on anyone younger, due to the patience required.
The other day I was doing henna on a sixth grader, and not ten minutes later they had smeared the henna so bad that I asked them to wash it and I would just start again! This situation only gets worse with younger kids.
-Date Preferences
Think about creating this program for the summer months. Two reasons: you won’t have to worry about permission slips and the best henna is made on hot days! If you decide to do this program during the school year, I would keep the designs small and out-of-sight, and I would require written permission from parents/guardians (example permission slip attached at bottom of the page).
-Prepare for LARGE numbers!
I rarely have small crowds, so I always have a sign-up sheet ready. Also, do a talent search at your library (employees and volunteers) for other artists to assist with your program. A few times there are so many people that my eyes and back start aching from the strain, so DO consider finding some assistant for your own well being!
-Recycle henna paste
I try to make fresh batches of henna paste for each program, which leads to mass amounts of old henna cones. Instead of throwing away old henna paste, save it and allow teens to experiment with their own designs. I have seen some pretty scary designs by teens, so it is much better to have them practice with henna that will not last quite as long.
-DO NOT BUY YOUR HENNA…
At Hobby Lobby or other craft stores. The henna on these shelves is old, so the color will be faded. Henna paste has a very short shelf-life, so who knows how long the henna has been sitting on those store shelves. Periodically, I have people ask why their henna paste at home is not as dark or long lasting, this is the reason.
-Beware of Black Henna
I have never run into this problem, but apparently there is something advertised as "black henna" on the market. There is no such thing as black henna, so beware of this product. You can find more information about it at: http://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/productsingredients/products/ucm108569.htm.
henna_permission_slip.doc | |
File Size: | 65 kb |
File Type: | doc |