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Category: Other general information

Where can I buy henna in the UK?

Where can I buy henna in the UK?

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Hennacat supplies henna powder, body art kits, hair kits, herbals, incense, readymade paste cones, oils and accessories. Henna powder: Organic Rajisthani Henna Power – Hennacat Premium Organic Rajasthani Henna is carefully sourced from Rajasthan, the premium henna producing area of India. One of the best premium henna powders available, this beautifully sifted powder mixes into a smooth paste suitable for the most intricate of mehndi body art or tightly curled hair. I always order small quantities of this henna, which…

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The dangers ‘black’ henna

The dangers ‘black’ henna

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If you see a shop or stall while abroad, or even at a festival or fair in the UK offering black henna tattoos, do not be tempted to get one. The black paste in these temporary tattoos may contain a high level of chemical dye so powerful and toxic that it is illegal to use on the skin in this way. The risks of black henna lie in the paste’s ingredients – specifically, a chemical called paraphenylenediamine (PPD). Although PPD…

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The Henna Plant

The Henna Plant

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Botanical Name: Lawsonia Inermis Henna is a tall shrub or small tree, standing 6 to 25 ft. The plant is a tall shrub or small tree, with multiple branches, growing up to 6 meters in ideal conditions. The green leaves are elliptical and approximately 5 cm long by 1.5cm wide. Henna flowers are delicate and petite with four petals and elongated stamens. Although usually white, they can be red, pink or a variety of other colours depending on the variety….

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Henna traditions following child birth

Henna traditions following child birth

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In some cultures it is traditional to henna a woman’s feet after she has had a baby. This wonderful tradition keeps her from getting up to resume housework (due to having to sit still for the henna to go on, then sit some more while the henna dries), and therefore allows her to rest and bond with her baby. It will also give her comfort knowing that she is cared for while relatives and friends help cook, clean and look…

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Henna for hair: Ways to colour your hair naturally

Henna for hair: Ways to colour your hair naturally

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One well known and popular natural dye is henna, but did you know there are many herbs and natural substances that can also be used. They won’t be as potent as using natural henna, but are cheap and easy to use and can add a subtle tint or slightly lighten your hair if used regularly. Blonde: Blonde hair will usually take up more color that most others. Lemons – The method of using lemon juice to lighten or add highlights…

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Henna in ancient Egypt

Henna in ancient Egypt

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Henna’s historical trail begins in ancient Egypt. Modern Egypt remains one of the main commercial suppliers of the plant, as do the parts of Sudan corresponding with ancient Nubia. Egypt’s associations with henna are confirmed by its botanical nickname Egyptian privet. The term “henna” derives from the Arabic, al khanna. There is a hieroglyph, pouquer, which is believed to indicate the henna plant. The term mehndi, used synonymously for henna, derives from the Sanskrit mehandika. Much of the modern revival…

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The History of Henna

The History of Henna

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Centuries of migration and cultural interaction make the task of determining henna’s exact origin a complex one. However, historians argue that henna has been used for at least 5,000 years in both cosmetic and healing capacities. Research suggests that henna was used in Pakistan, India, Africa and the Middle East. Because henna has natural cooling properties, people of the desert, for centuries, have been using henna to cool down their bodies.  They make a paste of henna and soak their…

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Celebrities love henna too!

Celebrities love henna too!

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When Christina Hendricks tied the knot  the “Mad Men” actress wore a henna design painted on her hands and feet. Henna (or mehndi as it is known) is one of the most important wedding rituals in India. It became popular in the West in the 90s and is generally used for special occasions.  Other celebrities to have bridal henna include Beyoncé, and also Katy Perry for her wedding in India. Alanis Morissette had her bump decorated with henna at her…

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Lucille Ball and Henna

Lucille Ball and Henna

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Lucille Ball is famous for a lot of reasons, but her signature red hair was one of the best kept secrets in Hollywood. Her hair stylist was instructed to keep her hair dye under lock and key. Lucille’s hair was kept vibrant with a secret Egyptian Henna rinse, which explains why it has been so hard to duplicate by hair designers across the country. The henna rinse gave a ‘golden apricot’ colour to her hair. Rumour has it that she…

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Henna for hair: How does Henna benefit your hair?

Henna for hair: How does Henna benefit your hair?

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Henna can benefit your hair in a number of ways. Henna doesn’t just colour your hair, it also works as a great conditioner. It coats the hair and builds a protective layer that safeguards the strands from damage. Regular use of henna makes your hair thick and strong by locking the essential moisture in the hair. Henna adds a natural shine and gloss to your mane.  It does not penetrate the hair, in the same way that other dyes do, and…

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