Interview With A Henna Artist + Cute and Easy Tattoo Designs To Try!

Learn more about the art of Henna and start practicing with some exclusive designs!
I’ve always admired Arizka’s tattoos. A Free People web merchandiser, Riz has nailed the art of tattoo curation, incorporating both simple and complex pieces in thoughtful placement — text, symbols of summer and geomteric designs. Recently, I noticed Arizka was the proud owner of a few new additions to her normal skin adornment. I was curious.

Her hands had been kissed with Mehndi, or Henna (the more popular term for this type of art). I’ve always been a fan, but had it applied only a handful of times. An Indian tradition, Henna is typically worn at Hindu weddings or other festivities, but it’s become popular across the globe as a way to add ornate, temporary decoration to the skin, and as a form of artistic self-expression. Turns out, one of Arizka’s best friends is an expert in all things Henna. Not only did I want in on her hookup, but I thought it would be interesting to learn more about the art, and the artist herself. Below, Trisha Luhar, aka Moon_Mehndi_ , walks us through her experience with Henna and shares a few of her exclusive designs!

IMG_9821

Hi Trisha! Where are you from? What brought you to Philadelphia? 

I was born and raised in the beautiful city of Los Angeles, a mix of two ethnicities — my father’s family is from India and my mother is from New York. The Indian culture had a huge influence on my upbringing. After reneging a contract to teach kindergarten at an American Academy in Qatar, UAE, the world was at my feet. I preferred to stay in the USA and, with two best friends having moved to Philadelphia only a few years back, the decision was made to come here.

IMG_9948

Arizka is wearing the Look Into The Sun Maxi.

IMG_9817

How did you first start getting into the art of Henna?

Henna (or Mehndi) has been a part of my life forever. My Ba (Grandmother) would always have some paste in the house for my older sister and I to use. My sister is also a very talented henna artist and is a huge inspiration to me.

IMG_9831

How long have you been practicing the art of Henna?

I began to focus more on Henna in my later years. It’s so important to realize a creative energy release — on a regular basis — and, as some people paint, use coloring books or cook…I like to doodle Henna designs in my journals.

henna1fast

IMG_9841

What is Henna all about? What is its cultural significance? 

From the stories that have been passed down to me, Henna or (Mehndi) would represent beauty on an Indian female’s wedding day. Years ago, brides wouldn’t have access to much jewelry or fabulous gowns on their wedding day so, instead, Henna would be applied to the hands and feet. My culture has been practicing this tradition for hundreds of years and, as with anything that becomes better with practice, the designs that are applied to brides have become more intricate and detailed over time. In a traditional Indian wedding week (yes, week) one of the days and gatherings is dedicated to the application of Mehndi to the bride, as well as to the females close to her. It is such a fun time — time to sing, dance and feed one another.

IMG_9835

Are there different types of Henna? 

Sure, colored pastes can be used instead of the traditional staining paste.

IMG_9899

Do you have a homemade Henna recipe that you like to use?

Making the cone for the Henna paste is usually really tricky and, if not done right, the whole experience could be a disaster, so I usually buy them, based on previous experience, re: quality of paste. I look for richness in the color stain and smoothness of texture in application. I have a homemade recipe of cosmetic glue and mica powder to use on people who prefer a lesser-lasting stain, but who still want the elegance of the design — that will last about 24 hours and peel off when ready.

IMG_9916

henna2fast

What are some important things to keep in mind when drawing henna on the body?

Trusting oneself is always key. It is important to focus on the task at hand (literally) and rid all negativity from the mind. One time, I was really nervous that I wouldn’t do a good job, and I didn’t.

IMG_9913

IMG_9932

Does the placement of designs represent certain things?

For a traditional Indian wedding, the usual placement is on the hands and feet. Since my style is usually far from traditional, I like to use any part of the body to adorn with designs. I have my best friends to thank for this, as they love being my canvas.

IMG_9850

Are there any special things you can do to make it last longer?

Sure. The Henna starts off as a moist paste that will eventually dry and peel off, leaving a stain on the skin. So, to make the stain darker, it would make sense to keep the paste moist longer than usual. To do this, I either use warm lemon juice and sugar or hairspray. Sometimes a bride will put her hands over a fire (stove) on her wedding day to darken the color.

IMG_9866

IMG_9884

What ways can you use Henna other then the typical body adornment ?

I have seen women use it as a hair dye.

IMG_9930

What is your favorite kind of design?

My favorite? The smile on a client’s face when I am complete, of course!

IMG_9963

IMG_9947

Any advice for someone who is applying Henna for the first time?

Symmetry is best, finish the design before you judge it, practice with your friends and have fun!

IMG_9968

Below are two of Trisha’s exclusive designs that you can reference when doing your own!

To be used on the top of the foot:

foot design

To be used on the hands:

handdesign

Follow Trisha on Instagram!

Check out more DIY posts from the BLDG 25 Blog. 

Follow Jana on Instagram andTwitter!

0 0 vote
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
13 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
8 years ago

I love this! I am in Sri Lanka right now so getting the Henna is easy. Will start with these cute designs! Thanks a lot:)

Tanisha
8 years ago

Hi,
This is very beautiful! Do you know Henna has deep healing powers and could also be applied on scalp in summer! It gives a natural deep copper color to hair (to black and brown hair) and provides coolness :)

Victoria
8 years ago

I am in love with that beautiful dress! Is it a FP piece?

pat
8 years ago

What a lovely article! Inspired.

Amy
8 years ago

Beautiful, thanks!

8 years ago

Such a rad post and amazing photography!
xoxo

http://theindiegirl.com

8 years ago

Henna is a great thing to decorate your body and release stress, when I am really stressed I like to draw Henna at my body, it relaxes me. Your photos are so great, it shows a lovely atmosphere. I have a henna recipe at my blog ( its in german ). So inspired to do some hennatatoos today, love to do it with friends!

8 years ago

Wauw, Love this! Love the photography as well!

7 years ago

So beautiful! I have been wanting to do that for so long!

Simply want to say your article is as amazing. The clarity in your post is simply nice and i can assume you’re an expert on this subject.
Well with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep updated with forthcoming post.
Thanks a million and please continue the enjoyable work.

I am in fact grateful to the holder of this website who has shared this wonderful
article at at this time.

4 years ago

Hi, how do you make it so pleasing to the eye? This is very impressive.