Beauty, Tradition; Henna

Why Did I chose henna? I had been given a henna design by my aunt. I loved it so much, so she got me henna. I kept practicing, improving and discovering. I want to learn more!

Does Henna have a history? Henna has been used for over 5000 years, some documentation of it being used 9000 years ago. Henna was practiced in Pakistan, India, Africa and the middle east. Henna was used to cool down your body in the hot heat, as long as the dye was left on your skin you were to believe that you are cooled down. As henna would come off your skin it left designs on your skin, creating the idea of it for the use of beauty.

What is henna used for? Beauty Hair Dyeing Eyebrows Used to dye fabric such as wool, silk and leather Celebrations Weddings Religious Holidays Pregnancy Health Heads decorated during chemotherapy Cooling Camouflaging Scars

The henna plant Flowering plant that grows up to 15 feet tall. The hotter the temperature the better the plant grows. The plant contains lawson which is a reddish dye that binds to the keratin (a protein) in our skin and safely stains the skin. Leaves are made into a powder then mixed in with creamy paste creating henna. Stays in skin from 1-4 weeks.

meet Nadra Jiffry Nadra stands as a wife and a proud mother to her children. She upholds her business as a full time henna artist, which she founded in 2008. Every design that is produced is different, off scratch, and ranges from Western, Indian, Arabic and traditional backgrounds.

Nadra’s artwork

My art #1 Egypt was known to also use henna. Pyramid represents Egypt. It is documented that Cleopatra used henna. Cleopatra was killed by a snake. The writing in the middle says “snake”. This represents Egypt in one more way.

My art #2 Covers most of my hand representing a wedding design. Nadra makes beautiful designs using the same type of flower that I used.

The more you practice the better you get! My art #3 The more you practice the better you get! Attempt #1 Attempt #2

More of my work!!!

Elements and principles of design Color Contrast Balance Shape different shapes creating big patterns Line Different types of widths in lines Straight lines and curvy lines Shapes are equal size There are equal amounts of henna on each side of a hand

I had to keep my hand steady I had to do lots of practice What I learned Patience I had to keep my hand steady I had to do lots of practice Following my timeline was hard and I often was off track

Thanks! any questions ?