Whenever we plan to applying henna, cheerful and enchanting vibes begin to play in our heart and gorgeous bright red decorated hands with creative and unique designs reflect their beauty in front our eyes. A blissful gathering with joy and laughter entertained the whole environment.
In Islamic culture, it is most important to keep yourself clean before offering prayer. Use of conventional nail polish is not allowed because the coating prevents water from touching the surface of the nail. Hennaed nails are acceptable because henna stains the nail without coating it.
Applying henna is truly a fun based activity. Benefits of henna for hair and nails as well as put in on palms and under your feet are universally accepted. In fact, henna is a great way to add color, beauty, protection and nourishment to your nails. It also considered beneficial for reducing fungal infections. It makes your nails stronger and healthier.
Henna is a form of herbal nail polish also. A lots of women around the world such as Arabs, Moroccans, Sudanese or Swahilis, Turkish, Egyptians, Yemenis, Pakistani and Indians use different methods to dye their nails with henna.
Henna has orange, reddish, rust and brownish shades however the color concerned, it can be changed or darkened by adding the various essential oils like tea tree oil, lavender, clove and eucalyptus oil etc. A product call Shelly oil which is a mixture of Cajeput, eucalyptus and citronella; smells like bug spray but makes the red color take deeply.
The longer you leave it on, the darker and richer the color will be. Actually it stains on nails for the long time and its color ends with the nails growth and when we cut the nails. It stains for about a week without any protection from water and soap but lasts until the nail grows out with proper maintenance.
Warning :
- Stay away from black henna, it contained paraphernalia or PPD’s. This chemical causes burning, sensitivity and other health problems.
- It is not recommended to use Indigo on the nails due to the unpredictable results.
Before Applying Henna :
- Remove existing nail polish a day or two before applying henna nail paint.
- Wipe nails clean with vinegar to remove any traces of dirt, grime, or oil.
- Try not to fall asleep with the henna.
- To protect your fingers, apply petroleum jelly, Shea butter or cocoa butter carefully around the nail so that henna does not stain your fingers.
Recipes to make Henna Color :
- 1/2 cup (130 ml boiled spring or distilled water, cooled to warm)
- 1/2 tea sp (2.5g) uncolored, neutral chemical free henna powder
- 1 tea sp (5ml) plain organic yogurt (optional)
- 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil(optional)
Directions :
In a plastic or glass bowl, mix neutral henna and water to form a smooth paste. Store the mixture in a sealed container in refrigerator for 2-3 days only. Using a flat-edged toothpick or a small paint brush, apply the henna paste on each of your clean, dry nails. Keep the paste till it dries. Better to leave the henna paste on the fingernails overnight for a rich color. For this purpose you can apply the hypafix in small squares over your finger or toe nails instead of plastic wrap, and aluminum foil. Rinse your fingers with lukewarm water and towel-dry.
The henna on nails will take up to 48 hours to oxidize and reach full color stain.
Another Recipe :
Mix 1-2 TBS of henna powder with a pinch of organic Aloe Vera powder into a thick paste with water. Add few drops of lemon juice, a sprinkling of sugar and 1-2 drops of either essential oil like lavender, clove, tea tree, geranium etc. These essential oils will help extract and release the dye from the henna, which will result in a darker staining paste.
Henna Sealant :
To prepare the sugar and lemon syrup henna sealant, heat equal amounts of sugar and lemon juice on the stove (or microwave) until all the sugar dissolves and the liquid becomes slightly thicker. Melted Shea butter or hair spray can also be used instead of the sugar sealant.
Gently brush on your choice of sealant and allow it to dry on the nail. Melted Shea butter to be the easiest to apply with a small brush after the henna paste is touch-dry on the nail.
