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About Henna & Skin Dye
Cara uses both natural henna and 100% safe skin dyes. The world of body art has changed and so have the requirements of what customers request is ever changing, so to provide a modern body art service held in a space of ancient tradition is where my services transcend.
I use three different skin dyes:
1) FRESH MEHENDI PASTE
100% natural fresh hand made henna - this is completely natural henna paste (Lawsonia Inermis) mixed with water, essential oils and tannins (Tea), this paste must be created specially and stored in a cool place (like food as it can de-activate), the paste has to remain on the skin for at least 8 hours (ideally overnight), even though the paste is a task to keep on the skin the stain will last for up to 2 weeks! and can even last for up to 4 weeks, so a nice long stain as the dye penetrates the top 'dead layer' of the skin dying deeper. The colours range from oranges to burgundy
2) PRE MIXED HENNA PASTE
pre-mixed natural lab tested henna . this paste can be stored at room temperature, the paste must remain on the skin for at least 2-4 hours, it will dye quicker as it has 'safe dye fixers in it'. The stain will also last for up to 2 weeks. The dye colour ranges from oranges to burgundy
3) BODY DYE
body dye is made from natural pigments, staining is immediate on the top layer of the skin. It is available in colours such as black, burgundy and red and is very fast staining, as soon as the paste is dry, the stain is ready to go! As the paste only sits on the skin for a little time it dyes less deeper into the skin and is a superficial stain usually lasting 2 days (on well washed fingers) to 1 week maximum, and can last longer if you avoid water and bathing
all are 100% SAFE and NON-TOXIC
SUMMARY
After a long career as a Body Artist I have decided to use 'whatever is S A F E and I dont buy into henna 'snobbery' as I believe it is the clients choice to choose whatever paste they think is right for them, and for me as a henna artist to offer safe products for them to choose from, so long as these protocols are both met all is good!
A NOTE ON CULTURAL APPROPRIATION
I am fully aware of cultural appropriation whilst working as a professional Henna Artist
BODY ART is an ancient practice that has been practiced on EVERY CONTINENT in different varying forms for thousands of years, both semi=permanently and permanently.
CELTS used Woad a blue body dye
MIDDLE EAST used Henna
TURKISH used Henna
PERSIANS used Henna
EGYPTIANS used Henna
INDIANS used and still use Henna
TATTOOS have been found on every continent on earth including: Africa, North Africa and Egypt, Middle East, China, Japan, Polynesia, New Zealand, Indonesia, India, Thailand, Greece, Central and South America, North America, UK, France, Iceland/Inuit and more!
Today the world 'is one'.
I practice this philosophy as a culturally open Henna Artist in that, the designs are so beautiful I will offer all designs to all people, regardless of 'culture or origin', with the knowledge that I will state and pass on the culture from which I am taking designs from to the receiver (henna art client, ie YOU!), and will always mentioning the origin of the design I am using, whether it is traditional or contemporary etc,
every time I use a specific design I honour its roots and culture.
Body Art is INCLUSIVE
We are ONE TRIBE
A TRIBE OF HOMO-ILLUMINOUS with the urge to adorn their beautiful bodies with beautiful SACRED SYMBOLISM like a living canvas of walking Art . YES!
A H O
Cara
ABOUT NATURAL HENNA
Henna is a beautiful art where henna paste is applied to the skin.... it is thousands of years old and is said to of originated from Ancient Egypt, it has an amazing and beautiful history in India where it is called Mehndi, Mehendi. henna is also used widely throughout the Near, Far and Middle East (Persia, Iran, Iraq, Dubai, Morocco and North Africa).
Henna is now global and you can find it in every country world wide.
What is Henna?
Henna is a natural paste which when applied to the skin stains the top 'dead' layer of the skin. It is made from the ground leaves of the Henna plant (Lawsonia Innermis), water, small quantities of tea (the tannin in the tea helps the henna stain darker) and small quantities of essential oils such as close and eucalyptus give the henna paste the most beautiful herbal aroma
What colour is henna?
Natural henna comes in only one colour, BROWN (or variations such as a reddy brown) . There is NO SUCH THING as safe 'Black henna' which contains nasty chemicals (PPD) which can cause nasty reactions.
What is white henna?
White henna is AWESOME! It is NOT henna, white henna is a MICA PASTE (made from fine white mica powder and gel) which is totally temporary was off alternative to henna. White henna will not stain the skin like natural brown henna does. It is perfect for events and wedding where you require a totally temporary body art effect.
Is henna safe?
Natural henna is totally safe and is a skin conditioner which improves the softness and condition of the skin. It has been used for thousands of years as a skin and hair conditioner
How long does henna last?
A henna stain usually lasts 5-15 days. The design will gradually wear off as the top dead layers of skin flake off. Once the henna stain is on your skin it is very hard to remove.
'Henna art- a very relaxing experience'
Who is The Henna Fairy?
Cara Amirah has been a henna artist for over 15 years within the UK. Cara uses high quality FAIRTRADE henna from India. She travels throughout the UK providing high class traditional and contemporary henna art for all. I look forward to meeting you soon, Cara Amirah. Now Cara is called Cara Amirah EarthStarLady Sacred Henna Artist
The Henna Fairy is now rebirthed
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