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Henna

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After centuries of use as a cosmetic adornment in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, the beautiful art of henna, also called mehndi, has in recent years made a colorful impression on Americans. Hollywood stars like Madonna, Demi Moore, and lead singer Gwen Stefani of No Doubt were the firsts to dabble in the art of henna and make henna fashionably hip.

Far removed from its historical origins, today henna can be found in expensive shops in Los Angeles and trendy teen shops throughout the United States. "It’s popular and it is the latest style, and certainly people like Madonna, Neve Campbell, and Gwyneth Paltrow have helped make it popular," says Michael Cirven who manages Lakaye Mehndi Studio in Los Angeles. "The most common customers are predominantly, but not exclusively, teenagers and young girls in the 13 to 17 age group. That’s a key demographic." The art of henna has for the time being become a fashionable and painless alternative to tattoos.

While it may be the latest craze in Hollywood, the use of henna in the Arab world is an established tradition. Historians trace henna as far back as 5,000 years and believe it was used not only for cosmetic purposes but as a healing ointment as well. Ancient Egyptians applied it to the fingers and toes of the pharaohs before mummification.

The cosmetic use of henna was traditionally and religiously used by various cultures for decorative purposes on the hands and feet, as well as to give color and shine to the hair. Henna has also been used for medicinal purposes, some of which include the treatment of burns, ulcers of the mouth, and the treatment of small pox in its early stages. It is also believed that henna can help maintain healthy nails, increase hair growth, and maintain youthfulness among other things.

Thirty-six-year-old Lamyaa Hashim, a Palestinian Muslim living in Baca Raton, Fla., has been using henna since she was 17. "It is Sunnah. Prophet Muhammed (saws) is reported to have stated that women must always have henna on their hands," says Hashim, referring to Hadith that mention the use of henna. Hashim regularly uses it on her hands, reapplying the dye on her nails when it fades.

In modern Islamic societies, women traditionally decorate their hands, nails and feet with henna for weddings, Eid celebrations, and other festivities. The designs can include floral patterns, small lines, and geometrical designs and vary from country to country. Henna is not only used in decorative patterns and in some cases hands and feet are merely dipped in the paste.

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