Question:
If any of you have ever had a black henna temporary tattoo I would
like to hear about your experiences. Please answer all my questions below:
Where did you get it?
How long ago did you get it?
How much did it cost?
How long did it last?
Were you happy with the results?
Would you do it over again?
You kind assistance is appreciated
Answer:
- I've had several. One I got at a zoo from an extremely talented 16-year-old
Indian girl. One at Venice Beach. One at a mall. Others I got at a tattoo
parlor. I got a big one across my back at CFBP1, where I had contracted a
henna artist.
They lasted a week to ten days, generally. One was a bad batch or something
and faded after only two days, but I got a free replacement.
They varied in size and complexity a lot, so they were from $10 to $40.
I think they are a lot of fun. I would say the key to a sucessful business is
a high-traffic outdoor location where people are having fun and have the time
to spontaneously stop and get one. And have the various samples up on easels,
making a crows look through a book one or two at a time loses business by the
dozens. People egg each other into it while looking at the art, they move on
if they have to wait for the book.
I had an airbrushed tattoo that was a lot of fun too. I just wish that one
had lasted longer, it was much more colorful than the henna ones.
- Black henna? I'm assuming this is a pre-made chemical version of henna
paste. Normal henna stains orange to dark brown, and can be made to
look black using intense heat or chemicals.
I've done many myself. Started with one of those kits you get with
pre-portioned packets, transfer stencils, and a book. I have bought
henna from Indian markets and make my own paste. I'd only get a pro
design done for special occasions, personally.
Henna powder is cheap, and I use black tea, lemon, and oil in the
process.
My best ones have lasted strong for one week, medium dark for one
week, and then faint after that. These were ones on the palms of my
hands, after keeping teh paste on for a long time (4 hours).
Sometimes. Depends on the batch of henna. sometimes it won't stain
well for many reasons.
Why certainly! I don't do it much now since I am constantly washing
ymhands at my work. I usually do foot/ankle designs for the summer.
Very spiffy with a skirt and sandals. I'd bet the back crowd would
like em, or any other area where skin is exposed.
As far as a business, I think it would work well as a summertime
venture, using a kiosk in a pedestrian area. Depending on the size of
the business, you could support it with accessories such as
inexpensive jewelry (toe rings, anklet chimes, etc.), lotions,
incense, maybe sunblock (to keep designs lookin' great). The costs of
the paste are low, so the bulk of the overhead is actually time spent
doing the designs. Also, depending on your size/limitations, consider
furniture for the process, such as a massage table and chairs with
footstools for applying a variety of designs. I agree that having
"flash" would be helpful, and of course, having anyone who works there
tastefully decorated! Just a side note...as you may know, henna
application can take a long period of time, so it is easy to
discourage kids since they won't have the tolerance to sit long
enough! (Maybe a selection of temp tattoo sheets would keep them
satisfied.)
Good luck with your venture, and let us know where you are! I might
want a relaxing time having my right hand decorated (which almost
never is, since I'm a righty!).
- Black henna? Are you sure about that?
See, in general, black henna is full of chemicals, and isn't really
henna, totally.
I've had lots of henna paintings on my body - feet, arms, legs, hands,
back, at various times, and have plenty of useful input on henna, but no
experience with black henna.
Here, let me see if I can find a few good links...
Ok, this person sells henna supplies, and has info on henna stuff on the
page: http://www.mehndiskinart.com/
And from http://www.hennapage.com/ check out the statements on black
henna: http://www.hennapage.com/henna/faq/faq8.html and
http://www.hennapage.com/henna/warnings.html