Patterns and Designs
Henna Aftercare and Tips
What is henna?
What is gilding?
Pricing
Artist Background
Kala first started experimenting with henna around 2002 and went on to form Eden Henna in 2004. She had previously designed tattoos for 6 years and has taken several art classes. Kala started experimenting with gilding in the summer of 2006 and integrated it into the portfolio that fall.
Kala has a very broad interest base, besides Eden Henna she has a regular 9 to 5 job as an engineer in training. Kala also vends at the occasional arts and craft show to support her other hobby, jewelry making.
Designs
Eden henna has a portfolio of over 700 different designs. Patterns include tribal, Celtic and traditional Indian styles. Since the paste and adhesive is applied free hand, the designs in the book maybe altered or you can choose to bring your own design ideas and discuss them with the artist. Designs can be matched to the pattern of your evening dress or to accent a Halloween costume. Washable markers are occasionally used to layout the design on the skin to ensure symmetry and proportionality.
Aftercare
Henna paste should be kept on the skin for several hours. Eden Henna recommends a minimum of 6 hours for an optimal stain. When you want to remove the paste you may apply vegetable oil to the paste to moisten it then gently scrape the paste off with the back of a butter knife. When the paste first comes off the design will be an orangey color. Over the next 24 to 48 hours the design will darken to a reddish brown hue. We recommend that you do not apply moisturizing lotion to the design while the design is darkening as it may hinder the process.
Tips for darker stain: Once the paste has dried the paste may be "sealed". Traditionally this was done with a mixture made of lemon and sugar. We use spray on hair gel at events. The dried paste may also be covered up with paper towel and masking tape, or just masking tape. We usually use the masking tape and paper towel method for in home appointments. If the design is kept warm and slightly moist the design will come out darker but be wary of keeping the paste too moist as this may lead to smearing. Henna paste will stain fabric if it is moist.
Avoid swimming in chlorinated pools as this will make the design fade away with in a couple of hours. If you must swim apply olive oil or waterproof sunscreen to the design before entering the pool. Bleach and any other heavy duty household cleaner will reduce the longevity of the stain.
Application of natural moisturizers such as shea or coco butter beginning two days after removing the paste can help keep the stain longer. Petroleum based moisturizers will make the design fade more quickly as they make your skin exfoliate more
About Henna
Henna is a plant that grows in India. The leaves are dried and ground into a fine powder that is mixed with certain ingredients to form a paste. This paste is applied to the skin much like decorative icing is applied to a cookie. Henna is hypoallergenic. Any allergies that may arise from henna present themselves in the form of sneezing and congestion, much like hay fever.
The henna paste used by Eden Henna contains henna powder, tea tree oil, lemon juice and sugar. If you have any concerns about the ingredients in our paste please contact us and we can discuss other options available. We will not henna children less than 6 years of age.
The stain that the paste leaves usually lasts between 10 days and 5 weeks. The colour of the stain depends on where on the body the design is placed, aftercare and skin type. Henna stains the top layers of your skin, once the paste is off the stain remains a part of the skin cells so as your skin naturally exfoliates the design will fade. The stain is always some shade of reddy brown. Henna does not leave a black stain. Any henna that claims to leave a black stain may contain paraphenelyne diamine (PPD) or a temporary ink. This is not henna. PPD is dangerous and illegal for use on skin in Canada. Many temporary inks are allowed on the skin, but they only leave a stain for a couple of days.
About Gilding
Traditionally gilding is a technique where a thin layer of gold is applied to a surface. More recently henna artists have used the term, gilding, to refer to the application of body glitter or pigments to the skin. Different application techniques give varying appearances. Some artists mix the glitter into a paste and apply it to the skin in a one step process. Other artists apply gilding as a two step process where the adhesive is applied in the desired pattern then the glitter is dusted over top.
Eden Henna uses the two step application process. The first step is the application of a medical grade latex. For the second step cosmetic grade glitter is dusted over the adhesive and allowed to sit for a minute. Excess glitter is then brushed off with a make up brush.
Our gilding is very durable and can be expected to last for about 3-5 days before it starts to flake off. The adhesive used forms a water proof bond allowing for the gilding to stay on through bathing or a night out on the town. Rubbing alcohol (surgical spirits) maybe used to remove the gilding as soon as you like.
Gilding may be used to complement your henna or can be applied as an adornment on its own. Eden Henna offers gilding in a wide variety of colours including gold, silver, blue, purple and pink. As with henna you can choose from our selection of over 700 designs or contact us to discuss custom design options.
Pricing
Hourly Rate: For henna $25/hour, minimum 1 hour. Please contact us for more details regarding gilding.
Travel Cost: Free within Sarnia. For other locations in southern Ontario please contact us for more details.
Wedding: Please call for quote.
Events: Various pricing plans available.
Plan 1: Flat hourly rate paid by the company.
Plan 2: Artist charges each guest separately. Price of patterns start at $1.
Please contact me for further information or to work out a different plan more suitable to your event.
Images and web design copyright Kala Carrol. Eden Henna email: info@edenhenna.com Sarnia, Ontario