henna

Have you ever tried henna?  I love delicate henna designs on hands.  I remember in college I would use a black sharpie and draw similar designs on myself, and then friends would request things as well.  At the time I wasn't familiar with henna, so I thought it was pretty neat when I learned about this art.

Often, when we have an open day at my school, they hire women to draw henna designs on the students' hands.  They charge about 5 riyals a hand, which is about $1.50.  I almost always get some done.  My students think that I'm one cool teacher for joining in the fun...lol.

This was my design before it dried.  I was charged double...lol.

This particular time, they mixed in a black dye with the henna so it kept it's black color the entire time.  They make a henna paste.  Then, to apply it, they make this mini cone shaped thing that looks like an icing tube for cakes.  This way the henna paste will come out from a tiny hole and the woman can control her design.  It is drawn freehand, and I must say how talented some of these ladies are.  Once the design is complete, you have to let the henna dry.  Once it starts to dry, it'll start to crumble off, but the dye remains on your hand.  Mine seems to stay longer.  This time it stayed for about 2 weeks.  I've been told that it's because I have fair skin.  The only problem with that is that it will eventually start to fade and you'll have a few days of faded henna designs on your hand(s).  But it's worth the fun.  :)