Temporary tattoos are not permanent in nature and are
easily removed with soap and water or oil-based creams and are intended
to last a few days. Temporary tattoos are normally applied to the skin
using water to transport the design to the surface of the skin. In some
regions like India, the Middle East, North Africa and other Asian
countries, temporary tattoo art forms are known as Mehndi. Mehndi is
applied generally on the hands and the feet. The designs made by Mehndi
are intricate and beautiful and go on their own in a couple of days.
Henna is powdered and mixed with tea or coffee, lemon juice (so that
the dye is released easily) and sugar to make a viscous paste which is
then applied on the intended parts of the body. The more you leave the
paste on the skin the more it will last. Usually, most of the designs
last for about two weeks. Henna has tendency to fade in a fixed pattern.
It fades from dark brown to light orange. The chief advantage of putting
temporary tattoos like Henna or Mehndi is that you can get rid of them
after a few days and again come up with a new pattern or style.
As Henna is herbal there is no threat to the skin. Black Henna, which
is made by adding some chemical to the natural Henna, is very unhealthy
and has been known to cause burns. According to tradition in the Asian
countries in general and India in particular, Mehndi is applied onto the
hands and feet of the brides and bridegrooms before wedding ceremonies.
Of late Henna or Mehndi has become very popular in the west also.
