Few traditions in the Middle East have stood the test of time like henna. Beloved for its cosmetic, cooling and healing properties, this soft paste made using the leaves of a small tropical shrub known as Lawsonia inermis has been used throughout the ages to dye hair and create body art, usually by women.
And while centuries of migration and cultural interaction make the task of determining henna’s exact origins a daunting one, archaeological research indicates the earliest evidence of its use dates points to the Pre-Dynastic period of Ancient Egypt – read: henna-stained hair and nails spotted on mummified bodies. It’s no wonder that besides a raven-haired Madonna sporting vine-like designs snaking around her fingers in the 1998 “Frozen” music video, henna isn’t exactly associated with the modern era. But one Dubai-based handbag designer by the name of Azra Khamissa is changing that – drastically.
We at Savoir Flair (along with her nearly 70,000 followers) continue to be enthralled by her creativity with henna through her Instagram account, with post after post revealing just how cool a reddish-brown stain on the skin can look. In honor of the upcoming Eid al-Fitr (expected to fall on Sunday, May 24 according to the latest astronomical predictions), we bring you inspiration aplenty for your next henna design. Steady hands not included.
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