Re: Would they?

Posted by Amy C on July 30, 1999 at 02:12:43:

In Reply to: Would they? posted by SeeSee on July 29, 1999 at 17:46:37:

We could start by not calling them "henna tattoos!" Although I must say that I think many (I'm guilty) fantasize of a way to get SAFE black results because it would be so much more visible and dramatic, and not to simulate the very different art of tattooing. I am not afraid to commit to a tattoo, in fact I have one, but I would still love a way to get my ornate henna designs (which have an entirely different quality) to be crisp and black. However, I will NOT do so at the risk of my health or that of my (non-paying) "clients."

I actually have not run into anyone looking for a 'fake tattoo' in the relatively small circle of people I have hennaed, but they do all love the dramatic look it has when the black, drying paste is still on. Of course, I live in the SF bay area, where there is a high level of appreciation for multicultural arts. Not as much of a temporary tattoo crowd.

I agree with SeeSee. Mehndi should be represented as such. It would cut down on the "I don't care what's in it, just make it black" market.

P.S. Aren't there also some cultures who add things and/or do things to their henna to get black results? So the desire for that asthetic is not entirely ingeniune.

Just my amature musings on the subject.

Follow-ups:

• Yes, there is a traditional black henna.....but.... Catherine Cartwright Jones 23:28:20 7/30/99 (1)
  • Re: Yes, there is a traditional black henna.....but.... Amy C 00:36:47 7/31/99 (0)