How I did it: Met up with a potential client for a bridal henna consultation. Turns out she is pregnant and will be having her wedding after the baby is due. She liked my work so much that she put down her deposit for her bridal henna session.

Lessons & tips:

• If you are going to have henna body art done; be sure to use an experienced henna artist that makes their own all-natural paste.  
• Never have henna done by someone who uses "grocery store henna cones", "emergency cones" or "instant red cones" - these are not real henna and contain dangerous chemicals such as black hair dye which can cause you to have an allergic reaction. 
• A good henna artist will have no problem telling you what is in their henna paste. (Generally it is a simple recipe of pure henna powder, sugar, lemon juice or tea and essential oils.) If they can't, or won't tell you what is going on your skin - then don't have it done by them! Black henna can be extremely dangerous and contain toxic chemicals and little to no actual henna in it! 
• Ask them how long you should keep the henna paste on your skin. If they say you can/should take it off after a half hour or an hour; then it is "black henna" and should be totally avoided. Natural henna paste is a safe plant dye thats needs to dry and stay on your skin for at least 4-6 hours; many people wrap it with medical tape and sleep with it overnight for excellent results.
• Henna is a beautiful and ancient art (they've discovered Egyptian mummies with hennaed skin and hair), but be sure to be careful that you are dealing with a reputable henna body artist. Generally, the ones that are at beachfronts are not to be trusted. 
• Ask questions! It's YOUR skin! 

May 11, 2011, 05:44AM PDT | 0 comments | 7 cheers