Lily Whitehead's Gallery

Artist Bio

I have been working with pure, natural henna as a medium since 1997. I am available for any event, party or gathering. Private in-studio sessions are available by appointment. My studio is located on Far Hills Avenue in Kettering. Henna stains the outer layer of skin. As the dead skin cells are shed from the body the stain slowly fades away. This process can take from 1-3 weeks or more depending on what part of the body the henna was placed as skin thickness varies in different areas. Hands and feet stain the darkest but good stain can be achieved on other parts of the body if the paste is left on the skin for a few hours, kept dry and proper aftercare instructions are followed. Natural henna stains in various shades of brown, orange, rusty reds. If henna paste is left on the skin overnight a deep blackberry color can result. Everyone stains a little differently. Overall health, body temperature also play a role in the resulting stain. I never use chemicals in my henna paste such as PPD or ParaphenyleneDiamine or so called "black henna" Natural henna never stains black. "Black henna" can be found in most any tourist locale and can be dangerous to the sensitive individual. Many people do not realize they are sensitive. PPD is found in black hair dye and is not meant for use on skin. It is a transdermal toxin and can cause a myriad of health issues. From mild itching to chemical burns,scarring,lifelong chemical sensitivity, and other more severe problems. Pure natural henna is safe and has a near zero adverse reaction rate except in persons with G6PD deficeincy. Generally if someone has any type of negative reaction to henna it is likely it is not the henna itself causing the problem but another ingredient in the paste mixture. I use natural henna powder from Pakistan, India & Morocco. Other ingredients in my paste may include citrus juice, chai tea, eucalyptus essential oil, tea tree essential oil, cajeput essential oil. All EO`s in my mix are aromatherapy grade. I also use honey in my mix to help create a silky texture and to keep the henna paste from drying to quickly and cracking as it dries.