Henna program sparks creativity at Newton Public Library

A trendy and creative program came to the Newton Public Library Thursday: a presentation and demonstration of Henna tattoos.

The program, presented by Sarah Norman, owner of Alternative Artistry, a business out of West Des Moines, was intended for teens. Norman provided information on the origin and cultural history of Henna tattoos, the uses of henna, a tutorial on how to make henna paste and draw tattoos and warnings against “black” henna, a dangerous version of henna which uses black hair dye as an ingredient.

Newton Public Library Youth Services Librarian Phyllis Peter said she and Public Services Librarian, Nicole Lindstrom, heard of other libraries in Iowa providing programs on henna and thought it would be a fun activity for teens.

“It just sounded like a different program to try and to expose us to a different culture,” Peter said. “I think they [teens at program] are really interested, especially in learning about the history and culture of henna, and how it is an all-natural source.”

Henna, made from the tropic-native henna tree, has been dated to use in 1,000 B.C. to temporarily dye skin, hair and fingernails, as well as fabrics such as silk, wool and leather.

Historically, henna was used for cosmetic purposes in Ancient India, Arabia and Africa. Henna has been used by people across the world, but in the presentation Norman said it is not sacred or spiritual in any religion or culture.

Because it is difficult to form intricate patterns from coarse crushed leaves, henna is commonly traded as a powder made by drying, milling and sifting the leaves. The dry powder is mixed with water, lemon juice or strong tea and other ingredients, depending on the tradition. Many artists use sugar or molasses in the paste to improve consistency and keep it stuck to the skin better. The paste can be applied with many traditional and innovative tools, starting with a basic stick or twig.

A light stain can be achieved within minutes, but the longer the paste is left on the skin, the darker and longer lasting the stain will be, so it needs to be left on as long as possible. To prevent it from drying or falling off the skin, the paste is often sealed down by dabbing a sugar and water mix over the dried paste. After time, the dry paste is simply brushed or scraped away. Henna stains are orange when the paste is first removed, but darkens over the following three days to a deep reddish brown.

Norman first tried henna with a close friend, when she was pregnant with her third child.

“My first experience with henna was special and amazing,” Norman said. “I then did a henna design for my friend when she was pregnant a few months later. I started learning about henna after that and really enjoyed it.”

Norman, a mother of four, later said she has always craved some sort of creative outlet, and henna is likely the outlet that “is here to stay for awhile.” Norman said she first slowly started doing henna for people that asked for it, and eventually started her business in 2011.

“My favorite part about henna is that when I make a design, it marks a moment, and when that moment passes, the henna fades,” Norman said. “I love the emotions that are attached with henna ... It’s a very calming experience.”

Norman said that although it helps to have some sort of artistic ability, anyone can do henna designs.

“Henna is applicable in so many ways and in so many cultures,” she said. “Anyone can learn how to do it.”

Peter said the library plans to provide another program in the fall for adults interested in learning about henna.

Contact Savannah Eadens at newsroom@newtondailynews.com