- Where can I find a mehndi artist? The best places to find a professional mehndi artist in online. Try search engines such as google.com (.ca). Make sure you type in key words such as mehndi, henna, artist, YOUR CITY. Make sure you put in your city as part of the search. You can also try forums such as hennatribe.com where there are many professional henna artists there willing to help you out.
- Professional website. If they are providing this as a professional service, they should have an up to date website. Their website should have a full portfolio in their gallery, be easy to navigate, have all the information laid out clearly, and be well organized.
- Contacting the artist. You should contact the artist by either email or by phone. Take notes down on how quickly they respond to you (meaning, did it take them long to get back to you during emails or if you left a message), if they answered your questions clearly and properly, and seemed to be a well organized person.
- Bridal consultation. Set up an appointment to have a bridal consultation with them. This should be available for you at no charge. You will go over henna designs that you like, browse over their professional portfolio book, discuss the date, and times you would need them for, and receive a free henna design sampling. This sample will allow you to see how well they work, smell their henna paste (yes, some henna pastes do stink!) and to view the stain results of their henna paste on your skin. Remember that you will have guests at your wedding, and you can use this consultation to decide if you need 1 or more henna artists at your mehndi night.
- Will you get along with your mehndi artist? Choosing the right person to do your mehndi is important. You don’t want to choose the person who will chatter and gossip your ear off. You really want someone you can connect with, and who understands all of your needs. Don’t feel pressured to choose only from the designs an artist shows you or tries to convince you of. Remember this is your wedding, and you have the right to choose ANY style of designs that suit your taste (and will also please your family). Always communicate clearly, so that there are no misunderstandings.
- Do they double book? Make sure that your mehndi artist is not booking you, and another client on the same day. This practice is not fair to you. Having them well rested, and not rushing to get to the next job will ensure that you will get the service that you deserve.
- Freshly made henna paste. Never hire a henna artist who does not make their own henna paste. You are taking a HUGE risk in doing so. Pre-made cones out of the stores are not guaranteed to have good staining results, and they contain additives and preservatives in them. Natural freshly made henna paste will not last out on the shelf or in the fridge for too long. The dye demises within a few days. Most professional mehndi artists either make small batches of fresh henna paste for their clients, or make large batches of henna, and store it in the freezer (only up to 6 months). Make sure to take a good sniff of their henna paste (don’t worry you won’t have to take their henna cone/bottle to your nose. When they are applying your sample design at your consultation, you will be able to smell it). Everyone has their own unique recipe, and therefore each person’s henna smells different. Make sure you like the scent of it because that henna will be on your skin for many hours on your henna night.
- Guests. The henna night is especially exciting for guests, and especially if this will be their first experience getting henna done. The best package you will get will have an hourly rate, where you can get as many guests done in an hour. This is usually between 10-13 people, as the average is about 5 minutes each (this is based on one design each). Whereas, giving designs to choose from is ideal to a professional henna artist, as we want each and every person to be happy with the design that they would like to have, it is not always practical. When people have too many choices to make, it takes a lot more time, and that will cost you more. So use your best judgement. You know your guests best, so try to be moderate. Have the artist bring a small selection of designs and allow your guests to choose from those. If you are very concerned with the time, then ask the artist not to bring any design books, and have them work that way. Keep in mind that not all henna artists are capable of working without design books. Make sure you inquire as to how many years experience the henna artist has. At least 3 or more years is ideal. A very good henna artist will be able to work without design books, and get one design done in about 4-5 mins.
- Bridal contract. The mehndi artist should provide a bridal contract in which you have laid out the terms of your agreement, and the final pricing. This makes sure you are both on the same page, and that no changes can be made unless both parties agree. Sometimes travel fees might apply. Be prepared to leave a deposit if you decide to book with them. This will secure your date.
- Bridal Mehndi Aftercare. What kind of care should you expect after your mehndi has been applied? Your mehndi artist should definitely provide lemon-sugar to dab/mist onto your henna after the paste has dried. This will further seal in your henna, and give it better chances of staining dark. Once that dries, wrapping your designs up would ensure that none of the paste falls off. Wrist, ankles, and any points of bending will possibly lift the henna paste up where it could fall off. We want to make sure your henna stays on for at least 4-6 hours (overnight for best results). Do not wrap your designs in plastic because this will cause too much sweating, and the designs will run into one big muddy mess. When it’s time to take off the paste, you should moisturize all those areas, and apply aftercare henna balm to protect your henna from wear and tear, and water. You will want to avoid water for the first 24 hours, as best as possible. Inquire to see what aftercare your henna artist offers.
- Enjoy yourself! This is the most important part. Make sure you inquire about all of the above before your wedding. You want to be able to sit back and relax. You have chosen your mehndi artist to be there for you, to be part of this intimate time, and since you have chosen well, they will work the mehndi night exactly as it should be.
This past Eid, I got a chance to treat myself to some henna. Finally!
Enjoy!
We will be launching some fabulous new products in the coming month. We are trying hard to wait for most of them to come in. So be on the lookout!!
Right now we have our professional body art glue in stock, and our Jamila henna powder for hair.
This vial contains 11 ml of professional quality body glue. This product is used to create glitter tattoos that last 4-5 days, and are waterproof.
It can also be used to stick gems, rhinestones, or crystals. The glue (and glitter tattoos) can be removed with 99% rubbing alcohol.
This has an applicator wand similar to a lip-gloss applicator. It is the easiest application method for applying Body Glue over stencils. You can also use it to do simple freehand designs.
How to use our Glitter for Body Art
Purchase your body art glue at Henna Sooq for only $4.95 USD or $5.95 CAD
Our Jamila henna powder for hair will come packaged in clear cellophane packaging inside a sealed, non-shiny Jamila henna box. There will be no date marked on the box, but it is from the henna harvest of 2008.
What the company (Abid & Co.) that owns Jamila henna powder has done this year is labelled the inside of the box with “Henna for Hair“. This way you will know just how fresh your jamila henna for hair is, and that it was packaged in 2008.
If you receive a unsealed box or package of Jamila henna, then you will know that your product has been tampered with and possibly repackaged.
New crops of Jamila henna powder come out every July. Next crop due July 2009.
Purchase your Jamila henna powder for the LOW price starting at only $4.95 USD or $5.95 CAD
Our long standing commitment to our clients, enables us to offer samples to all of our clients and potential new clients.
We’d like everyone to have the opportunity to try a small sample of selected products. This will give you a better idea of what to expect from our products.
We currently have nitrile gloves, cosmetic glitter, and cellophane triangles for sampling, along with a line of natural hair care herbs.
For our ayurveda hair care lovers we have indian henna, shikakai, amla powder, and indigo for sampling. The sample will be enough for a hair strand test and with that you can make a final decision on your hair regimen.
Monthly we will add/remove samples, depending on availability. Only one per client, per order. Shipping charges will apply.
For International and USA clients please go to: Free Samples
For Canadian clients please go to: Free Samples
Thank you for your continued trust, and support!
Advice On Planning Your Bridal Mehndi
With so many plans and arrangements to make, how about making at least one part of that easier?
Choosing your bridal mehndi artist for your wedding, can be a difficult decision. We want to lay down some things that you can use in order to help you make that decision. Here is a checklist that will help you make that important decision, and give you a chance to go over all of the things you may not have thought of or known of.
My Bridal Mehndi (Henna) Checklist
Upcoming Henna Chai 2009
www.hennachai.com (WE ARE LIVE!!) REGISTER NOW!!
DATE: March 28, 2009, (March 29, 2009 for lunch and Little India tour to show off our mehndi!)
Time: 3 pm to 10 pm
Location: Stratusphere Yoga, 255 Bass Pro Mills, Vaughan, Ontario
(Owned by champion wrestler Trish Stratus)
Cost: $50.00
Ages 16 years old and up. Breastfed babies welcome.
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Highlights:
~Amazing gift bags filled with all sorts of henna goodies, glitter, and products.
~Belly dancing demo and presentation presented by Shema of Arabesque Dance Company and Dar Tangerina Henna Design.
~Program book filled with henna designs, recipes, secret tips and hints, and a detailed overview of our program.
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Program:
-Introduction to Basic Bridal Mehndi by Shaista of Hennarinah
-How to teach Henna Workshops at Schools and Libraries By Khadija of Henna Sooq
-An Introduction to Natural Hair Care by Khadija of Henna Sooq
-Using Glitter to Bling up your Henna by Jen of JenM Designs
-Designing Candles with Henna by Shaista of Hennarinah
-Show & Tell: What’s in Your Henna Toolbox? by Holly of Henna by Holly
-Henna design sharing on each other!!
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Sponsorship and Advertisement available!
Carpooling will be available!
We hope to see you there.
Promote your business with us! Ask us about our advertisement packages
Contact Khadija t 905-230-4651 or hennasooq@gmail.com for further information. We hope to see you there!
Our specially blended ubtan powder, is the pride of all brides. Years of tradition and beautification have gone into the creation of this cleansing facial mask. We took great care in choosing each ingredient to make this a perfectly balanced herbal powder. It is perfect for all skin types.
The benefits of using ubtan are that your skin will left feeling soft, smooth, and absolutely glowing. Read more at these websites.
How to use our Premium Bridal Ubtan
- Take 1 tbsp of powder, and add warm to hot water a bit at a time.
- Mix well, until paste becomes thick like toothpaste. Add more water if desired.
- Apply onto your face, and rub in circular motions, until your face if fully covered with paste. You will notice the bright yellow tone of the paste. Don’t be alarmed, it will not stain the skin.
- Leave on for 15-20 minutes.
- Wash off with warm water. Pat dry.
Here are some other sample ubtan recipes:
1. Take 2 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp glycerin and 3 tsp rose water and mix. Apply this lotion all over the body and keep it for 15-20 minutes and then wash with tepid water.
2. Take 1 tsp lemon juice, ½ cup yogurt and 1 tsp orange juice. Make a paste and apply this on your face and neck and keep for 10-15 minutes and then wash with tepid water.
3. Soak 1 tsp urad dal and 4 almonds in water overnight and then grind them into a paste. This mask is to be applied on face and wash it off after half an hour. This mask will not only nourish the skin but also bleach it.
4. Mix 2 tsp rice powder, 4 tsp tea water, 1 tsp honey. Apply this mask to your face and wash it off after half an hour with lukewarm water.
5. Take 1 tbsp powder milk, 1 peeled cucumber and 1 tsp yogurt. Mix all these together in a blender to a fine paste and apply on the face for 15-20 minutes and wash off with warm water.
6. Mix 4 tbsp. chickpea flour, 1 tsp. turmeric powder, 1 tbsp. yogurt, 1 tsp, rose water. Mix all ingredients and use this made fresh each day for massaging face & entire body. Excellent for normal to oily skin.
7. Mix 4 tbsp. chickpea flour, 1 tsp. turmeric powder, 1 egg, 1 tsp. honey. Mix all ingredients and use this made fresh each day for massaging face & entire body. This is excellent for smoothening rough skin and increasing elasticity.
Canadian Clients may purchase this product here: Canadian Henna Sooq Shop
USA Clients may purchase this product here: USA Henna Sooq Shop
Please remember when using any new hair product it is always recommended that you do hair strand tests first!
We also encourage you to add orange blossom water, rose water or essential oils to your pastes and mud, to leave your hair smelling great!
Important: Please keep in mind that everyone has their own unique hair texture. Herbal treatments can be drying for some, and it is recommended that you add hair oil to your recipe, or deep condition your hair afterwards. We recommend that everyone keep an open mind when using henna and natural herbs on their hair, and use the recipe that works best for you!
Ghassoul (Rhassoul) from Morocco.
Mixing ghassoul for healthy hair and skin:
-Place ghassoul into bowl and put warm to hot water over it. Allow to sit for 5 minutes.
-Mix ghassoul to make a muddy paste.
-Apply ghassoul to hair by sections starting from the back and moving forward.
-For dry hair, let sit for 5-10 minutes
-For normal hair, let sit 5-15 minutes
-For oily hair, let sit 10-20 minutes
-Rinse well.
-For your face or body, mix ghassoul mud as directed and rub into skin. Rinse well.
-For scent you can add rose water, orange blossom water or your choice of essential oils, when preparing your ghassoul mud.
How to store your clay: fridge or cool dark place.
How to store your mud: fridge for up to one week.
Henna never bores me at all. It always presents something new. There are so many uses. We see it in traditional body art (mehndi), natural hair care, artwork, and medicinal uses.
I have always felt that henna was put on the earth for very important reasons. Think about the regions in which it grows in. Those countries are all very hot countries. Henna was put their as a mercy to those people. Henna’s cooling properties benefit them.
We have several clients who are now using henna to bring relief to their cancer treatments. We have a few of them using different drugs, but similarly all suffer from hand-foot syndrome. This is a syndrome where your hands and feet burn, and feel so hot you can barely function. Henna is a mercy to those cancer patients as well.
Here I have provided some of my favorite ressources, articles, and recipes that can help us all learn more about dealing with hand-foot syndrome and bringing some natural relief to the pain it causes.
- Blog: Xeloda Side Effects. How to use Henna for Relief
- Topical henna for capecitabine induced hand–foot syndrome
- Want a zillion-dollar cure idea?
- Blog: Running a Hospital
- Shin’s Cancer Blog
I want to thank each and everyone person who has helped a cancer patient get relief with henna. For telling others, and sharing this information over the web. I myself am so happy to hear that in fact, henna has been giving relief to those people! I always see good in henna. It seems to radiate good times, and spirits.
My dad also had cancer. I don’t talk about this too much, honestly, I don’t. I mean I can talk about it, but I don’t really bring it up. He had 80% prostrate cancer. So he was going to have the surgery. He had the surgery at a local hospital by one of the “supposed” best doctors. It was a success, but his after care wasn’t good enough in my opnion. I don’t know what happened, but four days later he died suddenly in the hospital of a heart attack. This happened in Montreal, Canada. I had read some stories about c.difficile and thought perhaps that was might have happened to him, but I lived in the USA at the time, so it was hard to do something from far. I remember him telling me he had diarhea, and had trouble breathing. They were about to run a tube up into his nose, and as suddenly as they did that, he started having a heart attack. My sister was right there with him. I can just remember the moment she told me, and my screams, my tears.
How then had I wished to have been right there with him when he had the surgery, and in his recovery time. Don’t any of you ever get to the point where you have to ask yourself the what if’s. NEVER. Don’t waste your time and energy being angry or upset at you would have, should have, could have done. The point is that you should have and could have! You’ll just end up with too many regrets, if you don’t act right away.
But there was nothing I could do. He died, and a part of me felt lost. I felt like not only did I lose him, but that I had lost a part of my whole family. He was what attached me to them. He was the one who accepted me as who I am. Not one day, did he EVER make me feel like he didn’t want me. Never did he make me feel different. Not everything was perfect, and that’s life, but I felt like he took us all in when he didn’t have to. I felt that I owed him, and I completely took care of everything for him afterwards. He’ll be missed, and my kids they’ll miss out too. They barely got to know him. To my father, Lance Carryl, who did the right thing. Going on 6 years of his passing: January 29, 2002: age 48.
Our Gift: to every cancer patient suffering from hand-foot syndrome, the Henna Sooq, will give you 50 grams of Jamila henna powder for free (including FREE shipping). Please just email us (hennasooq@gmail.com) to make your request. Thank you! (one per person)
Highlights of this post:
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I am so happy to have some time to sit down and tap away at this keyboard. I have so many projects I have to do that are still not yet complete. Updates and all of that. Tax season is also around the corner, so I got to prepare all of my things needed for our accountant. Life keeps moving and you just have to take one day at a time. Because there is always going to be plenty to do.
During the holiday break of December, we had a very big conference...........
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After the conference, our Indian order came in. We had to rush over there to retrieve it from customs. We had over 400 kgs of herbal products come in. Our newest additions being Rajasthani Indian Henna Crop 2008, and our Premium Bridal Ubtan...
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We also had our first bride of 2009! Sonia was an exquisite bride, with a very generous and kind family. They treated me to a nice dinner with one of my favorite dishes, butter chicken. Here is a sampling from her bridal mehndi party.....
To read more please go to: Henna Blog Spot: Latest from the Henna Sooq
Here is the latest scoop:
Moroccan henna powder spring 2008 just came in! FINALLY! Check it out at http://www.hennasooq.com/store
Look at this yummy picture of it:
5 new henna books coming in from India from Asha Savla, Rohini Ruparel, and Bhavini Gheravara. Latest titles as well!! I will post pictures up when they come next week, God Willing!
So that’s it for now. Thanks guys!
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Canadian Goddess said:
[this is good]Awesome checklist. I'm gonna bookmark this one. Thanks! read more
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Henna Sooq said:
Hi Julie I am just about to respond to your email. Speak soon! Khadija read more
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Hi and welcome to Long Hair Care Forum. In order for ...
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Thats an interesting link.Would love to see more hair care forums. Can you share some please.Thanks in advance. read more
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