Henna, otherwise known as mendhi, is a tall, shrub-like plant that grows in hot, dry climates. It is grown mostly in Sudan, Egypt, India, most North African countries and Middle Eastern countries. The leaves of the plant are ground into a powder and made into a paste, which, when applied to the skin, leaves an orange stain. After about 24 hours, the orange dye darkens to reddish-brown and then begins to fade as the skin renews itself. People have been painting each other for thousands of years, Day said. Henna tattooing is just being reborn in America.

Before the recorded introduction of henna; Hindu, Buddhist, and other Indian women used dyes from the fruits of Laksa tress to stain the palms of their hands and soles of their feet. Women wore these tattoos decoratively every day. Widows, as a sign of mourning, did not wear them.

Henna was introduced by Muslims and quickly replaced Laksa. The henna plant was easier to find and grow. During the 16th century, hennas popularity expanded through Pakistan and North India by the Moguls. Females used henna to decorate their bodies for ceremonies, especially weddings.

In Middle Eastern cultures, henna tattooing is still a whole day affair during which the new bride gets to know the grooms mother and sisters. It is a celebratory, rather than a spiritual, ritual, equivalent to the pre-wedding makeover and manicure of Western brides.

Henna tattoos traditionally fell into four distinctive styles.  The Middle Eastern style consisted mostly of floral patterns inspired by Arabic carvings, paintings and textiles. This casual style did not usually follow a specific pattern. The North American style accentuated the shape of the feet and hands using geometric floral patterns.

The Indian and Pakistani designs extend beyond the hands and feet to create the illusion of gloves and stockings. These were made up of intricate, repetitive paisley patterns, lines, and teardrops. Finally, the Indonesian or Southeast Asian styles were a mix of Indian and Middle Eastern designs with blocks of color on the tips of fingers and toes.

Hennas popularity can be attributed to the fact that it is temporary and painless. You have the option of getting one and then deciding whether you like it. If you don't like it, you can keep changing it. The summer months bring the most business because people like to be able to show off their body decor. In the winter, Hindu women still get henna tattoos for celebrations, such as weddings, birthdays and the arrival of a new baby.

Application of a henna tattoo can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. The amount of time depends on the location and the amount of detail. How long the designs last on the skin depends how people take care of them. To prolong a design keep the area moisturized, avoid chlorine, and skin should not be scrubbed, exfoliated or rubbed unless you want to hurry the fading process. It is also advised that you avoid harsh soaps and saunas.