The Role of Henna in Eid ul-Fitr Fashion Trends
Eid ul-Fitr, the Islamic festival that marks the end of Ramadan, is not only a time of prayer and celebration but also a showcase of fashion, particularly among women.
Over the years, the festival has been informally dubbed the “Eid Met Gala,” as social media platforms become flooded with images of women dressed in stunning outfits, complete with bold accessories and vibrant colors.
A key element of these fashion statements is Henna body art, a beautiful and intricate form of temporary decoration often applied to the hands and feet. From elaborate, eye-catching patterns to simple, minimalistic designs, Henna has remained a cherished tradition for generations.
Although Henna is particularly popular among Muslim women for events such as weddings and religious celebrations, its appeal has expanded beyond the Islamic community, gaining popularity among non-Muslims as well.
Henna in Ghana: A Growing Beauty Trend
For some women, Henna is more than just a cultural practice—it is an artistic expression that enhances their overall appearance.
Speaking with The Mirror last Wednesday, Faiza Abubakar, the owner of Phai’s Henna N Spa, revealed that while most of her clients are Muslim, a significant number of non-Muslims also seek her services.
With the Eid celebrations fast approaching, she mentioned that her schedule was already packed with appointments, and she would also be available at special events to create designs for clients at a fee.
Beyond Beauty: The Deeper Meaning of Henna
Many clients allow Henna artists to create unique, freehand designs, but others bring specific patterns or symbols that carry personal significance.
Faiza explained that some customers request Henna with religious or motivational quotes, while others opt for symbols with special meanings.
Additionally, Henna has long been associated with spiritual protection, with many believing that it wards off negative energy. This belief is why brides often apply Henna on their wedding day—to protect themselves from the “evil eye.”
Henna as a Solution for Skin Blemishes
Beyond its aesthetic and spiritual significance, Henna is also used by some individuals to conceal scars, birthmarks, or other skin imperfections. The designs provide a natural and temporary way to enhance confidence while embracing body art.
However, Faiza noted a rising trend where artificial body dyes are replacing traditional Henna due to their affordability and ease of use.
Natural vs. Artificial Henna: What You Should Know
Henna derived from the natural plant produces a burgundy stain, whereas artificial body dyes often result in a deep black color. If a Henna stain appears excessively red, Faiza cautioned that it might contain additional chemical components that could be harmful to the skin.
She explained that natural Henna requires careful processing, while synthetic dyes are ready-to-use and only need water to activate.
How to Identify Safe Henna Products
While Henna art is undeniably beautiful, Faiza warned that using the wrong products could lead to allergic reactions, or even require medical attention.
She explained that most artificial body dyes contain paraphenylenediamine (PPD), a chemical known to cause skin irritation.
For those trying Henna for the first time, she advised conducting a patch test on a small area of the skin before applying larger designs.
Most allergic reactions become noticeable within the first few hours to three days after application.
The Risks of Using Low-Quality Henna Dyes
Faiza shared a personal experience where she once switched suppliers due to unavailability and unknowingly used a compromised dye on a regular client. Unfortunately, the client suffered a severe allergic reaction, though she was understanding because she had worked with Faiza for years.
This incident reinforced the importance of trusting a reliable supplier.
“One of the things I do on my Instagram page (@phaishennanspa) is educate my followers on how to differentiate between high-quality and inferior Henna dyes,” she added.
She also cautioned against artists who mix dyes with harmful substances like hydrogen solutions, which can damage the skin.
How to Care for Henna Art
The first sign of an allergic reaction is usually itching at the application site. Scratching can worsen the irritation, so it’s best to wash the area with warm water and seek appropriate medication for skin allergies.
For natural Henna stains, applying a bit of essential oil can help deepen the color and extend its longevity. Some people also use a mixture of lime juice and sugar to enhance the stain.
For artificial Henna dyes, Faiza advised simply washing the design off once it has dried and peeled. Depending on how frequently one bathes or exposes the area to water, Henna body art can last up to three weeks.
Final Thoughts
Henna remains an integral part of Eid fashion and celebrations, adding elegance and personal meaning to the holiday’s festivities.
However, as its popularity grows, ensuring the use of safe, high-quality products is essential to prevent adverse skin reactions.
With professionals like Faiza educating the public about Henna safety, more individuals can confidently embrace this timeless and artistic tradition while prioritizing their skin
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