ABOUT THE ARTIST
Divya Patel, the artist behind “Henna by Divya” is a Toronto, ON based professional henna artist with over 10 years of experience with henna body art! She is experienced with both traditional and modern Indo-Pak henna styles, Arabic and Moroccan styles, as well as Western tattoo style body art. Divya has provided henna for brides and weddings, parties of all sizes, photo shoots & editorial work, individuals, and much more! Her work speaks for itself — click on the “Portfolio” tab of this website to check it out!
“The art of henna has been a passion for me since I was very young. I started doodling with a henna cone when I was only around 10 years old. It came quite naturally to me because from a very young age, I was very fond of art. As a little girl growing up in India, I had also seen henna being done tons of times – be it on festivals, weddings, parties or just for the heck of it. As I grew older, I received calls from more people (through word-of-mouth) and I realized that I should make my hobby into a part-time business. I never really thought I’d be doing this professionally but now I am and I absolutely love it!”
ABOUT THE ART
Natural henna is a beautiful, painless form of body art full of rich tradition in various cultures all over the world. Henna (also known as mehndi) is produced from the leaves of the “henna plant” (Lawsoina Inermis). The leaves contain a red dye called ‘Lawsone’, which essentially leaves the radiant red stain on the skin. Once the leaves are obtained they are crushed into fine powder, the powder is sifted, and then mixed with a variety of ingredients such as essential oils (eucalyptus, lavender, tea tree etc.), lemon and sugar to create a smooth paste. This paste is then poured into the applicator (a henna cone rolled from cellophane) which allows the artist to create fine, precise lines. After the henna is applied onto the skin, it dries in about 20 – 30 minutes.
It is highly recommended to keep your skin dry and away from water for 6-8 hours after the application process. When the paste comes off, a tremendously beautiful stain is left behind! What is the best part of the henna, you ask? Natural henna is 100 % safe – and temporary! As your skin exfoliates, the henna stain wears off, allowing you to get something new and different each time you get adorned. Henna by Divya uses 100% natural henna, mixed only with the finest and freshest henna power. We do not use or encourage the use of ‘black henna’ (to find out more about the harms of black henna, please visit the FAQ section of this site).
TESTIMONIAL
When it comes to henna, Divya is the best of the best. She has done the most gorgeous henna for me and I love looking through all of the stunning photos she posts of elaborate designs she creates. Divya is a versatile artist and does henna of all different styles for any occasion. Her work is inventive and while keeping her years of experience in mind she produces beautiful custom designs that exceed her clients expectations. After discussing what the client is looking for, Divya is efficient and works quickly with her faultless technique. Whether you are looking for bridal party mehndi, to accessorize your look for a special event, or just because- I would highly recommend making an appointment with Divya!
Bridgette Moone
Divya is a true ARTIST. I recommend her to everybody for any Henna work. She is sweet, welcoming, work on the different ideas you can have with you, fast, and very talented. She makes me wanna come more often and got me hooked to Henna again, not only for celebration but just for esthetical purposes. For any Henna work, dt look further Divya is the artist you need. Thank you so much again, all I get is compliment about my henna, even people in the street stop me to ask me where I got it done.
Leila Sayah
Divya has done my henna for 5-6 straight years. Each session, she comes up with new and brilliant designs - not to mention these are all done on the spot. Her work is very intricate and fast. Every single person that has seen my henna in person never fail to stop and compliment me; the designs are as stunning in person as they are in the pictures. I recommend her work to many people and those who have had the chance to work with Div have shared their outstanding experience and end up endlessly gushing about their beautifully finished henna. No doubt, Divya is the most talented henna artist I know and she is the only person I will go to for the best designs and service.
Aleah-Mae Francisco
Divya just did the most beautiful henna design on my belly! At 9 months pregnant it can be uncomfortable in certain positions but with her calm demeanor and relaxed disposition, I found myself feeling the same way. She worked fast and is extremely talented! I'm so excited that my third baby will have this to see in years to come! Thank you Divya!
Siobhann Smyth-Wellwood
Divya's talent flows out through her amazing henna work. I loved her unique style of thick n thin henna art. She also gave me tips on how to make the henna colour darker & it worked out perfect!!! I was extremely happy with the end result & was showered with praises from everyone. It made my wedding day xtra special.
Mehzabeen Zereen Hoque
FAQ
What is the significance of henna. Why should I get henna?
Henna has been used to adorn bodies as part of traditional and holiday celebrations for many years now. In many cultures, it is regarded as a blessings, and applied for luck as well as joy and beauty. There are various stories and folk lores. In India, it is said that the deeper the colour of a bride’s henna stain color, the more her husband (some say mother-in-law) will love her!
Is the process painful? How does it compare to getting a tattoo?
Henna is completely painless and a temporary work of body art (as opposed to getting a tattoo which is permanent). Henna is, first and foremost, an adornment, a way of beautifying oneself (traditionally as preparation for a special occasion such as a wedding, engagement).
Is henna applied only on the hands and feet?
Henna/mehndi is traditionally applied on the hands and feet of women (and men in some communities) for special occasions like engagements/weddings. They are the two areas on the body that stain the darkest! With more cultures and people exposed to this beautiful art however, it can really be applied anywhere on the body depending on your preference. You can browse under the Individual tab in our Portfolio to see the broad range of work we’ve done on different parts of the body.
How long is the application process?
It depends on the intricacy/size of the design and the henna artist. A standard, simple design extending from the wrist up one finger takes me about 5 minutes. Full bridal henna may take anywhere from 3-6 hours (yes!). Individual henna appointment varies in time and you can book accordingly depending on the design/intricacy you choose to get done.
How can I get an amazing henna stain?
We prepare our henna paste with organic, completely natural henna power with no added chemicals. In a matter of 24-60 hours, your stain will appear in shades of reddish-brown, varying from deep/dark red to a dark mahogany-brown. The best thing? There are absolutely no negative reactions when using natural henna! The color of your henna stain depends on several factors: 1.Quality of the henna paste and powder 2. Your body chemistry with henna! 3. Where on the body you put the henna 4. Aftercare.
What is black henna?
Black henna is a paste made by mixing a little bit of henna, and a majority of things that are really bad for your skin, specifically: PPD (a chemical found in permanent hair dye), charcoal, kerosene and other chemicals. Chemicals such as these can cause lead poisoning, painful sores and permanent scarring. Henna is NOT black and when natural henna is used, it will always stain in shades of red and brown. Henna by Divya does not use or encourage the use of black henna.
What is white henna?
There is no such thing as white henna. There is an unfortunate misunderstanding as there are pictures circulating on social media of “white henna”. The photos you’ve seen is either lotion applied on the skin with a cone applicator or simply white body paint! Fortunately, there are safe body art products that can be used to replicate the look of henna but it’s not henna. It simply sits on top of the skin and some products may even last for a few days! Feel free to email us if you would like more information on this particular product.
How long the henna color stays? How can I keep the henna color dark longer?
Henna stains typically fade in one to three weeks depending on the henna used, your skin and how much you wash the part where henna is applied. For longevity of henna color, we suggest less washing of the body part where henna is applied and less use of soaps and exfoliants.
How can I get henna stain to fade away faster?
Henna stains last on average 7-10 days & will gradually fade away completely. There is no way to completely remove a fresh henna stain, but you can speed the process up with these simple tips:
- Soaking in the shower
- Scrubbing/exfoliating/waxing the skin.
- Chlorine can help to remove the stain as well so a dip in the pool may speed up the fading process.
- Whitening toothpaste scrubbed over the stain may help as well.