Customer Reviews

Mehndi: Rediscovering Henna Body Art

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was disappointed with this book. While it has some interesting parts I had not seen in other books related to henna, such as recipes for dishes to serve at a henna party and instructions on a couple of basic yoga positions, I didn't purchase the book to learn about cooking or exercise. The information for mixing henna paste is fairly good and includes lists of optional ingredients for henna paste and their results, plus pre and post henna treatments for darker stains, but the instructions for actual application are sketchy and have no illustrations. Most of the sample designs, usually my favorite part of a new henna book, are very small, which makes it difficult to view the details. They are also all sketched illustrations, with no photographs of completed work except for the cover. I was also distracted and annoyed many times by the poor grammar and typo/spelling errors.

I wouldn't recommend this book for new henna artists, especially because of its lack of illustrations. An experienced henna artist may find some inspiration for a new twist on their basic henna recipe or henna party activities, but would find most of the information redundant.

I found this book to be very well done, especially in the area of explaining the history of henna and application of mehndi and was well researched. All safety concerns were covered so I feel I can practice the art form safely, not only on myself but on others as well. I was quite shocked at some of the dangerous ingredients some people try to use in the henna paste. I recommend this book to anyone serious about mehndi and/or looking for a highly explanatory guide / manual on the subject in addition to those interested in the Indian culture and botany of henna.

Every time I perform Mehndi I find myself getting out my copy of this book and flipping through the pages. It has almost become a ritual.

It is a very respectful look at the art and the cultures of women from where it comes. It was a pleasant surprise to find the section on women's charities included in the book as well.