Hi people, what's been on?

So, after years of thinking about it, I finally got two tattoos!

Henna tattoos, y'all!

 Yep, the henna we use to strengthen and impart colour to our hair!!!

It's a temporary and painless way of getting body art done.

 In Nigeria, we know it commonly as "Lalle" and it is very popular with Northern Nigerian brides to beautify their hands and feet.

 I also learnt that in Igboland, body art was commonly known as "uli" and was done to beautify Igbo brides too. 

Henna is also used by the Yorubas and when I asked if there was a different name for it, I was told it's also recognized as "Lalle".

The patterns done differ from tribe to tribe.

I'd been looking for a good henna artist who won't "draw spoil"! I came across a very talented artist at my friend's. She's an optometrist by profession but a henna artist on the side.

 I had seen the tattoo she had done for one lady and as an optometrist, she certainly has a good eye for detail!

So I booked an appointment and my friends and I had a "tattoo party" of some sort.

Here's what I got...

The henna tattoos lasted two weeks before fading out. The one on my wrist faded out earlier. I think my hair conditioner had something to do with it.

The henna on my nails is still on as I write.

I love the beautiful effect of two-toned nails it creates as my nails grow longer. 

My nails were stronger too and broke off less.

P.S. If you're G6PD deficient, are allergic to paraphenylenediamine or have ever had sensitivity to dyes, please don't use.

Henna is not naturally black so additives such as PPD are used for black henna.

If you're interested, you can find the henna artist on Instagram via @omeira_sanguine. She's currently in Lagos.