Marrakech and The Art of Henna

If henna is used a lot for cosmetic, therapeutic or dermatological purposes, it will not have escaped you that in the Maghreb, it is used a lot in the realization of ephemeral or definitive tattoos. While in Marrakech, we invite you to discover a little more about the art of henna, a formidable weapon in the arsenal of female seduction.

If you want to be scholarly, say Lawsonia inermis. But if you prefer to play the "connoisseur of the Berber world" card, say it Ihenni or anella. You can then say that your brand new henna tattoo comes from a thorny shrub of the Lythraceae family, up to 6 meters high. It takes its pretty hues from the powdered leaves before serving as a paste to be applied carefully to the skin.

In the Maghreb, henna has been cultivated for a very long time. It is often considered to be the "tree that grows in paradise", its religious connotation comes from the fact that its flower would have been the prophet Mohammed's favorite. In the ancestral tradition, henna was applied by women to women on the back and chest areas. Today, it is also applied to feet and hands. Among Berber women, even before the appearance of Islam, they covered their faces with henna, either to avoid bad luck, to display a social status (especially that of wife), or to differentiate themselves culturally from Arab communities. 

On your skin, henna is usually applied in the form of floral or abstract patterns. Depending on the country, the symbols may vary, but it is above all the aesthetic dimension that dominates. These pictorial motifs are made using a brush, a cone or a needleless syringe. Given the precision required by this art, it is better to work with experienced artists. 

Depending on the application time and the components used to make the paste, the lifespan of your tattoo may vary. A priori, it will remain visible on your skin for two or three weeks if you use a natural henna. 

That being said, you should know that there are three types of henna available today: natural henna, neutral henna and black henna. With regard to the latter, the Agence Française de Sécurité Sanitaire des Produits de Santé warns you since it is linked to significant allergy risks. We therefore invite you to find out in advance about the henna to be used on you. 

Do you want to mark the occasion and bring back a small souvenir of your holidays in Morocco? We give you two great spots to have your henna done in Marrakech. 

For a beautiful result without unpleasant surprises, avoid street artists and go to this address instead! Rather easy to find, a few minutes walk from Jemaa El-Fna Square, this small café is the ideal place to deal with henna professionals and have a good time. You can enjoy the rooftop terrace and from the inside, sip a little refreshment while observing the work of the artists, each more talented than the next. Experience the unforgettable experience of an authentic Moroccan henna!

This is the other good location we propose in Marrakech. Avenue El Glaoui, not far from the Secret Garden, this traditional henna salon produces all its masterpieces using only TANZARINE henna, guaranteed organic. In this friendly place, you will be able to ask for the motifs of your choice from a photo of the dream drawing, unless you prefer to follow the artist's suggestions. The dough is prepared on site and the drawings are made with a cone. The patterns are then coated with a mixture of sugar and lemon to fix the henna color. 

Best of all, in the riad Louaya, you have the opportunity to follow henna classes and learn about this art, all you have to do is make a reservation. Henna will soon have no more secrets for you! 

Another good plan to add to your list of activities in Marrakech!