Henna has been used for centuries as a substance for dyeing both the hair and the skin. Until recently the art of Mehendi (henna tattoos) has been a closely guarded secret, steeped in tradition and ritual.

However Madonna's trend-setting henna Mehendi tattoos, as seen in her latest video, Frozen, have all but smashed the tattoo taboo and bought it into the mainstream.

Unlike conventional tattoos which last a lifetime Mehendi is temporary. The henna dye which usually comes in red and black gently fades away after about two to three weeks. Which is ideal if you are going to a party or want to just have a change without completely committing yourself.

Neelam who has a beauty salon of the same name on the Ealing Road in Wembley, Middlesex, has been cultivating the art of Mehendi since she was eight-years-old.

Back in her native Bombay, Neelam learnt to express herself through the art of body adornment which is so integral to Hindu, Moslem and Arabic culture and celebration.

Neelam said: "Mehendi is usually done for special occasions like engagements and weddings. Usually the bride-to-be will have a Mehendi party and her friends will be invited and they will talk and have their hands and some parts of their body painted. It's all good fun."

According to Neelam special privileges are awarded to the bride that has the hand painting done, she said: "For about nine days after she has had the henna on, she does not have to clean up or wash up or do any of the everyday chores that she normally does."

And, another tradition of Mehendi is that the person who paints the hand of the bride-to-be will also paint a heart with the initials of the groom onto the hand. When, eventually, the couple are left alone, the new husband is invited by his new wife to find his initials in between the intricate design. His reward when he finds the initials is that he can touch her.

For those of you who would like to see how the art of Mehendi is created Neelam will be doing a demonstration at Selfridges, on Oxford Street, May 10 from noon onwards.

Or if you would like to learn how to do the craft yourself Neelam has her own training school, based at her salon at 129a Ealing Road, Wembley. Telephone 0181 903 2163 for more details on training sessions, appointments and cost.

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