In recent years there has been a great influx of tattoo design inspiration from Asian and Indian cultures. Take for example the henna tattoo that was used throughout time. Many people are finding themselves wanting a tattoo but do not want the permanency associated with the ink. Some find themselves unwilling to subject themselves to the needles of tattoo machines.

Japan’s history of tattooing goes back to 10000 B.C.E. to 300 B.C.E. It was often used for healing, and even identifying a soldier should he perish on the battlefield and be stripped of his armor also to identify rites of passage for certain tribes. Perhaps the most familiar of Japanese body art is associated with the organized crime group the Yakuza. Much like the Italian Mafia, the Yakuza have long been affiliated with less than desirable elements of society. Anything from illegal gambling to racketeering is within its grasp.

The body would be decorated with a series of lines and symbols telling a story. Anyone not aware of the subtle meaning would simple find the designs beautiful. The significance of tattooing the bride is such that as long as she is still wearing the dye, she is still honeymooning and is not expected to perform chores.

One of the benefits of Henna is that it is a natural product. As such there is a great leeway for experimentation in design. Traditional designs do not have to be used and there are many kits available that include design patterns. The henna tattoo removal is simply the skin replenishing the cells and forcing the dye out of the body.

There are tattoo studios that do offer permanent designs that resemble the henna tattoo. Depending on the skill and craftsmanship of your tattoo artist having a permanent Henna tattoo can be just what your looking for. These tattoos are put into place with the typical tattoo machines but use a red dye that will remain permanent.

A note of caution concerning henna is the use of a product labeled as “black henna” or an indigo. Natural henna does not come in dark shades. The dark colors are actually made by combining henna with a chemical. There can be very harsh side effects such as skin blistering. As with any product, even a natural one such as henna, there can be allergic reactions.

This is particularly true if the individual has a rare genetic condition called a G6PD deficiency (G6PD deficiency is an inherited condition in which the body doesn’t have enough of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, or G6PD, which helps red blood cells (RBCs) function normally.) In large doses the dye molecule in henna can be fatal. If it is unknown whether or not henna will cause an allergic reaction it is best to do a small skin test.

It is not uncommon for people to turn to the art tattoo artist to leave a work of beauty etched permanently onto their skin. Such television shows as TLC’s Miami Ink show incredible works of art being tattooed. The human skin becomes the canvas for memorials of fallen loved ones or pictures of children and art work that have a lasting mark through the tattoo design on the person.