My young mother had a beautiful head of chestnut hair, but with time, her “crowning glory” began to
fade. Cautious of hair dyes due to allergies, she turned to an effective, but harmless solution that would,
if only temporarily, wash away the grey. This was my first introduction to the magic of henna.
The tradition of henna tattooing appears to have dated as far back as Ancient Egypt. It was believed that
Cleopatra used it to enhance her body and that Egyptians used henna to paint the nails of mummies
before burial. (Huffpost Style and Beauty, Dec 06, 2017). Through the ages, the flower from which it is
derived has been used in making perfume, dying hair, treating skin conditions, and even drying clothing.
It is, however, the process of temporarily dying skin that makes henna tattooing such an exotic and
intriguing art form.
Kaneez Zohra Siddiqui, is a multi-talented artist, small business owner, and celebrity makeup artist. As a
Texas registered tattoo artist specializing in henna tattoos, she started “Hooked on Henna” twelve years
ago, and has been an exhibiting member of the Houston based Islamic Art Society, for the past five
years.
Why did you become interested in the Art of Henna?
Henna body art is a special part of my Pakistani culture. I never got the henna design of my dream, so I
taught myself the art of henna! I started out by replicating existing henna designs and worked my way
up to being able to draw designs without having to replicate. From there, I went onto having my own
signature designs that have become my trademark and are now used as inspiration all across the globe!
What is the process involved in Henna Application?
Henna, also known as "Mehndi" is a plant, lawsonia inermis, which is prevalent on the other side
of the world, and grown in areas with extreme heat. In these warmer countries, the henna
plant is readily available. However, these are more utilized in the dehydrated form turned into
a fine powder. The powder is then mixed into a paste. People mix special secret ingredients
to enhance the natural orange to burgundy stain that is obtained through the Henna. Henna paste
is filled into a pipette cone, similar to cake frosting. The Henna cone is then used by the tip and
free-hand designs are drawn onto the skin. The paste is applied to the surface of the skin, allowed to
dry and flake off, then washed off. The henna paste leaves a stain on the surface of the skin. The stain
remains on the skin for approximately one week, depending on the quality and depth of the stain. The
henna stain will gradually fade off the skin as if it never was there! Over the years, I have turned my
passion for henna art into long-lasting artwork, incorporating henna designs and henna paste.
Who gets Henna Tattoos? Is there a significance in a Henna Design?
Anyone of any age can get henna. It is a special part of some cultures, and closer to the Islamic World,
as Muslims believe that their beloved Prophet Muhammad, (Peace be upon him), applied henna paste
to His hair and beard. My youngest client was a newborn baby of just a few days old and my eldest
client is my mother, who is nearly 70 years old! I'm sure that I've done even elder clients, but I didn't
ask their age! Henna is extremely popular in young ladies, however, the young men are also big fans of
henna body art!
What do you consider to be some of your biggest accomplishments as a Henna Tattoo Artist?
I have donated over $50K in artwork to local and international charitable organizations. My artwork has
been displayed at Houston City Hall and has been featured in the Houston Chronicle. I have made over
many Bollywood and Local celebrities backstage, and have sponsored makeup and hair services to local
and national beauty pageants.
Considering the intricacies of the design and the time it must take to create them, what is the price
range of a henna tattoo?
The price range for a single design starts at $20. A full bridal design may cost up to $500. This includes all
four sides of both hands, up to the elbows, along with the top of both feet, and up to the ankles.
What other services do your clients request?
They request lessons for henna, hair, make-up, as well as art lessons. I have done individual and group
events. They ask for one-on-one henna sessions and for small groups for special occasions.
Zohra and her husband, Khalid Mahmood, have been married for 22 years. “We purchased our Cypress
Creek Lakes Ashton Woods Model home in Phase 3 three years ago, and were featured on “Hot on
Houston,” shares Zohra.
A Licensed Vocational Nurse, Zohra is Assistant Director of Nursing and Wound Care Director at Chelsea
Gardens Nursing Home in Missouri City, Texas. Practicing for 6 years, she was a graduate nurse from the
Lonestar College System.
Khalid is an Electrical Engineer Project Manager, with an International Sales background. The couple has
three children: Daveer Mahmood, Asfiya Zohra, and Saniya Khalid Siddiqui.
Daveer, 20 years old, is a 2017 Cypress Ranch High School graduate. He is currently a student at The
University of Houston, working towards an MBA.
Asfiya, age 17, is a junior at Cypress Ranch, where she is enrolled in the Culinary Arts Program and is a
violinist in the Cy Ranch Symphony Orchestra.
Saniya, 13 years old, 8th grader at Smith Middle School. She aspires to go to law school and become a
judge. “So she can tell everyone when they are wrong!” shares her mother.
For more information, go to: www.Facebook.com/HookedOnHenna.MUAH
