Meet the Magician
About the Artist
Jill Desai
Owner and Founder
For the past seven years, I’ve been dedicated to the fascinating art of henna. It all started at a family party where my cousins and I were applying henna on one another to kick off a weekend of festivities. After seeing so many designs, how-to videos and other inspiration online, I started experimenting on my own. My hobby then turned into practicing on my friends and later providing services at my alma mater, Rutgers University. Soon, I began taking on bridal henna, large parties and everything in between. Today I am a pharmacist who loves to spend my free time adorning others with this captivating ancient art.
As Henna by Jill has evolved, I’ve always made sure to stay true to my passion. As an artist, I’m constantly looking for ways to take my art to the next level whether it be learning new elements, attending conferences or refining my skills. I am committed to providing the best all-around experience for all my clients and to creating memories that will last a lifetime!
About the Art
Henna, also known as mehndi or scientifically as Lawsonia inermis, is a natural plant based dye that has been used for millennia across many nations for its medicinal and beautification properties. In ancient times, people of the desert would cover their extremities with henna because its cooling and sunscreen properties allow it to act as a natural thermoregulator.
The magical henna plant is a flowering shrub whose leaves are dried and then crushed into a finely sifted powder. After the powder is mixed with water, lemon juice, sugar and essential oil, it must be given time to dye release. This process allows the lawsone, or pigment molecules, to activate and safely dye your skin with a delicate design. After the applied paste is removed from your body, it takes about 48 hours for the stain to develop. Today, henna is used as a beauty treatment to commemorate an auspicious event, celebration or even a contemporary tattoo! With all-natural and safe henna, the possibilities are endless!