Writer Those in search of mehndi may have been stumped in the past. Even those of Indian heritage say there's no mehndi specialist in their cultural community. Kim Mizen, a 1987 graduate of Ringling School of Art and Design, is currently learning the art of mehndi. But the results are beautiful. The thick, crusty, henna-based paste is the secret behind mehndi, an ancient form of body painting that hails from India and the Middle East.
Designs can cover entire hands, palm and back, or merely accent a wrist or an ankle.
Though mehndi has been a part of cultural celebrations for centuries, the art has become the latest trend in American pop culture. Naomi Campbell had it draped across her shoulders for a Harper's Bazaar photo spread. Gwen Stefani, No Doubt's chanteuse, showed it off in music videos. Those dwelling in the more metropolitan areas outside Florida soon won't be the only ones enjoying mehndi. When the Bradenton Herald called Manatee and Sarasota tattoo shops listed in the Yellow Pages, only one person had heard of mehndi.