Henna by Holly - Natural Henna Artistry
This is the official website of internationally certified natural henna artist, Holly Monster (nee Pagnacco).
Henna by Holly is a home-based hobby/business located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Hennaed hand, inspired by a piece of tapestry, shown with the paste still on the skin (because henna is never black!)
Learn more about the dangers of "black henna" >
Latest News:
Updated June 7, 2009
Henna at Leslieville Tree Festival
Visit Holly, Heidi and Tarquin (of Henna Planet) at the Leslieville Tree Festival on Saturday, June 20th from noon to 5pm!
Henna at Toronto Jazz Festival
Holly will be slingin' henna at Jewellery@Jazz in the Downtown Toronto Jazz Festival! Get hennaed at The Purple Thumb booth on both Fridays (June 26 & July 3) from 5-8pm, and both Saturdays & Sundays (June 27-28 and July 4-5) from noon to 8pm.
Learn to Henna Workshops
There will be three "Henna 101" workshops this summer: July 11th, July 25th and August 29th! Click here for info & to register >
Pregnant Belly Henna
My work has been featured in an article in the Toronto Star newspaper.
Many thanks to Tara MacLean for sharing her beauty and grace!
Zoe Saldana (Star Trek's Uhura)
I'm thrilled to hear that actress Zoe Saldana has been casted as Uhura in Star Trek! Zoe was amazing to work with -- I wish her all the best!
See photos of my work in my portfolio >
Looking for a natural henna artist near you? Visit Monster Mehndi and Hennapage.
Looking for henna powder and supplies? Larissa at AtlanticHenna.com will be more than happy to assist!
Holly is an Internationally Certified Natural Henna Artist:
Natural henna info for artists & enthusiasts
Short introduction to henna
Henna is a several-thousand year old art with diversified traditions throughout Southwest Asia, the Middle East and Northern Africa. Originally from Persia, the natural dye within the leaves of the henna plant (lawsonia inermis) was used by various cultures for traditions including birth, coming of age, marriage and death.
The henna plant itself is a hardy little shrub that thrives in hot, arid climates. The leaves are harvested once or twice a year, after the heavy rains, and left to dry completely. The leaves are then ground into a fine powder to preserve the dye within. Henna powder is mixed with a few ingredients, including lemon juice, to encourage the dye to release. Henna paste is then applied to the skin (staining it from 3 days to 5 weeks), hair, fingernails, natural fabrics (eg. cotton, silk) and leather.
Learn more >
Foot hennaed in a Mumbai-style pattern — note the orange stain. This will fully darken in 1-2 days. The stain will then last 1-3 weeks. Learn more about henna stains >