Henna artists often find that lighting can be a real and cumbersome problem when applying detailed, intricate designs. Most henna artists will specify in their contracts that adequate lighting (and seating, naturally) is an absolute requirement. Even still, we can find ourselves in some positions (wraparound designs for example) when there is diminished light while we work around the body.
I did some research and looked for various solutions applied by other henna artists to resolve this problem. Some bring additional sources of light: a clip-on lamp, positionable lamp or wearable headlamp. Then through the power of Google, I searched and found LED glasses. Widely available for long sighted/reading glasses. How perfect, I thought, for detailed work! With a little more searching, I then found a UK based company selling prescription LED glasses online. I couldn’t believe it. The website has been there since 2012 and this was the first time I had ever heard of them!
On a Sunday night impulse, I submitted my prescription and ordered my first pair within 30 minutes. As the confirmation email dropped into my inbox I was suddenly overwhelmed with doubt and uneasiness as it dawned on me that I hadn’t verified the website or company. I spent the following 48 hours furiously checking the company out before finally being reassured with email contact and confirmation of my order. PHEW.
**Always check the website you are buying from, people!**
Two and a half weeks later my glasses arrived. There were a few confused emails at the beginning where they needed to double confirm my near-sighted prescription as these LED glasses are normally used for reading glasses (i.e those with long-sighted vision). I assured them that the prescription was correct and that as a henna artist I sometimes needed extra light for work.
And then there was light!
With a choice of 10 frame styles, I went with this lovely floral design. I’m over the moon. I used them with a bridal henna appointment and they were SO USEFUL. Particularly for wraparound foot designs and details that drop around the sides of fingertips. They’re a teeny tiny bit heavier than regular glasses due to the button cell batteries (located in each arm of the glasses) and leave slight grooves on either side of my nose. Extra batteries are provided and easily replaced with a small sliding access panel in the arms. I have yet to investigate how easy it is to buy extra batteries.
But for now, it is safe to say that these will now be a permanent addition to my henna kit as I love them and they make me look so cool:
Haha! I recommend these greatly if you’re looking for a lighting solution when doing detailed work. Thumbs up from me!
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