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What is Henna?
Henna is the common name of a plant (lawsonia inermis) used in the Art of Mehndi. The terms Henna and Mehndi are often used interchangeably. There are also many other terms in different languages that are used to describe both the plant and the practice. (For more in depth information on the history behind henna I recommend visiting The Tapdancing Lizard website )
How is henna used in Mehndi?
The leaves of the henna plant are crushed to make a powder which is then sifted to remove larger pieces, such as stems and veins. The fine dusty powder that remains is then used to make a paste mixed with a variety of different ingredients, such as lemon juice, teas, and oils, that are intended to release the dyes in the henna that will then stain the skin when applied in patterns and left on for several hours, even overnight if possible.
Is it a tattoo? Does it hurt? Is it safe?
Since Mehndi is a form of bodyart, most people relate it to tattoos, which are another form of bodyart. Mehndi is very different, however, in that it is not permanent and no needles are used. The henna paste sits on top of the skin and stains the epidermis, or top layer of dead skin cells. It is never inserted under the skin. Natural henna DOES NOT HURT, AND IS *VERY* SAFE. Occasionally some of the ingredients commonly used in paste can cause mild irritation on sensitive skin, such as essential oils like Clove and Eucalyptus. The premix paste I use has only a small amount of cosmetic grade eucalyptus oil. Adverse reactions to natural henna itself are very rare, but do happen. A patch test is recommended if there is any doubt.
Where can I apply henna?
Almost anywhere! The traditional and most successful areas are the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. These areas are where the skin is usually the thickest and most porous, and therefore have more surface area for the paste to stain. In these areas, stains can last up to 3 weeks. However, most other areas, backs of hands, tops of feet, arms, back, belly, while they will take a stain, because the skin is so much thinner and smoother, stains usually last less than a week, depending on aftercare, and do not stain as dark. The only places that generally will not stain are the face or head. The skin there is usually too think and/or oily to accept a decent stain at all.
How does it work?
Henna contains hennotannic acid, which dyes the collagen (skin) and keratin (hair and nail) cells very easily. The dye is released from the vegetable matter and made available to bind with the skin cells when the ph is at least 5.5. It releases best in an acid environment, which is why lemon or lime juice (acidic) is commonly used as mordents in the paste. It takes time for this process to take place, which is why the paste must remain moist and in contact with the skin for a while.
How long does it last?
The henna stain lasts until the top (dead) layer of skin exfoliates. This can be anywhere from a few days on very thin skin such as the arms, belly, or chest, to 2-3 weeks on thicker, calloused skin such as the soles of the feet or palms of the hands. The hands and feet are the more traditional areas to be hennaed and generally last longest. Other factors that may affect the length of time the stain lasts include exposure to water, chlorine and other chemicals, and exfoliating lotions such as alpha-hydroxies.
What colors do henna come in?
Natural henna stains ONLY in shades of orange to reddish brown. There are different variances and intensity of color that can be achieved by leaving the paste on longer and using heat to release more dye into the skin. NATURAL HENNA DOES NOT COME IN BLACK!! Natural henna does not come in any other colors such as blue, green or purple. Some suppliers offer kits and premixed pastes that dye the skin different colors but these are NOT pure henna. They contain additives to achieve different results. While many suppliers use natural additives to achieve these results, vegetable dyes and such, some of these additives may be harmful!
Do you use Black Henna? What is Black Henna?
I NEVER use Black Henna! I use only PURE NATURAL HENNA AND ALL NATURAL INGREDIENTS! Black Henna is often not henna at all but a chemical known as PPD, or p-Phenylenediamine . This chemical can often be found in black hair dyes. Some artists add this chemical to their paste to get fast black stain. THIS CHEMICAL IS EXTREMELY HARMFUL! PPD causes severe chemical burns, blistering, even scarring. Even if there is not a reaction in the skin, PPD is a transdermal TOXIN. It enters the bloodstream through the skin and can then cause damage to the liver and kidneys. Exposure can lead to Cancer of these organs. Also, breathing PPD powder can cause lung damage, those who prepare PPD based Black henna are at risk also! For more information on the risks and effects of PPD, please visit the Henna Page Warnings
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