| What is Henna? |
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Henna refers to a shrub known as Lawsonia Inermis which predominantly
grows in the hot climates of Northern Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Its
leaves, which produce a red dye, are harvested, dried, and then ground into a
fine powder. Henna powder is traditionally used in these regions to dye the
hair and to decorate the body, an art referred to as mehndi or simply, henna.
This plant has been used for thousands of years not only for decorating the
body but also for its medicinal properties. Henna has a cooling effect and is a
natural sunblock. For this reason it was widely used in these regions where
the climate is very hot. Additionally, it was believed to have protective
qualities that warded off "evil spirits". Mehndi is still practiced today
throughout these cultures for special ceremonies such as marriage and
spiritual celebrations.
For use in mehndi, the powder is mixed with lemon, sugar, and essential oils
to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. The method in which it is
applied varies from region to region. For example, in India, the preferred
method uses a cone applicator while in Morocco, a syringe filled with henna
paste is preferred.
Henna stains the top layer of the skin a reddish-brown color typically lasting
between one and three weeks. Natural henna is always an earthy color and
produces earthy-colored stains, it is never black. "Black henna" is not natural
and can be dangerous. "Black henna" contains PPD (para-phenylenediamine)
which is used in synthetic black hair dye and can produce very serious allergic
reactions.
grows in the hot climates of Northern Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Its
leaves, which produce a red dye, are harvested, dried, and then ground into a
fine powder. Henna powder is traditionally used in these regions to dye the
hair and to decorate the body, an art referred to as mehndi or simply, henna.
This plant has been used for thousands of years not only for decorating the
body but also for its medicinal properties. Henna has a cooling effect and is a
natural sunblock. For this reason it was widely used in these regions where
the climate is very hot. Additionally, it was believed to have protective
qualities that warded off "evil spirits". Mehndi is still practiced today
throughout these cultures for special ceremonies such as marriage and
spiritual celebrations.
For use in mehndi, the powder is mixed with lemon, sugar, and essential oils
to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. The method in which it is
applied varies from region to region. For example, in India, the preferred
method uses a cone applicator while in Morocco, a syringe filled with henna
paste is preferred.
Henna stains the top layer of the skin a reddish-brown color typically lasting
between one and three weeks. Natural henna is always an earthy color and
produces earthy-colored stains, it is never black. "Black henna" is not natural
and can be dangerous. "Black henna" contains PPD (para-phenylenediamine)
which is used in synthetic black hair dye and can produce very serious allergic
reactions.