Henna FAQs

Frequently asked questions related to Henna/Mehndi

What is Henna?

Henna, also known as mehndi or scientific term as “Lawsonia inermis”, is a natural plant based dye that has been used for its medicinal and beautification properties. The henna powder is created by crushing the dried leaves into fine powder.  Henna powder is mixed with water, lemon juice, sugar and essential oil and kept for few hours, so to give ample time for dye to get released. 

What is Mehndi?

Mehndi is the Hindi word and is the traditional art  of painting the hands, feet or body with a paste made from the dried henna leaves crushed to fine powder form. 

The paste is made from ground leaves of henna plants and a variety of ingredients such as lemons, limes, black tea, essential oils and sugar. 

What is the significance of henna?

Henna has been used to adorn the human body as a part of religious and cultural ceremonies. The bride’s hands and feet are decorated with intricate designs to bring her beauty, happiness and blessings. The core significance of applying henna is to utilize its natural medicinal herbal remedies. Henna is generally applied on both the hands and the feet. 

What is henna made of?

We use only 100% natural homemade henna that is safe to use on the body. Henna plant leaves are dried and crushed to fine powder. The powder is mixed with water, lemon juice, sugar and essential oils to form henna paste. Essential oils are used to bring out the color in the henna along with it has a calming aroma. Longer the paste is applied finer the stain, it is recommended to keep henna for 6-8 hours, but generally it is kept overnight and removed in morning which allow the natural pigments to be released from henna.

Where henna is applied?

Henna is traditionally applied to the hands and feet, also non-traditional areas include the upper back, shoulder and even a pregnant belly for a ‘belly blessing’

How long does it take to apply henna?

Time differs based on the henna designs, designs can take 5-10 minutes or hours based on the intricacy. Bridal henna generally take any where from 4-8 hours. 

How to get the best stain?

Aftercare is specifically important as the quality of henna used. Homemade natural henna takes about 24-48 hours to achieve its darkest color. Depending on the body part color of the stain differs.

• It is important to apply henna to an area of the body free from oils, lotions.

• Once applied, keep the henna on for a minimum of 6-8 hours, and overnight to achieve the best results.

• DO NOT USE WATER! Water will stop the staining process and reduces the effect of stain on the skin.

• Longer the paste is applied darker the stain. Over 48 hours, stain will gradually change from pumpkin orange to a deep red to mahogany brown. 

How long will my henna stain last?

Henna stain can last up to 2 weeks depending on the aftercare. Stain can fade quickly if taking a dip in the pool, doing dishes or frequent hand washing.

What is black henna?

Henna is never black. There is a misnomer product called ‘black henna’ which contains ingredients like para-phenylenediamine (PPD), charcoal, kerosene and other chemicals that are dangerous for your skin. Black henna can create an instant stain, and can burn or scar the skin.  I only use 100% natural and homemade henna to ensure the safety of clients while delivering a beautiful stain.

What is white henna?

Henna is never white either 🙂 There is a misnomer product called ‘white henna’ which is made of cosmetic grade body paint to create a design on the skin. Infact, white henna does not contain henna, and can last on the skin for 2-5 days only.