Common Henna Questions

What is Henna? It is made from the leaves of the henna plant, lawsonia enermis, these leaves are harvested and ground into a fine powder. I turn this powder into a paste that I apply to your body. This paste when applied to the skin and left on for 4 to 12 hours produces a temporary reddish brown stain that fades over time.

What is in the paste? I like to keep it simple. I use 100% henna powder, lemon juice, sugar and an essential oil. I usually use either lavender or tea tree oil, which makes for a rather pleasant scented henna session.

How long does it last? Usually from 3 days to 3 weeks depending on a few factors. Your stain is affected by the thickness of the skin where the paste is applied, how long the paste is left on the skin and how the skin is cared for after the application. Click here to read how to care for your henna tattoo!

Does getting a henna tattoo hurt? Not at all! Many people find the application to be rather relaxing. Henna is applied topically so there is no breaking of the skin.

Where can I apply henna? Almost anywhere! The 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. These stains can last up to 3 weeks. Most other areas, like the backs of hands, tops of feet, arms, back, belly, will stain but 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.

What color will the henna stain appear as on my skin? The henna paste is a dark brown. When it's removed, the stain's first color stage is a pale orange that develops into a reddish brown within the first 24 hours. Over the next 24 hours, the reddish brown darkens to its starkest shade of a rich brown. Gradually, the color will fade completely.

How long do I leave it on? That is entirely up to you! 2-3 hours minimum is recommended. The longer you leave the paste on, the better the stain.

What is Black Henna and why is it dangerous? "Black" henna has a chemical added called PPD (para-phenylene-diamine) that is highly toxic. I NEVER use this chemical. Check out this site to learn more.

Is there anyone who shouldn't have henna? Children under the age of 6 and people with G6PD deficiency should NEVER have henna! People with ITP and TTP should not have henna. Children under 6 and people with G6PD can become anemic after the application of henna, and there is not enough known about the reactions of henna with ITP and TTP. If you have questions about whether or not henna is safe for your known medical condition, you should consult your doctor.