Want to Learn about Henna? Start here with the basics.

What is Henna?

The first interesting thing about henna is that it is a plant. Henna grows in warm regions where even night time temperatures stay above 40 degrees. The plants produce the most dye in areas that are also dry, such as Northern Africa, Northwest India, and the Middle East. You might consider it a small tree or a large bush at 2-6 meters high. The plant produces a red/brown dye in its leaves. They dye loves to stick to protein making it a great dye for hair, skin and even nails.

Everywhere henna grows people have been using it as a dye and a medicine for thousands of years. Only in recent generations has henna spread to to rest of the world. Time, heat, and moisture damage henna reducing its potency. With faster transportation and more advanced packaging powdered henna leaf can be shipped everywhere and still be perfectly fresh when it arrives.

How Does It Work?

Finely ground and sifted henna leaves are mixed with a slightly acidic liquid such as lemon juice or strong black tea. This breaks down the plant matter and sets the dye molecule free. Certain essential oils such as cajeput, eucalyptus, or lavender dissolve the dye. Henna artists add sugar to help the paste be more flexible when dry and to stick better to skin. The artists applies the paste to skin, and over several hours the dye in that paste is absorbed into the surface layers of skin. The dye attaches its self to keratin in skin. When the paste is removed the design remains beneath. At first the henna pattern is an orange color. It matures to a color about like chocolate over a day or two. Henna designs do not wash off, but will fade over time. Washing and the friction of daily life wear the dyed surface layer of skin away. Fresh new skin cells rise up to their place.