what is Henna?

We tend to use the word 'henna' to mean a design style AND the actual temporary body art. Adding to the confusion, we see a lot of pictures around the internet taken with the henna paste on the skin -- thinking that henna is black. 

And then there is a product called 'black henna' which is a commercially produced adulterated product which contains dangerous chemicals. Henna is never, ever (not ever) black.

Henna is...

Henna is a plant. It is harvested, dried and ground. A paste is made with liquid (tea, water, juice) and essential oils. The skin is decorated with the paste which will stain the skin (its temporary).

Photo 1: paste on // Photo 2: paste off, stain is oxidizing // Photo 3: mature stain

Henna is not a tattoo. A tattoo punctures the skin and makes a permanent design on the body. Henna is a stain which will disappear over time as the body makes new skin cells.

henna stain photos
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