Pure Henna: Information to Ensure You Get an Authentic Henna Tattoo

Henna, or Mehndi as it is traditionally known, is the practice of applying prepared henna artistically to the body to create a tattoo-like temporary stain.

The practice of using henna to adorn the body has been done for centuries and is still currently practiced in the Middle East and parts of Africa. It is often done on the hands and feet as a form of adornment on women in celebration of holidays or before marriage. This practice is generally safe and always pain-free when done properly by an educated and ethical henna artist.

Henna body art has made its way over to the United States and has become popular and henna artists can often be found in all metropolitan areas and at summertime festivals. As a consumer though, you have to know what you are getting to make sure you are getting a quality, safe, authentic henna tattoo.

How Henna Works and What's in It


Henna is made of three typical components: the ground powder of the henna plant, lemon or lime juice and various essential oils.

The ground powder from the henna plant, Lawsonia inermis, is typically greenish in color. If nothing is added to it, the plant cannot release a stain. Once lemon or lime juice is added, however, a stain begins to be released. To further encourage a dark stain, essential oils, such as tea tree, lavender or cajeput essential oil may be added. These essential oils have naturally-occurring chemicals called terpenes which are responsible for increasing the color output. Other ingredients commonly added are tea or red wine.

These ingredients are mixed to a paste, which is then usually cured for a couple days to release the stain.

Henna, when prepared in this manner, usually will be safe for the general population of people who do not have extra-sensitive skin or allergies to any of the ingredients. This traditional, time-tested manner of henna often results in a brown or burgundy stain on the skin, sometimes resulting in nearly a black-burgundy stain on the thickest skin of the hands and feet. Tradition henna will never stain the rest of body skin a black color. The darkest color can only be achieved on the palms of hands or the soles of feet as pure henna only stains the upper layer of skin and does not permeate into lower levels. Hands and feet provide the best staining surfaces, as they are more porous and have a layer of rough, dead skin. Hair and clothing can also be dyed by henna.

Beware of "Black" Henna

With the popularity of henna and tribal designs some unscrupulous henna artists have emerged. Many customers desire a black temporary tattoo - which cannot be achieved with authentic henna. These unscrupulous body artists thus turned to black hair dye, which contains the chemical PPD - P-Phenylenediamine. This chemical, which was never designed to be applied to the skin, is then applied to the body and is then absorbed through the skin as it passes through the upper layer. This chemical may then accumulate in the kidneys and cause rashes, or even kidney or liver failure. It can also burn and scar the skin where it is applied. It is unhealthy in the least and poisonous at the most.

How to Get a Safe Henna Tattoo

Only use henna artists who will freely share all ingredients in their henna paste. You may not be able to get directions on how to make it, as this is a trade secret for many, but they must be willing to tell you the ingredients, if not the detailed preparation.

The most professional artists will directly inform the consumer and answer any questions you may have.

Never use an artist who advertises "black henna" or says that you will receive a temporary tattoo that will be black.

Traditional henna when applied may give a cooling sensation. Indeed, it is often used in the hot regions to aid in comfort. If you feel a stinging or burning, however, immediately wash it off. It may be an allergic reaction to a perfectly good paste - perhaps your skin is allergic to the essential oil if one is used.