Henna Created and Presented by: Ms. Steinmetz Information provided by

Henna is a small tree; the word for the art form is the same as the word for the plant. Henna traditions in North and East Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. Henna produces a burgundy dye molecule, lawsone, primarily concentrated in the leaves. This molecule bonds with keratin (protein) used to dye skin, hair, fingernails, leather, silk and wool. Henna: Lawsonia Inermis mehandi - mehndi - camphire - kopher

Henna plants like heat and drought and will only grow where the minimum temperature is above 60 F Henna is commercially cultivated in… India Pakistan Afghanistan Iran Sudan Bangladesh Yemen Morocco Egypt Henna stains range from pale orange to nearly black. Fresh henna from hot, dry climates makes the darkest stains.

What is Henna used for? Used on brides for their weddings in India, the Middle East and Africa. Social and holiday celebrations. The “Night of the Henna” is the oldest and most famous henna celebration. Both men and women have a “Night of the Henna” just before their marriage. -Considered lucky for a bride and to make her beautiful; a blessing.

Preparation of Henna Paste Whole, unbroken henna leaves will not stain the skin. Henna only stains when lawsone molecules are released from the henna leaf. Fresh henna leaves will stain the skin if they are smashed with a mildly acidic liquid. Fresh body art quality henna powder + Add enough lemon juice to make a paste about as thick as mashed potatoes + Cover the paste with plastic and let it sit for 12 hours at 70F = HENNA PASTE Learn more about mixing henna at

…Preparation of Henna Paste (cont’d) You can also add the following to your henna paste… Tea Tree or Lavender Oil for darker stains. Sugar or dextrose to make it smoother.

How to Apply Henna Learn more about applying henna at You can apply henna with many different tools such as: Fine brush Syringe Mylar cone Carrot bag with tip

Henna: Staining Skin The thicker the layer of skin, the more lawsone will be allowed penetrate resulting in darker and longer-lasting stains. Henna creates the darkest stain on which part(s) of the body? Steaming or warming the henna pattern will darken the stain. Henna stains appear to fade away in 7 – 30 days due to exfoliation.

Benefits of Henna Henna is fun and isn’t a “forever” body art like tattoo or piercing. Stains hair reddish and makes it stronger and silkier. Effective against ringworm, dandruff, and other fungal diseases. Strengthens skin and fingernails and deters drying and cracking. Has some anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Henna is a sun block.

Henna Vs. Tattoo Henna stains the outermost layer of the skin, and does not pierce the skin. Henna does not hurt. It feels cool and pleasant on the skin. Henna stains will fade away as the outermost layer of the skin exfoliates. Tattoos are made by piercing the skin and putting pigment under the skin. Tattoos are permanent. What are some similarities?

Today Henna is still widely used in the traditional areas as well as America