Henna, also known as mehndi, is the ancient art of bodypainting with paste made from powdered leaves from the henna plant.
The use of henna for decorative body art was first documented in ancient Sumerian texts, but since the plant is native to the a wide geographic area throughout the Middle East and India it is likely that people used it without writing about it. Traditions, recipes and patterns all spread along the trade routes across India, the Middle East, North Africa and into Moorish Spain (until the Spanish Inquisition!)
Traditionally, the hands and feet are painted before important celebrations (like weddings), and the painting process is a festive occasion as well. Usually a women’s art, some cultures also henna the hands of men on the eve of their weddings.
Patterns vary from culture to culture…in India, hands and feet are covered in intricate, lacy designs. In North Africa, more geometric patterns are preferred. In Pakistan, the initials of the bride and groom are hidden in the mehndi on the bride’s palms; it is said that if the groom cannot find the initials, the wife will be the family boss.
Henna has been used to decorate the skin and hair for nearly 5,000 years — and has been found on the hands and feet of Egyptian mummies!
Henna is natural, beautiful, and brown. Henna never turns black by itself; toxic chemicals are often added to make henna stain black instead of brown. These chemicals can burn the skin, leaving behind scars, and they also increase your risk for cancer. Avoid anything labelled “black henna”. If it says it dyes the skin black in less than half an hour, it’s too good to be true and it’s dangerous!
Black Henna is not a gentle plant dye like real henna, but is made from coal-tar and absorbs deep into the skin’s layers. PPD (the nickname for p-parapheylenediamine)is the most common chemical used because it is cheap and easy to find. PPD can burn the skin, causing permanent scars. PPD is a transdermal toxin and absorbs deep into the living layers of the skin It can cause itching, oozing, blistering skin with long-term scarring. For people who are sensitive to this chemical, it can cause severe allergic reactions such as anaphylactic shock, organ damage, and permanent sensitization to black dyes. Black henna is not fun, and it can be very dangerous.
Real henna takes time to dye the skin. You leave the paste made from powdered henna leaves, lemon juice, tea, and other food-grade ingredients on the skin for hours. Once the paste is removed, it leaves behind an orange stain that can take up to 2 days to reach its full color.
Fake henna is left on the skin for as little as ten minutes, dyes instantly and looks black.
Real henna is safe, and is actually good for the skin.
Fake henna is not good for the skin, and can cause permanent damage. It’s not worth the risk.
Choose real, natural henna.
Reputable artists are proud of their product and will not hesitate to assure you of the quality of their ingredients. ASK what is in the paste; if the artist doesn’t know or won’t say, you should think again about whether you want that paste on your skin.
Crescent Moon Designs uses only 100% natural henna powder imported from reputable companies. This powder is mixed with all-natural lemon juice, molasses, and essential oils such as: lavender, eucalyptus, geranium, vetiver or and a smidgeon of clove. For clients with sensitive skin or who are pregnant, ask for Natasha’s pregnancy henna paste that is made with henna powder, lemon juice, sugar and lavender essential oil.
The information below is an excerpt from the FDA:
Since henna typically produces a brown, orange-brown, or reddish-brown tint; other ingredients must be added to produce other colors, such as those marketed as “black henna” and “blue henna.” So-called “black henna” may contain the “coal tar” color p-phenylenediamine, also known as PPD. This ingredient may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. The only legal use of PPD in cosmetics is as a hair dye. It is not approved for direct application to the skin. Even brown shades of products marketed as henna may contain other ingredients intended to make them darker or make the stain last longer. In addition to color additives, these skin-decorating products may contain other ingredients, such as gasoline, turpentine or other solvents.
Be informed and be wary!
The HennaPage has been a pioneer in warning people about the dangers of black henna; this section has a wealth of information and photographs. The HennaTribe also maintains an anti-black henna stance.
