Henna is a dye prepared from the plant Lawsonia inermis, also known as the henna tree, the mignonette tree, and the Egyptian privet, the sole species of the genus Lawsonia. Henna can also refer to the temporary body art resulting from the staining of the skin from the dyes.

Henna is actually a powder derived from crushing the leaves of the henna plant. The earliest use of this plant dates back to the Pharaohs in Egypt, some 9,000 years ago. Cleopatra, the last reigning queen of the ancient Egyptian civilisation is said to have used henna to adorn her body and beautify herself.

When applied to the skin: Henna is LIKELY SAFE for most adults when used on the skin or hair. It can cause some side effects such as redness, itching, burning, swelling, blisters, and scarring of the skin. Most often these allergic reactions are due to an ingredient added to henna.

Henna is a plant powder which turns orange-brown after a few hours. … However, it is growing more common to see what is called ‘Black Henna‘. Black henna contains para-phenylenediamine (PPD) oxidative dye which is a very sensitising chemical. It produces hypersensitivity reactions on the skin.

Jagua – The Safe Alternative to Black Henna.

As Authority Tattoo notes, henna can last anywhere from a week to a few months, depending on its location, which assists with longevity provided the area boasts thicker skin (such as the soles of your feet, palms of your hands, or your stomach). The longer you leave the paste on, the longer it will last.