Henna Party

I got Henna done on my hand this week. Because I was so excited to get it done and because it is very fascinating, I decided to do some research. Most of this information I pulled off of Wikipedia and Henna artist’s (called a Mehndi) websites. Henna is a large shrub or small tree measuring about 8 feet at full height that grows in Africa, southern Asia, and northern Australia.


The leaves are dried and crushed into a fine powder so the dying ingredient, lawsone, can be made available. It’s then mixed with an acidic substance such as lemon juice or strong tea. It’s rested for 6-12 hours to release the lawsone. Essential oils such as tea tree or eucalyptus are also added to help break up the smell. It’s not stinky; it just has a strong earthy scent like rich soil. Plus the oils are good for you skin! The paste is then put in a plastic cone small enough to fit into your hand and is used like a pen to draw on the skin.




It is left on for at least 4 hours and even better if left on for longer, it will make the color darker. It will stain as soon as it is put on, but not very dark. Here is how it works: the Lawsone is an organic compound that bonds strongly with proteins such as the keratin in your skin. Don’t get it on fabric especially wool, leather and silk; it will stain! After it dries, most artists then spray a lemon juice/sugar mixture that helps it penetrate better. After that it is time to take off the henna that has dried into a hard crusty substance. Just lightly rub it off and use olive oil for the chunks that are stubborn. It will be light orange but will turn a rich brown in 24 hours.

The reason it is not permanent is it is only applied to the outer layer of skin, which over time, sluffs off. Tattoos are permanent because the ink is applied underneath the outer layer of skin which does not sluff off and that is why a needle has to be used.

Fun fact: it is also anti-fungal and is used to preserve leather and fabrics.

Henna is traditionally applied on an Indian and Arabic bride before her wedding. Her hands and feet are covered with the dye. If you look online at Mehndi artist’s websites, you can find many images and ideas and how it usually looks. The woman who did my henna said she frequently does Indian weddings and it usually takes 4-6 hours to do the bride because of the very intricate designs. They usually do this a day or two before the wedding because it takes time to cure.


I like it because it’s a fun tattoo that requires little commitment. If you don’t like it, or decide to get a new design it goes away and you can try something else! A new pattern every time is fun. Tattoos eventually go out of style and, as I’ve very recently found after having a baby, skin gets saggy! The appeal is high for me; I’ve always been too chicken to get a real tattoo. I even felt a bit sassy after it was applied! It’s a fun experience to have, especially with your girlfriends! Here’s how mine turned out right after the henna was applied:



And 24 hours after the application: