What is Henna and How is it Used?

Henna is a flowering plant that is native to some tropical and sub-tropical regions of Northern Australasia (a term used to describe the areas of Australia, New Zealand and some other neighboring islands in the Pacific Ocean), Africa, and southern Asia. Henna, or Lawsonia inermis, produces lawsone, which is a red-orange dye molecule concentrated in the leaves of henna.

Neutral henna and black henna are products that are not derived from henna, but may be made from other plants like cassia or indigo. These types of henna may contain chemicals and dyes that are unlisted.

Since the Bronze Age, henna has been used for hair dye and body art. Some records claim henna was used as a hair dye as far back as the Roman Empire, and that it was also used as ink for Indian court records around 400 AD.

There are several traditional and commercial uses for henna. Henna can be used as a dye for hair, skin, and nails, or Henna can be used in preserving leather and cloth. Interestingly enough, henna will also repel mildew and some insects.

A very popular use for henna today is body art. For thousands of years in the eastern Mediterranean, henna was used to adorn women’s bodies during holidays and social celebrations. In some cultures, marriages are celebrated by adorning the bride, and sometimes the groom, with henna.

Another contemporary popular use of henna is as a temporary henna tattoo. In festivals worldwide, such as the Renaissance Festivals in France, you can find people of all walks of life getting henna tattoos. Getting a henna tattoo is a good way to try out having a tattoo without the permanency, since the henna will wear off in a week or two.

Stingray Body Art specializes in all forms of body art, and has been recognized on television and in print as a professional and reliable source for procedures. Browse through their site to learn more about henna, or other body art topics, and call 617-254-0666 to make an appointment.