Henna, or Mehndi, or Mehandi ... the list of names goes on and on ... is a more than 5,000-year-old form of body art which uses henna paste (made from the powdered leaves of the henna plant, a slightly-acidic liquid such as lemon juice, and, often, essential oils) to temporarily stain skin.  The same paste can also be used to permanently dye hair, fur, and fabric.

The henna plant grows best in very hot, dry parts of the world, such as around the Sahara Desert, throughout the Middle East, parts of India, Jordan, Yemen, even in a tiny sliver along the southeastern cost of Spain.  All the cultures that have grown up in those same areas have, or have had, henna traditions.  This includes societies in every major religion.

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What is Henna?

How does Henna work?

I just got a Henna tattoo.  What happens next?

How long does Henna last?

Will anything make my Henna fade faster?

What is in your Henna paste?

What is "Black Henna"
/ PPD?