For centuries, henna has been used to adorn the body during traditional and festive celebrations. In many cultures, it is considered a blessing, symbolizing luck, joy, and beauty. Various stories and folklore highlight its significance. In India, it is believed that the darker a bride’s henna stain, the deeper the love she will receive from her husband—or, according to some, from her mother-in-law.
Henna is a completely painless and temporary form of body art, unlike permanent tattoos. Primarily an adornment, henna is a traditional way of beautifying oneself, often applied in preparation for special occasions such as weddings and engagements.
Traditionally, henna (or mehndi) is applied to the hands and feet of women—and in some communities, men—during special occasions like engagements and weddings. These areas stain the darkest, enhancing the beauty of the designs. However, as more cultures embrace this art form, henna is now applied anywhere on the body, depending on personal preference.
For a rich and long-lasting henna stain, we use a completely natural, organic henna paste with no added chemicals. Within 24 to 60 hours, your stain will develop into beautiful shades of reddish-brown, ranging from deep red to dark mahogany-brown. The best part? Natural henna causes no negative reactions!
The final color of your henna stain depends on several factors:
- Quality of the henna paste and powder – Fresh, natural ingredients yield the best results.
- Your body chemistry – Henna reacts differently with each person’s skin.
- Placement on the body – Hands and feet tend to develop the darkest stains.
- Aftercare – Proper care helps deepen and extend the life of your stain.
Black henna is a dangerous mixture containing a small amount of henna combined with harmful chemicals like PPD (found in permanent hair dye), charcoal, kerosene, and other toxic substances. These chemicals can cause severe skin reactions, including painful sores, permanent scarring, and even lead poisoning.
Natural henna is never black—it always stains in shades of red and brown. At Henna by Purvi, we do not use or endorse black henna, ensuring a completely safe and natural experience for our clients.
White henna does not exist. The term is a common misconception, often fueled by images on social media. What you’re seeing in these photos is either lotion applied with a cone applicator or white body paint.
While there are safe body art products that can mimic the look of henna, they are not actual henna. Unlike natural henna, which stains the skin, these products sit on the surface and may last for a few days. If you're interested in learning more about these alternatives, feel free to email us for more information!
Henna stains typically last between one to three weeks, depending on the quality of the henna, your skin type, and how often the area is washed.
To extend the life of your henna stain and keep it darker for longer:
- Minimize washing the area where henna is applied.
- Avoid excessive use of soap, exfoliants, and harsh chemicals.
- Keep the skin moisturized with natural oils like coconut or olive oil to help preserve the stain.
Henna stains typically last 7–10 days and fade gradually over time. While there’s no way to instantly remove a fresh stain, you can speed up the fading process with these methods:
- Frequent washing – Soaking in the shower and washing the area often can help.
- Exfoliation – Scrubbing, exfoliating, or waxing the skin will remove layers of stained skin faster.
- Chlorine exposure – Swimming in a chlorinated pool can help lighten the stain.
- Whitening toothpaste – Gently scrubbing the stain with whitening toothpaste may also speed up the fading process.