Henna is a dye prepared from the plant Lawsonia inermis, also known as the henna tree. Henna can also refer to the temporary body art resulting from the staining of the skin from the dyes. After henna stains reach their peak color, they hold for a few days, then gradually wear off by way of exfoliation, typically within one to three weeks. The term “Henna Tattoo” is just commercial and Henna actually does not tattoo the skin.

Henna has been used since antiquity to dye skin, hair and fingernails, as well as fabrics. Historically, henna was used in the Indian subcontinent, Arabian Peninsula, Middle East and other parts of Africa.

The dried leaves of the plant are ground and the paste of the fine powder is applied to the skin by the artist using a conical device. The application is allowed to dry 4-8 hours and washed with coconut oil or lemon juice to obtain a dark colour. 

Henna is completely natural and very unlikely to produce any allergic reactions on the skin. The practice of applying Henna on hands and legs during festivals and marriages is very ancient in India and subcontinents.