Henna is a natural plant powder from the leaves of Lawsonia inermis. When mixed with water, the lawsone pigment binds to keratin, producing an orange–reddish stain that deepens to rich brown. Two major applications: hair coloring/conditioning and mehndi (body art).
Henna Guide
Your complete reference to Henna (Lawsonia inermis) — types, uses, mesh grades, sourcing regions, preparation methods for hair & mehndi, and safety best practices.
Types of Henna (by Use)
- Body Art Quality (BAQ): Ultra-fine, triple-sifted; deep stain for mehndi.
- Hair Grade: Fine to very fine mesh; smoother paste, easy rinse.
- Neutral/Cassia blends: Conditioning with mild tint when paired.
Grades & Mesh (indicative)
| Grade | Typical Mesh | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Ultra-Fine | 180–200 | BAQ mehndi, silky hair paste |
| Fine | 100–150 | Hair coloring/conditioning |
| Medium | 60–80 | Masks, soaps, DIY blends |
Mesh numbers are typical ranges; we customize per buyer spec.
Indicative Chart — Stain Depth vs. Mesh
Illustrative only; actual outcomes vary by crop and prep.
Hair — Coloring & Conditioning
- Pure henna gives warm copper to deep auburn on light hair; subtle red sheen on dark hair.
- For browns/blacks: two-step method — Henna then Indigo.
- Adds slip, shine, and volume; balances scalp oil for many users.
Mehndi (Body Art)
- Use BAQ ultra-fine henna for smooth cones and deep stain.
- Common recipe: henna + mild acid (lemon/tea) + sugar + essential oil (e.g., lavender).
- Wrap/keep warm for better development; avoid water for 6–12 hours.
Sourcing Regions (Indicative)
Henna grows across arid to semi-arid belts. Qualities differ by climate, soil, and post-harvest handling. Below is an indicative overview.
- Global benchmark for stain depth and aroma (widely preferred).
- Fine to ultra-fine meshes; consistent export grades.
- Large-scale supply chain and documentation support.
- Typically fast dye release with warm hues.
- Popular for both hair and body art traditions.
- Traditionally prized for deep, rich stains.
- Supply may vary; quality depends on season and handling.
- Fine sifting common; competitive for hair-grade usage.
- Used across South Asian mehndi traditions.
- Historic henna use; qualities vary by region.
- Best results with careful drying and grinding.
Indicative Strength Chart (by region)
“Strength” is a simplified proxy for perceived stain depth + consistency; actual results vary.
Hair Application (Quick Guide)
- Mix henna with warm water to yogurt-like paste. Optional: a splash of tea.
- Rest 30–60 minutes (longer for cooler rooms).
- Apply to clean, dry hair from roots to ends. Cover.
- Leave 60–120 minutes. Rinse thoroughly (no shampoo same day).
- For brown/black: follow with Indigo step as required.
Always patch test. Individual results vary with base hair color and porosity.
Mehndi Paste (Starter Recipe)
- Blend BAQ henna with lemon juice/tea to thick paste.
- Add 1–2 tsp sugar per 100 g; a few drops mild EO (e.g., lavender).
- Rest 6–12 hours (cool room). Adjust texture with water if needed.
- Fill cones; apply; keep warm & avoid water 6–12 hours.
Storage
- Cool, dry, dark place; reseal after opening.
- Freezing can preserve freshness for long-term.
- Keep cones upright; avoid heat and direct sun.
Safety
- Patch test before full application.
- Avoid “black henna” (PPD added) — not natural henna.
- For sensitive skin/scalp, consult a professional.
FAQ – Color Results
Henna is a dye deposit; it cannot lighten. On dark hair, expect red sheen; on light hair, copper to auburn.
FAQ – Freshness
Look for lively aroma and fine texture. Fresher lots generally perform better with quicker dye release.
FAQ – Blends
Herbal add-ons (Amla, Cassia, Sidr) can modulate tone and feel. Test small batches before scaling.
