hennä

Henné is a dye obtained from the henna plant, Lawsonia inermis. The leaves of this plant are dried and ground into a fine powder. This powder is then mixed with a liquid, typically water or lemon juice, to form a paste. When applied to the skin or hair, the paste stains the surface a reddish-brown color.

The practice of using henna for body art and hair coloring has a long history, dating back thousands of years. It is particularly prominent in cultures of the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. Henna body art, known as mehndi, is often applied for celebrations, festivals, and special occasions. Intricate patterns are created using cones filled with the henna paste.

For hair, henna is used as a natural dye to color it shades of red, auburn, or brown, depending on the original hair color and the duration of application. It is also believed by some to have conditioning properties for the hair. The staining compound in henna is lawsone, a molecule that binds to keratin, the protein found in skin and hair. The intensity and shade of the stain can vary based on the quality of the henna, the mixing ingredients, and how long it is left on the skin or hair. It is important to use pure henna, as some commercially available products may contain additives that can cause allergic reactions or unintended coloration.