what is henna

Henna is a dye that is prepared from the plant Lawsonia inermis, also known as the henna tree, the mignonette tree, and the Egyptian privet. It has been used since ancient times in various cultures to dye skin, hair, and fingernails, as well as fabrics including silk, wool, and leather. Henna is extracted from the plants leaves and ground into a fine powder, which is then mixed with various liquid ingredients to achieve a paste-like consistency and the desired color. The pigment color varies in each tropical region, and the sizes of the plant also vary by approximately 2-3 cm in height. Henna contains a chemical molecule called lawsone, which is responsible for the coloration. Henna is used for temporary body art, coloring hair, dyeing skin, fingernails, as well as fabrics such as leather, wool, and silk. Henna is also used in celebration of special occasions such as weddings and birthdays in the joyous gathering of people. Henna designs are not tattoos, as henna is a temporary dye that sits on the skins surface.