Henna is wonderfully simple, leaves of Lawsonia inermis ground to a fine powder that tints skin and hair a warm, earthy red. With a few household tools, a patient mix, and a calm routine, you can colour greys, nourish your scalp, or create classic mehndi designs that deepen overnight. Here’s a clear, no-fuss guide that keeps things safe, effective, and beautifully traditional.

Video tutorial

We are preparing a short, step by step video guide showing how to use it

What henna is (and how it stains)

Henna’s natural dye, lawsone, binds to keratin in skin, hair, and nails. On hair, it creates a translucent copper-to-auburn glaze that blends with your base colour. On skin, it starts light and oxidises over 24 to 48 hours to a deep, warm brown. No harsh chemicals; just plant science and a bit of patience.

Choosing good quality henna

• Body Art Quality (BAQ): ultra fine, clean, and strong staining, ideal for both hair and mehndi.
• Fresh crop: a green, hay-like scent and olive-green colour (not brown or grey). Check batch and harvest year.
• Single ingredient: the label should read Lawsonia inermis only.
• Avoid additives: no metallic salts, no artificial dyes. Steer clear of “instant” cones with unknown ingredients.

Patch test and safety first

• Skin test: mix a pea-sized paste and apply to the inner elbow for 24 hours. Check for redness or itch.
• G6PD caution: henna is not suitable for newborns and may be risky in G6PD deficiency, seek clinician advice.
• Around eyes: keep paste away from eyes and mucous membranes.
• Black henna: avoid products labelled “black henna” (often contain para-phenylenediamine). Use pure henna only.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: many people use pure henna cosmetically; if unsure, ask your clinician first.

Henna for hair: step-by-step

What you’ll need

• Henna powder: 50–100 g (short hair), 100–150 g (shoulder), 200–250 g (long).
• Warm water or brewed tea (room-warm), non-metal bowl and spoon, gloves, shower cap or wrap, old towel.
• Optional: 1–2 teaspoons of conditioner or a splash of yoghurt for slip.

Mix

1. Place henna powder in a bowl. Slowly add 250–350 ml warm liquid per 100 g powder to make a yoghurt-thick paste.
2. Cover and rest 6–12 hours at room temperature for dye release (paste darkens slightly).

Apply

1. On clean, dry or towel-damp hair, section and coat strands from root to tip.
2. Wrap with a cap; keep warm.
3. Leave on for 1–4 hours depending on depth (see shade guide).
4. Rinse thoroughly with water first, then a light conditioner. Avoid shampoo for 24–48 hours while colour deepens.

Quick tip: Henna is permanent on hair—strand test on a small section before a full application.

Shade guide and timing

• Strawberry tint on light hair: 60–90 minutes.
• Copper-auburn: 2–3 hours.
• Deep auburn: 3–4 hours.
• Covering greys: first pass 2–3 hours; repeat in 48 hours for richer depth. For brown/black, many use a two-step henna then indigo routine.

Beard and brows: special notes

• Beard: use a thicker paste; apply carefully to avoid skin staining outside the beard line. Leave 30–90 minutes and rinse well.
• Brows: avoid. Paste can migrate into eyes. Consider safer brow-specific tints and seek professional help if needed.

Mehndi for hands and feet

1. Sift BAQ henna. Mix with lemon juice or tea to a toothpaste-thick paste. Rest 6–12 hours.
2. Load a cone. Clean skin with soap and water, then dry.
3. Pipe designs; allow to dry until matte. Dab with a sugar-lemon seal if desired.
4. Keep warm and leave paste on 4–8 hours (overnight for darkest stains). Scrape off; avoid water for 12 hours.
5. Colour matures from orange to deep brown over 24–48 hours.

Using henna alongside Ruqyah

Some people like a calm, steady routine where the focus stays on Qur’an. If you wish, prepare a small henna paste, recite Al-Fātiḥah, Āyat al-Kursī, and the last two sūrahs, and blow lightly towards the bowl. Apply a thin layer to the palms or soles only, on intact skin and rinse after 30–60 minutes. Keep things modest; patch test first. Avoid extended routines during pregnancy and keep henna away from infants.

Aftercare, stain care, and removal

• Hair: avoid shampoo for 24–48 hours; use light oils (argan, olive) on mid-lengths if dry.
• Skin: protect fresh stains from water for 12 hours; apply a thin layer of oil before washing hands.
• Lighten a stain: soak in warm soapy water, gently exfoliate, apply lemon-sugar and wash. Time fades it naturally.

Storage and shelf life

• Powder: airtight jar, cool and dark; best within 12–24 months.
• Paste: freeze portions in sachets for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before use.
• Cones: refrigerate up to one week or freeze for longer.

Where to buy

Choose fresh, Body Art Quality henna from a trusted source with clear labelling and sealed packaging. Explore the natural products range at the SunnahCure store and look for single-ingredient Lawsonia inermis powder.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)