Henna contains an orange-red dye molecule called lawsone. In order for henna to stain the skin, the lawsone molecule has to be released; hence the finely powdered henna is mixed with an acidic medium like lemon juice or tea. Sometimes “terps”, monoterpene alcohols like lavender oil, cajeput oil, tea-tree oil or combination of these oils are added to enhance the staining properties of the henna.
Henna paste is applied on your skin and over several hours the natural pigments are absorbed into the upper layers of your epidermis. it doesn't spread out, it goes straight down into the skin. That is why the pattern stays clear and in place till the last day of exfoliation. henna application is pain free. Henna can last up to a fortnight on thicker skin like hand & feet, and tends to fade more quickly in arms, chest and thinner skin areas.
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| Catherine Jones |
References:
- Cartwright-Jones, C. (2003). henna encyclopedia. Retrieved April 2011, from henna page: http://www.hennapage.com/henna/encyclopedia/skin/stratum/sc2.html
- Parthasarathy, R. (2007). Henna for you. Retrieved April 2011, from http://www.hennaforyou.com.au/hfyartofhenna.htm#hennastain
during my childhood, my malay friends would always remind me to add in lime juice into henna paste. it was said that by doing so, the henna stain would last longer. i took it for granted until you mentioned it here. it was true indeed and i even get to know how it really work on the skin.
ReplyDeletequite informative post you have here. keep it up! :)
thank you Eileen.. lime actually helps the color to come out faster.. some people use sugar water or minyak kapak..
ReplyDeleteThank Kaur. This article is useful for me.
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