How Long Does Henna Last on Your Skin?

Henna is a coloring agent or dye extracted from the plant Lawsonia inermis. Natural henna consists of a tannin dye, lawsone, which produces a red-orange color when applied. Natural henna is low in causing allergic reactions. However, some cases reported redness and swelling with the henna application.

Henna has been used to create a temporary tattoo because the stains don’t go deep into the skin. Also, there isn’t a risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis infection.

Henna has been traditionally used for body decorating in Islamic and Hindu cultures.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its use in hair dyes only. FDA has not approved any direct application of henna to the skin. As henna isn’t regulated in the USA, there are chances of adulterating henna with coal-tar dye, such as p-phenylenediamine (PPD), to make black henna. There have been various reports about PPD causing allergic reactions in people. Hence, it is advisable not to apply black, blue, or brown henna on your skin because it can have adverse effects.

Henna stains fade away completely within a few days or weeks. If you wish to remove the stains, you should:

• Exfoliate with a scrub.
• Use antibacterial soap and warm water.
• Soak your hands in salt water.
• Apply mild face bleach.

Applying henna should not be encouraged in the following population:

• People with hypersensitivity
• People with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (a condition causing red blood cells to break down in response to certain medication, infections, or other stresses)
• Children
• Pregnant women
• Previous allergy to henna

There is insufficient evidence about henna being useful in the following condition:

• Hair color
• Hair dyes
• Dye for textiles

It is not advised to ingest henna for its purported effects on gut health.