What is henna?
Henna is a flowering plant known as Lawsonia inermis. It is grown in hot, dry regions such as the Middle East and Northern Africa. 
Its leaves are harvested and ground into a fine powder. The powder is mixed into a paste with lemon juice, sugar, and essential oils such as lavender and rose geranium. The paste is then applied to the skin in various designs. The sugar helps the paste adhere to the skin. The oils and lemon juice in the paste help to bring out the plant's natural dye, known as lawsone. As the paste sits on the skin, the lawsone stains the top layers exactly as the paste was applied.
What colors does henna come in?
Henna stains in only one color, a beautiful cinnamon brown. The actual henna stain should never be black. If you are ever told by someone that their henna stains black, it is not natural henna or it is another chemical. Visit hennapage.com to read more about the dangers of black henna.
There are several images on this site where the henna appears black. 
This is simply the dried paste. When the paste is wet, it looks olive green. Once applied and the paste dries, it takes on an almost black appearance. This is the dark greenish-brown of the dried paste. The henna should be left on a minimum of 2 hours, preferably overnight, for the darkest stain. When the paste is first removed, it will be a bright-rusty orange. The stain will mature over 2-3 days, reaching its beautiful cinnamon brown color.
Where should my henna be applied?
Since henna stains the top layers of skin, it is best applied to areas with the thickest skin, such as the hands and feet. Stains on the hands and feet will be darker and also last longer. Stains on areas with thinner skin such as the arms, legs, and torso will be lighter and last for a shorter time. Henna is also popular on pregnant bellies.
Does henna hurt?
No, henna does not hurt. You feel only a very light application of the paste, if anything at all.
Is henna permanent?
No, henna is not permanent.
The stain can last up to 3 weeks, but the length of the stain will depend on many factors such as the area where the paste was applied & proper care.
Is there henna paste without essential oils?
Yes, custom blends can be made with advance notice.