Henna, Ingredients & Safety

What is Essential Oils in Henna?

Essential oils in henna, often called "terps" or mehendi oil, are plant oils rich in monoterpene alcohols - such as eucalyptus, cajeput, tea tree or lavender - that are added to paste to help release dye and deepen the stain.

Essential Oils in Henna explained

Only a small amount is used. Too much oil can irritate skin and make lines spread, so experienced artists measure carefully.

Clients with asthma, pregnancy or sensitive skin can ask for a mild oil such as lavender, or a paste with fewer oils.

Also searched as: mehendi oil · terps henna · henna essential oil

Related mehendi terms

Eucalyptus OilEucalyptus oil is the most commonly used essential oil in Indian henna paste. Its terpenes help lawsone penetrate the skin, giving a darker, longer-lasting mehendi stain.Henna PasteHenna paste is the smooth, toothpaste-like mixture of henna powder, an acidic liquid such as lemon juice, sugar and essential oils that artists fill into cones and apply to skin to create a mehendi design.Henna AllergyA henna allergy is a skin reaction to mehendi paste. Reactions to pure natural henna are uncommon; most serious reactions are caused by PPD in black henna or chemical cones, or by strong essential oils in the paste.Dark Mehendi StainA dark mehendi stain is a deep maroon or reddish-brown colour achieved with fresh natural paste, leaving it on for 6-12 hours, sealing it with lemon-sugar, keeping the area warm, and avoiding water for several hours after removal.

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