Henna, Ingredients & Safety

What is Lawsone?

Lawsone is the natural red-orange dye molecule in henna leaves. When henna paste sits on skin, lawsone binds with the keratin in the outer skin layer, creating the stain that darkens from orange to reddish-brown over 24-48 hours.

Lawsone explained

Chemically, lawsone is 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone. It is released from the leaf powder when it is mixed with a mildly acidic liquid and left to rest - a process artists call dye release.

The amount of lawsone in a batch of powder largely determines how dark the final stain can be. Good body-art powders are tested for lawsone content and freshness.

Also searched as: hennotannic acid · henna dye molecule · lawsone dye

Related mehendi terms

Dye ReleaseDye release is the point at which mixed henna paste has rested long enough for lawsone to be freed from the leaf powder and become available to stain skin. It typically takes several hours to a day depending on temperature.Henna StainA henna stain is the colour left on the skin after the paste is removed. It begins bright orange, then darkens through oxidation to reddish-brown or maroon over 24-48 hours, and gradually fades as the skin exfoliates.Stain DevelopmentStain development is the 24-48 hour process in which a fresh orange henna stain darkens to its final reddish-brown colour as the lawsone in the skin oxidises. Warmth helps; water and soap in the first hours slow it down.Body Art Quality (BAQ) HennaBody art quality (BAQ) henna is pure, finely sifted henna powder with high dye content and no additives, sold specifically for skin designs. It produces smooth paste for fine lines and a strong, natural stain.

Ready to book your mehendi artist?

Compare verified artists, portfolios and per-hand prices across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane.