TikTok users may have considered henna to be the latest unusual ingredient, but it has actually been a staple among Asian and Middle Eastern cultures for many, many years. Coming from the plant Lawsonia inermis, henna is most infamous for the beautiful temporary body tattoos popularly created by Asian and Middle Eastern communities for special occasions. Its use even dates back to the Egyptian pharaohs (via Healthline).
The way that henna works is that it contains natural pigments that temporarily dye the skin or hair into a reddish-orange color (via Medicine Net). Depending on where you apply it, henna can last for up to two weeks.
A popular use for henna is as a hair dye. The natural ingredient can work as a root touch-up, too. Henna is a great alternative to chemical colors, because it's completely natural and actually can help heal your hair. According to Stylecaster, henna simply coats your hair with color, rather than penetrating and potentially damaging it. Asian and Middle Eastern cultures have used it for years as a protective styling method to give hair a color refresh while also repairing and nourishing it.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTEpaCsrF6YvK57lW5vbWhmZLWww4ydpp6rXZ2yr7rAZqmemZyhxm7DzquiaA%3D%3D