How Long Do Henna Tattoos Last?

Henna tattooing, known as mehndi in some cultures, is an artistic form of body painting where both men and women decorate themselves with intricate designs. Henna is used for spiritual, ceremonial and decorative purposes. People also use henna as a substitute for permanent ink tattoos. Henna has been used in Hindu and Arabic culture for thousands of years; people now wear henna for fashion or religious purposes throughout the world.

Warning

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration only approves henna plant coloring in products intended for use as hair dye. Under FDA regulations, the presence of henna plant coloring in any product intended for use on the skin is an illegal adulteration. The FDA has received reports of people experiencing skin injuries after using henna skin tattooing products, and warns that it may cause allergic reactions in some people. Imported henna products may lack proper labeling of ingredients in violation of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act and therefore illegal as well.

Time Frame

According to Henna By Heather, a website belonging to a certified henna artist in Boston, Mass., henna tattoos usually last one to three weeks. She notes that henna tattoos can last eight weeks or longer on thick surfaces of your body, like the soles of your feet, or can fade quickly, in three or four days, on thin surfaces like your face.

Features

Henna powder is created by grinding henna bush leaves into a fine grain. Henna paste can be an intricate mixture of oils, juices, teas and powder, uniquely blended for an individual, or as simple as water and powder made from the dried leaves. According to the FDA, natural henna colors are brown, orange-brown, or reddish-brown. Blue henna and black henna also exist, but the manufacture of these colors requires additives.

Removing Henna Tattoos

Expedite the removal of your henna tattoo by soaking yourself in a salt water bath, which aids in dissolving the ink. Use exfoliating scrub pads to help remove the skin cells stained by the henna. The more you sweat, the faster the ink will fade, so strenuous exercise or saunas can help.

Black Henna

Black henna comes from a mixture of inks, dyes, chemicals and henna powder. The FDA says the most commonly used additive is called p-phenylenediamine, also known as PPD. PPD is approved for hair dye use but is not legal in the US for use on the skin; it may increase the risk of allergic contact dermatitis. According to an August 2010 article in the Argentinian journal, "Archivos Argentinos de Pediatría," sensitization from PPD can cause long-lasting local reactions.