Mehndi vs. Henna — What's the Difference?

Traditionally used in South Asian weddings and festivals.

Used for temporary body art as well as hair dyeing.

The art of applying intricate henna designs on the body.

Known for its cooling properties and natural origin.

Applied using a cone or brush for precise patterns.

Can stain the skin a reddish-brown.

Designs range from simple to elaborate.

Often mixed with other natural ingredients to alter the color and properties.

Considered a symbol of luck and happiness in many cultures.

A dye prepared from the crushed leaves of the henna plant.

Mehndi is a form of body art and temporary skin decoration usually drawn on hands or legs, in which decorative designs are created on a person's body, using a paste, created from the powdered dry leaves of the henna plant (Lawsonia inermis). It is a popular form of body art among the women of India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Iran, Maldives, and the Muslim population of Sri Lanka, and resembles similar practices found in North Africa and the Middle East.

Henna is a dye prepared from the plant Lawsonia inermis, also known as the henna tree, the mignonette tree, and the Egyptian privet, the sole species of the genus Lawsonia. Henna can also refer to the temporary body art resulting from the staining of the skin from the dyes.

The application of henna paste in intricate designs to decorate the body, often for wedding celebrations and other festive occasions in South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa.

A tree or shrub (Lawsonia inermis) of the Middle East, having fragrant white or reddish flowers.

Decoration on the body made by mehndi.

A reddish-brown dyestuff prepared from the dried and ground leaves of this plant, used especially in South and Southwest Asia and North Africa to color leather and fabrics, to dye hair, and to decorate the skin.

Henna substance used for colouring

A design drawn on the skin with this dyestuff.

Henna the plant

A moderate or strong reddish brown to strong brown.

To dye (hair or skin, for example) with henna.

(countable) A shrub, Lawsonia inermis, having fragrant reddish flowers

A reddish plant substance, prepared from the dried leaves of this plant, used for temporary tattoos and hair coloring. Hair colorings range from bright red to earth brown to near black.

A rich reddish-brown colour.

Of a rich reddish-brown colour.

(transitive) To dye or tattoo with henna.

A thorny tree or shrub of the genus Lawsonia (Lawsonia alba). The fragrant white blossoms are used by the Buddhists in religious ceremonies. The powdered leaves furnish a red coloring matter used in the East to stain the nails and fingers, the manes of horses, etc.

The leaves of the henna plant, or a preparation or dyestuff made from them.

A reddish brown dye used especially on hair

Apply henna to one's hair;

Natural henna is safe for most people, but it's important to avoid black henna, which can contain harmful additives.

Traditional mehndi is reddish-brown, but modern variations can include colors through the addition of dyes.

Mehndi can last from 1 to 3 weeks on the skin, depending on care and skin type.

In South Asian cultures, mehndi is believed to bring luck, joy, and beauty to wearers during significant occasions like weddings.

Pure, natural henna with no additives is best for mehndi to ensure the best color and safety.

Mehndi artists use tools like cones or brushes to apply henna precisely, relying on skill and experience to create detailed patterns.

Mehndi is thought to represent the bond of matrimony and is a symbol of good luck and health in marriage.

Ingredients like coffee, tea, and essential oils are commonly added to henna to enhance color and longevity.

Henna paste is typically prepared by mixing powdered henna with a mildly acidic liquid like lemon juice and letting it rest to release the dye.

Mehndi is the art of applying patterns with henna, which is the natural dye used for creating those patterns.

Henna is known for its natural antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it beneficial for skin and scalp health.

Yes, henna is versatile and can be used on all hair types, offering a natural dyeing option.

Caring for mehndi by avoiding water contact and applying oils can help prolong the design's visibility.

Yes, it is increasingly popular for men in various cultures to have mehndi applied for special occasions.

Those allergic to henna might experience redness, itching, or swelling, and should do a patch test before full application.