"White Henna": An Unique Alternative to Traditional Mehndi

Acrylic adhesive piped onto the skin. By Amy Miller for Blue Lotus Mehndi.

Perhaps the hottest trend to come along in temporary body art, "white henna" has everyone talking!

White henna is undoubtedly beautiful, looks amazing on most skin tones, and is a unique alternative to traditional henna. It's removable (no stain that must fade away), and would complement Western-style white bridal attire.

But what exactly is "white henna"? First, let's talk about what it is not.

"White Henna" vs. True Henna

Real henna—first and foremost— is a plant: lawsonia inermis. The leaf of the henna plant contains a natural red dye that stains hair, fingernails and skin. Henna also refers to the paste made from powdered henna leaf used to stain (dye) the body.

So ... "white henna" is not true henna in the sense that henna comes in only one color: red.

However, "henna" also can refer to the art of applying henna, including traditional design motifs: paisleys, flowers, swirls, vines, etc. So, it is correct to say that you can do henna-like designs in any color.

By the way ... no such thing as a white "stain." You make things white by removing color, not adding it. In other words, bleaching. DO NOT BLEACH YOUR SKIN. There are better, safer ways to get white designs. Read on!

"White henna" on fingers (done with
acrylic adhesive) compared with
natural red henna on palm.

Ways to Do White Henna-style Art Safely

• Cosmetic or prosthetic adhesive: These adhesives can be piped onto the skin and will stick for up to a week. The design looks 3D, like puff-paint. It can be peeled or scrubbed off.
• Adhesive plus cosmetic glitter or powder for extra shine or sparkle. Looks spectacular!
• Water-based gel: This has a consistency like aloe vera. Pipes on easily and will wash off with water. Great for children.
• Theatrical or airbrush tattoo paint: Available in matte and pearlescent formulas. Can last up to a week with proper care.
• Cosmetics: For delicate areas, such as around the eyes, a white eyeliner pencil can do the trick.
• Foil transfer tattoos: My favorite is the Zardozi collection by Henna Guru, available in white/gold and white/silver.

What Should NEVER Be Used on the Skin

• Bleach of any variety, including laundry bleach and so-called "skin bleach." That stuff is awful. Google it.
• Acrylic paint, tempera paint or any other paint designed for home decor or crafts.
• Nail polish.
• Any other product not approved for human skin.

What do you say? If you're having a traditional white wedding, would you go for white henna?

This blog post adapted from "'White henna': What is it?" published on the Blue Lotus Mehndi website.