In a world where Henna has captivated cultures for centuries. There is a persistent question that reveals itself every now and then – is black henna real?
The curiosity about this enigmatic dark hue has surged in popularity, drawing in those enchanted by its edgy and unconventional appeal.
Let’s delve into the actualities surrounding this “BLACK HENNA” to demystify the appeal of this mysterious dark hue.

Henna is derived from the leaves of Lawsonia Inermis, commonly known as the Henna plant. Its major components include tannins, saponins, alkaloids, resins, and glycoside. Tannin, also known as Lawsone, is a red orange dye molecule that has an affinity to naturally bind with the protein/keratin of skin and hair, leaving behind a beautiful reddish-brown stain. Another component of henna, Saponins, helps in the enhancement of the stain by reducing surface tension which ultimately results in a rich brown shade.
When Henna is used in its pure form i.e., free from chemicals or additives, the stain it gives remains bound to the warm spectrum of colours.

While henna alone cannot yield a black shade, to achieve this trick, addition of natural indigo, harmful chemicals or dyes with ammonia is introduced. Unfortunately, this can come at a cost, causing a shift in henna's pH level to acidic, which ultimately leads to damaging the scalp and hair. Moreover, the use of chemical-loaded dyes raises concerns about carcinogenic effects.

In conclusion, the appeal of black henna is, though intriguing, comes with caution due to the use of harmful chemicals.
However, there's potential for innovation where we can explore natural alternatives like indigo for a captivating, safe black henna in the future.