Mehndi, also known as henna, is made from the leaves of the mehndi shrub that is indigenous to South Asia. The shrub also grows in Australasia and Africa. It is a thorny shrub with tiny leaves and thrives in subtropical climes. When the dried leaves are mixed with essential oils or water, the paste imparts a burgundy red colour. The reason that mehndi is very popular is because it is used very commonly in weddings in South Asia. The paste made from dried leaves and oil is used to decorate the bride’s body. In some cultures, even the groom’s hands are decorated with mehndi paste, as it is considered auspicious. If you want to make your drab looking mehndi paste more vibrant and rich, you definitely need mehndi oil.
What is Mehndi Oil?
Mehndi leaves contain a natural acid called hennotannic acid. This is the acid that works as a dye in mehndi. The acid does not dissolve in water and hence, you will not be able to get a rich and lustrous color when you make a paste of mehndi leaves with henna water. What you need is mehndi oil! Did you know that mehndi is in fact categorized as an essential oil? Mehndi oil is an essential oil and can be extracted from tea tree, ravensara and cajeput. This oil contains high levels of terpenes, which are naturally produced by the plants. The terepenes in the oil help produce a darker stain from the mehndi.
Benefits of Mehndi Oil:
How to Use Mehndi Oil?
The rule of the thumb is to add 1 to 3 ml of mehndi oil in 10g of mehndi powder. Do not exceed this quantity. If you are pregnant, avoid using mehndi oil, as it can be dangerous for your baby. Before using the oil, consult your obstetrician. It is best to perform a patch test before using the oil. This will show whether you are allergic to it.
Is mehndi oil good for hair? Yes, mehndi oil is good for hair. It may help promote hair growth and improve scalp health. When should I apply mehndi oil? Many people use mehndi oil on dry and chapped skin during the winter months. You can also add it to mehndi paste to get a dark stain.
