What to Know Before Getting a Henna Tattoo

Henna expert Kassi Brent shares tips on spotting real natural henna versus dangerous chemical-filled "henna" pastes.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Kassi Brent, a professional henna artist with 12 years of experience, explains the differences between real, natural henna and dangerous chemical-based "henna" pastes that can cause severe reactions. She provides guidance on how to identify real henna by looking at the packaging, scent, application time, and ingredients. Brent also offers recommendations on where to purchase safe, pre-mixed henna cones and how to mix your own henna paste at home.

Why it matters

Many people, especially when on vacation, may unknowingly get henna tattoos made with unsafe chemical-filled pastes that can cause chemical burns, blisters, and other serious reactions. Educating the public on how to spot real natural henna versus dangerous imitations is crucial for keeping henna body art safe and fun for everyone.

The details

Brent explains that real, natural henna is made from the leaves of the henna plant and contains a natural dye called Lawsone that binds to the skin's keratin. This produces a reddish-brown stain that lasts 7-10 days. In contrast, "henna" pastes are often adulterated with a variety of harmful chemicals like gasoline, kerosene, and para-phenylenediamine (PPD) to extend the shelf life and produce immediate, vibrant colors. These chemical-based pastes can cause severe reactions. Brent provides tips to identify real henna, such as looking for hand-mixed paste, a natural herbal scent, and a gradual color development over 4-24 hours.

  • Henna paste begins to degrade within 24 hours unless frozen.
  • Real natural henna needs to be left on the skin for at least 4 hours to develop the stain.

The players

Kassi Brent

A professional henna artist with 12 years of experience, certified by the International Certification for Natural Henna Arts. Brent was taught to mix henna by top artists in the industry and considers herself a "henna-science nerd".

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What they’re saying

“Real, natural henna smells GOOD! The henna leaves smell like freshly cut grass. A lot of artists also add essential oils to assist the dye release so you could also smell lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, or cajeput (the most common essential oils used in henna). Imitation or chemical 'henna' will often smell like hair dye or gasoline.”

— Kassi Brent, Henna Artist

What’s next

If you're unsure about the safety of a henna artist's paste while on vacation or at an event, Brent encourages you to reach out to her directly for guidance on identifying real natural henna.

The takeaway

By understanding the differences between real, natural henna and dangerous chemical-based "henna" pastes, consumers can make informed decisions to keep themselves and their families safe when getting henna tattoos, whether from a professional artist or doing it themselves at home.