Henna mehndi art have been around for over 5,000 years and has become widely appreciated today in many lands. Henna is made from the ground up dried leaves and stems of the henna plant (Lawsonia inermis). Henna mehndi art is a lot of fun and doesn't require a lot of artistic skill. Although henna mehndi has been marketed as a quick and easy way of "tattooing", it is more accurately a form of staining or painting, since the dye is temporary and usually lasts few days.

Intrigued by the creation of beautiful designs on the body, henna mehndi is being used by women worldwide as a mode of self-expression. The designs originate from the practices followed on these occasions and represent specific objects, dresses, floral designs, leaves, flowers and birds associated with the festival.

The hair dye made of henna mehndi is usually green to look at in powder form because the dried leaves are green. This surprises some first time users, but the red color only appears once the dye powder is dissolved in solution and applied to the hair. It seals in oils and tightens the hair cuticle giving the hair a rich, healthy shine.