How long do henna tattoos really last?

Henna designer Grainne Jones told The Sun, “Henna is a plant that grows in arid climates, think India, Pakistan, Egypt, Morocco. Henna paste — what is put onto the skin — is made using the ground-up leaves of the henna plant mixed with sugar, water and essential oils.” Jones advises henna should always be handmade for best results.

Authority Tattoo notes henna contains the molecule lawsone, which binds to your skin’s keratin proteins. This makes the dye darker while also stopping it from washing off until the layer of skin is shed. Much like an apple, which goes brown through oxidation, henna darkens over the first 48 hours after application. It actually increases in darkness over time, making it a longer-lasting dye overall.