Two 120ml amber bottles of essential oils for henna

Essential Oils in Henna Paste

Are essential oils needed to mix henna? Technically, no, they aren't required, but if you want great henna stains, the right essential oils are necessary.

Essential oils (EOs) can make henna stains substantially darker, but only the right EOs will help your henna paste. Essential oils need monoterpene alcohols to create darker henna stains. These terpenes are hydrocarbon solvents that work on the lawsone (the dye molecule in henna), and that is what releases more of the dye in henna. Safe terpenes include terpineol, geraniol, cineol, cedrol, and linalool, but not all oils containing these compounds are skin safe.

  • Safe Essential Oil List


    These oils work well and are safe for the skin. There are a few others that are moderately helpful, but these are high-performance mehndi oils that are very safe and reasonably priced.

    • Tea Tree (Australian)
    • Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia)
    • Cajeput
    • Ravensara
    • Geranium


    Cooking oils and random essential oils will NOT work.

  • Use Quality Fresh Oils


    Using oils sourced from a quality provider is crucial to ensure safety and effectiveness for your henna. Terpene composition varies based on region and distillation method, so opt for oils specifically sourced for henna.

    Our meticulously sourced and tested oils ensure safety and optimal henna color results.

    Remember, oils have a shelf life; ours are never older than a month. For storage longer than a few months, refrigeration is recommended.

  • Are there additional reasons to add essential mehndi oils to henna powder?


    Yes! Essential oils add scent to henna paste and help preserve henna paste. A great smelling paste is a delight for you and for your clients.

    Essential oils also act as a preservative to keep the paste from paste-demise too quickly. Henna paste with 30ml of essential oils to 100 grams of powder will last about four times longer than henna paste without essential oils.

  • How Much Oil Do I Use in Henna?

    Great question! Use the least amount of oils you need to get good color.

    Essential oils are no joke and can be harmful! They are the ingredient in your henna most likely to cause a reaction. If you are in doubt about the safety of EOs and a client, leave them out. You won't get as dark of color, but safety is always first.

    Generally, you need 10-30 mL (1/3-1 ounce) of oil per 100 grams of henna powder.
    The maximum amount of oil that is safe for henna use is 30mL (1 ounce) of oil per
    100 grams of henna powder and will yield the darkest color. This is what I use, 30mL per 100 grams of henna.

    If you bought a kit, you don't have to worry about measurements, just keep the ratio of henna to oil.

    • If you mix the entire bag of henna, add ALL the essential oils from the kit.
    • If you mix half a bag of henna, add half of each bottle of oil.
    • If you mix a quarter of the bag of henna, add a quarter of each bottle of oil.
      ...and so on! Easy peasy!

      Here is a chart that will be useful if you prefer a more precise measurement.
      I suggest using a digital kitchen scale to weigh out grams.