What is used as dye for mehndi?

Mehndi, also known as henna, is made from the leaves of the Lawsonia inermis plant. The leaves are dried and ground into a fine powder, which is then mixed with water and sometimes other ingredients to create a paste used for body art. The dye released from the henna contains lawsone, which binds to the keratin in skin, hair, and nails, resulting in a reddish-brown stain. This natural dye has been used for centuries in various cultures for decoration and as a form of body art.