The Color of Henna/Black henna Pure, natural henna powder is always green, the brighter, the better.   Pure, natural henna powder leaves a stain on the skin that varies in color from orange, to reddish brown to burgundy. Typically, when you first take the paste off, the color is orange. It takes a full 48 hours for the color to turn into the darkest, possible stain. If it stays orange, it means the henna was old, improperly stored or just plain bad. There are other reasons for a henna stain to stay light; please see Frequently Asked Questions section in the About Henna page.   There is no such thing as black henna, blue henna, yellow henna or any other henna color. Any color other than the natural reddish-brown described above is achieved with dyes and potentially harmful chemicals. Be afraid. Be very afraid! For more on this reckless and dangerous practice, please see Catherine Cartwright-Jones' well documented information about so-called "black henna" at The Henna Page.