henna F.A.Q.
What is henna?
The Latin name for henna is Lawsonia Inermis. The henna leaves from this flowering tree are powdered to produce the henna powder. This is then mixed with essential oils, sugar and water to a perfect consistency for body art. Henna has a molecule, Lawsone, that dyes the skin rich burgundies and dark mahogany tones.
How to apply henna how it stains the skin
Henna paste is coned up or can be used in a bottle with an applicator to apply a design to the skin. Natural henna should be left on for at least 6 - 8 hour for the best results.
It is left to dry, and once removed, the stain oxidises and gets darker over 48 hours.
Storing henna
Once received, fresh henna cones can be left in the fridge for a few days.
For more extended storage, henna cones and paste can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Natural henna powder can be stored in the freezer for a year.
Is henna safe?
Natural henna is exceptionally safe and has been used as a natural form of body art for thousands of years.
We only use natural ingredients.
It is sporadic for someone to have an adverse reaction to henna.
Some may have allergies to certain essential oils or citrus, so it is always recommended to carry out a patch test if you are unsure.
Those with the rare disorder G6PD deficiency or are allergic to aspirin or fava beans should not use henna. For children, it is advisable to use lavender-based henna.
Black henna warning!
Please be very aware of imported mass-produced henna.
These products are made with unsafe chemicals, including PPD (p-phenylenediamine or paraphenylenediamine), which can be very harmful and toxic when applied to the skin, resulting in severe blistering and permanent scarring.
jagua F.A.Q
What is jagua?
HENNA’s jagua is a gel made up of 100% natural ingredients, creating a dark blueish black tattoo design that lasts for approximately 2 to 3 weeks. It is produced from a fruit called Genipa Americana that grows in the rainforests of South America.
Jagua is NOT black henna!
Traditional natural henna will dye the skin rich burgundies and deep browns and are always made with natural ingredients. Natural henna is commonly produced by mixing essential oils, sugar, and either water, tea, or lemon juice.
HENNA’s jagua is mixed with raw jagua powder, sugar, xantham gum (thickener, also used in food products), essential oil and water.
How to apply HENNA’s jagua and how it stains the skin
Jagua oxidises when exposed to air. Once applied to the skin, leave it on for a minimum of 2 hours, or up to 6 hours to create a deeper, intense dark blueish black stain. Avoid smudging the design. It does stain immediately upon contact with skin which will appear once the stain matures, so be careful not to make any mistakes! The dry jagua gel can be peeled off or washed with mild soapy water. The design will initially appear as a light stain upon removal, with its effects intensifying after 12 to 24 hours.
Storing jagua
Freezing the jagua gel will preserve its staining capacity for 12 months. You can freeze and thaw jagua many times but, do note that eventually the quality of the stain will deteriorate over time. To maintain quality, please ensure you re-freeze after use. Larger quantities of jagua should be coned or bottled immediately, before freezing. This will avoid unnecessarily thawing the full batch and maintain its freshness.
Is jagua safe?
HENNA’s jagua gel is a safe cosmetic product that can be applied directly to the skin. It DOES NOT contain PPD (ParaPhenyleneDiamine) or other dangerous chemicals. It is always best to prevent allergic reactions or irritation by patch testing on a small area of skin before attempting a larger design at least 2 weeks before application. Any reaction would be apparent from 2 hours, and up to a week after application. If you are allergic or sensitive to tropical fruits (especially berries), peanuts, have eczema, G6PD or similar conditions it is recommended not to be used. If an allergic reaction does occur, you may see a rash appear after a couple of days. Remove the tattoo by repeatedly washing the area with water. Do not scratch or damage the skin. Doctors recommend that the rash can be treated by applying an anti-itch cream. Contact us immediately with any concerns, and always consult a medical professional when in need.
Removing my jagua design
The most effective way to remove a jagua design is to gently exfoliate the design and repeatedly wash with water. The design may take a few days to fade, as the skin regenerates.