What is Henna?
It is a plant grown in several countries throughout Africa and Asia. The first record of henna use is from Ancient Egypt! Henna powder is derived from the dried leaves of the Lawsonia inermis plant and stains the skin a rich brown color. The henna paste I use on skin is of body art quality and USDA organic. All paste applied is made by me along with essential oils, sugar, and water. Skin sensitivity to henna is low.
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What About Black Henna?
Real henna powder stains the skin brown. There is no such thing as “black henna.” henna that stains your skins black, red or any other color other than brown, contains a chemical called PPD which is known to cause extreme scarring, burning, and blisters to skin.
Rule of thumb- if the artist doesn't’ make their own paste, or does not know what's in it- that is a red flag.
If their henna smells like gasoline, ammonia, or hair dye- it has PPD.
ALWAYS ask your artist what about their paste and henna application process before proceeding to get henna from them- it will avoid a trip to the hospital if you end up getting "black henna.”
What is Jagua?
Jagua, or Genipa Americana, is a fruit primarily grown in South America that stains your skin a blue color. It has ties to ceremonial and everyday use by the Indigenous Tribes there. The jagua gel is derived from the jagua fruit. Note: if you have an allergy to citrus fruits- the use of jagua is not recommended for topical application on skin.
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Aftercare
Henna
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Once you have the paste on the skin, let it dry and leave it on! (Takes 15-20 min to dry + keep on for at least 1-2 hrs). The longer it stays on, the darker your henna will be
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Once dry, let it fall off on its own
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Protect the stain with something oil based before showers such as coconut oil (vaseline also works too). This helps reduce the fading process. Don't scrub it in the shower. It will fade it off quicker.
Jagua (blue ink)
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The drying process may be a little longer for jagua (approx 30 min). Due to the potency of this fruit-based ink, keep it on only for 1-2 hours.
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Once dried, gently rinse off the jagua gel with warm water. Make sure you rinse thoroughly because it can stain your fingers easily.
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Once you have the stain, protect the jagua stain with a safe body oil before showers. Note: On the 1st night with the stain, be sure to cover it up to avoid design transfer due to ink potency.