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What is Henna Body Art?
Henna begins as the henna plant. The leaves of the plant are dried and ground into a powder which is then mixed with a variety of ingredients to form a paste.
Henna Body Art is created by drawing ornate designs and patterns freehand onto the skin using the henna paste. The natural dye in the paste leaves a safe, painless, temporary stain.
This type of body adornment has been done for thousands of years, across many countries and cultures. It is a way to temporarily adorn the body -similar to cosmetics application, fingernail polish, or hair coloring.
How Long Does Henna Last?
Henna typically lasts a strong 7 days, and then begins to fade. However, it can last up to 3 weeks! It cannot be washed off, but fades as your skin exfoliates.
Results depend on aftercare, the area of the body onto which henna was applied, and the care you take to protect your stain.
Hands and Feet stain the darkest.
Is Henna Safe?
100% Natural Henna is extremely safe, and reactions are extremely rare.
I use only 100% Natural Henna, Essential Oil, Lemon Juice and Sugar in my recipes. There are no added dyes or artificial ingredients.
Natural Henna should develop a reddish to dark brown color -NOT pure black. I do NOT use "Black Henna."
Individuals with the following conditions should consult with their doctor before getting a henna application:
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Sensitivity to Eucalyptus or essential oils.
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Pregnant
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G6PD Deficiency (told by your doctor to avoid aspirin, mothballs, fava beans).
What Color Henna Do You Offer?
I use only offer safe 100% Natural Henna which creates
a dark/rust - burgundy stain.
I do not offer any of the following:
"White Henna" is not henna. It is an adhesive that rests on the skin. It is not a stain.
"Black Henna" is not real henna and contains toxic ingredients.
"Blue Henna" may be Jagua which is a fruit from South America. While this is considered safe, I do not offer this.
"Color Henna" is either not real henna and contains harmful ingredients OR you have seen a photo of henna that has colorful glitter applied on top of wet henna.
How do I take care of my henna?
AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS
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Allow the henna to dry (15-20 min.).
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Do NOT pick it off!
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After paste dries, lightly dab a solution of lemon juice/sugar on your henna design– just enough to moisten.
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Let it rest on the skin at least 2 hrs. 4-6 hours is ideal. The longer you leave it on the skin, the darker your stain will get.
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Henna loves warmth, so stay in a warm area, use a heating pad, or hold a hot drink.
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If several hours have passed, flake off the paste with your fingers or gently with a butter knife outdoors or over a trash can. Do NOT wash it with water.
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Avoid chlorine pools or washing the area the first day.
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At first the stain will appear orange, but over the next 24-72 hours it will continue to darken – remember, every person gets a slightly different color based on aftercare, skin chemistry, and location on the body.
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Henna cannot be washed off, but fades as your skin exfoliates - towel dry gently.
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For a longer lasting stain, use a henna balm to protect your henna.
Stain Progression
When henna is first applied, the stain is orange.
Over the next 48-72 hours the stain darkens.
