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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?

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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.

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Results depend on aftercare, the area of the body onto which henna was applied, and the care you take to protect your stain.

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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:

  • Sensitivity to Eucalyptus or essential oils.

  • Pregnant

  • G6PD Deficiency (told by your doctor to avoid aspirin, mothballs, fava beans).

What Color Henna Do You Offer?

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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

  • Allow the henna to dry (15-20 min.).

  • Do NOT pick it off!

  • After paste dries, lightly dab a solution of lemon juice/sugar on your henna design– just enough to moisten.

  • 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.

  • Henna loves warmth, so stay in a warm area, use a heating pad, or hold a hot drink.

  • 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.

  • Avoid chlorine pools or washing the area the first day.  

  • 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.

  • Henna cannot be washed off, but fades as your skin exfoliates - towel dry gently.

  • 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.

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