Q: Where does henna come from?

A: Henna comes from a small shrub brush that grows about 4 feet high called Lawsonia inermis. It is grown in various tropical climates of Asia and Africa. Henna is made from henna leaves that are dried, crushed, and made into a paste using 100% natural ingredients such as water, lemon juice, sugar, and essential oils. Henna designs are temporary body art adorned on the hands and feet during a celebration. Most women wear henna for weddings, but in some parts of India, the groom gets henna too!

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Q: Does getting a Henna tattoo design hurt?

A: No. Henna has a cooling, refreshing effect on the skin; most people comment that it is very relaxing. Henna not only feels good, but it also has a therapeutic aroma. The henna tattoo designs are applied topically with an applicator and the process of getting a tattoo is like putting frosting onto a cake. Your skin absorbs the henna so a Henna tattoo does not break the skin.

No, henna feels like lotion and is cooling. Applying henna can be relaxing and enjoyable, especially in the warm summer months as it’s cooling and soothing to the skin.

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Q: What do I do after getting Henna?

A: Henna must be kept on for as long as possible, preferably 6-8 hours. The longer the paste is on, the darker your henna will turn out. Once the paste is removed, the stain will take up to 48 hours to completely darken. The stain acts differently on every person, as everyone has their unique chemical balance, which helps the skin absorb the stain. The stain can be maintained for a longer time by putting a layer of oil or moisturizer on every day.

Aftercare instructions can be downloaded from here. 

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Q: Is the Henna tattoo design temporary? How long does it last?

A: Yes. A henna tattoo will stain the skin for 1-4 weeks. Generally, most people get 2 weeks. The stain's variation depends on where you put the henna design. Where the pores are larger, the henna will absorb more, leaving a deeper, longer stain. Then, when the henna fades, it fades completely, leaving no marks on the skin.

Designs last about 7-10 days, depending on body chemistry, how long the paste was allowed to soak in, and where on the body they are placed. They are longest-lasting on the hands and feet and fade more quickly on the arms, chest, and back, where the skin is thinner. 

The color will be light orange at first and deepen to reddish-brown during the next 48 hours, fading away gradually as your skin exfoliates.

It depends on what part of your body you get your henna. It lasts about 7-10 days on the hands and 14 days on other body parts. Remember, henna gets the darkest on your palms since there’s more body heat.

 

Q: What color will the henna stain appear on my skin?

A: The henna will develop into a rich, dark brown. When the henna paste is removed from the skin, the color’s first stage is a pale orange that develops into a reddish brown within the first 24 hours. Within the following 24 hours, the reddish brown darkens to its starkest shade of a rich brown. Gradually, the color will fade completely.

 

Q: How much does it cost to get a tattoo art?

A: The cost will vary depending on the size and intricacy of the tattoo. Henna Body Art is available at an hourly rate or for individual appointments.

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Q: How Long Does it Take to Apply?

A: It takes 5 minutes to apply a small design and 10-15 minutes for fuller designs. Traditional bridal henna can take 2-6 hours on average for the dense patterns up the legs and arms. 

The paste is left to soak into the skin for 4-8 hours; the longer the paste is in contact with the skin, the deeper, darker, and longer lasting the stain will be. The heat helps to drive the dye into the skin and cause it to become dark. Traditionally, women might sit near a small brazier or fire after being henna'ed for the darkest stains.

 

Q: Is it Safe?

A: The henna plant is one of the oldest cosmetics ever used and is extremely safe.

When applied to the skin, natural red henna rarely causes any adverse reactions; if you are concerned, you should do a small patch test first. Natural henna is safe even for use on children as it contains no dangerous chemical dyes or harsh additives. Since it is 100% organic, it’s safe for all ages and skin types! The henna paste may contain lavender, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil. If you are allergic to any of these, please ask before getting it. Because it has natural ingredients, henna is also beneficial for your skin!

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It is Never Black

'Black henna' is made using a toxic chemical dye that can cause permanent scars and internal damage to the kidneys and liver, & blister the skin.

Natural henna will never dye your skin purple, pink, blue, or black. Any henna dyes your skin colour other than reddish-brown and has chemicals added that are not healthy or safe. Please use only safe and natural brown henna. 

There is no such thing as black henna. For henna to produce a black colour, chemicals that are unsafe for your skin have been added. Black henna should be avoided.

A chemical dye known as PPD, which is not authorized for use on the skin by the FDA is often added to the natural henna to produce a black color. Black henna has become very popular in certain tourist areas, particularly Venice Beach and Mexico. For more information please check out the henna page. We do not offer black henna. 

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Q: Why do Some Photos Look Black?

A: The designs on this website that appear black are pictures of fresh henna paste still on the skin. If you look closely, you can see the orange stain in the cracks of the drying henna paste.

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Protect the Stain....from:

• Water: Once you are ready to remove the paste, scrape, or pick it off, never use water. Initially, the stain will be light orange and will darken to a beautiful red/brown over 2-3 days. Water will inhibit this colour-changing process. However, natural oils such as olive and coconut applied to the stain before bathing can help to protect the stain from water. Consider using rubber gloves when washing dishes as well.

• Creams, lotions, sunscreens, etc.: Anything that causes skin exfoliation, especially products containing alcohol and petroleum.

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Heat and/or Wrap the Henna Paste

• Apply heat by gently steaming the paste (being careful not to scald yourself), using a hair dryer, sitting in front of a fire, etc. The warmer your body temperature, the darker the stain will become.

• Wrap the design with a tensor bandage, an old scarf or sock, or anything else you don't mind getting stained. This will not only help keep the area warm but also prevent dried henna bits from falling off, especially if you are wearing the paste in bed overnight.

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