Frequently Asked Questions
What is Henna?
Henna is a small shrub that grows in many countries. It prefers dry, aired regions.
Henna, also known as mehndi, kopher, or camphire, is made from the crushed dried leaves of the Lawsonia inermis plant. It is mixed with liquids to make a paste, then applied to the skin.
Henna’s dye molecule is: Lawsone : 2-Hydroxy 1,4 Napthoquinone. this is a safe red-orange dye that binds to the keratin in skin.
Lawsone is the red-orange dye molecule that is found in the leaves of the henna plant. This is what creates a beautiful stain on the skin.
How long does the henna stain last?
Henna looks different on everyone.
Body chemistry, temperature, and location on the body have a lot to do with how long the stain will last.
Most stains will last 7-10 days. Sometimes longer with proper aftercare.
Do you use black, or instant henna?
Fresh Jagua Gel
Not to be confused with “black henna.” Jagua is a tropical fruit juice.
No. You should never use “Black Henna” on yourself or anyone else.
So-called “black henna” is actually PPD, a highly volatile coal tar dye that is not safe for the skin.
“Black Henna” can cause chemical burns on the skin, and internal damage to your organs.
Upstate henna uses natural plant-based henna that will create shades of brown, mahogany, burgundy, and deep crimson only.
Please read for more info: http://www.hennapage.com/henna/ppd/index.html
Your Henna artist should be able to tell you what’s in their henna paste. If they don’t know, don’t get henna from them!
Does Henna come in different colors?
No. All-natural henna is plant-based and will only stain a burgundy/coffee tone on the skin.
To achieve colorful, safe body art, use Henna Glam!
Henna Glam is non-staining. Lasts 1-7 days.
Available in: Red, Pink, Orange, Yellow, Light green, Turquoise, Blue, Purple, White, & Gold.
Jagua Gel is another safe alternative to different color body art. it will produce a blue/black stain.
When is the best time to make my henna appointment?
You should book your appointment 2-3 days prior to your special event. Henna takes up to 48 hours to darken up.
Your henna stain will be it’s darkest 2-3 days after its applied. Proper aftercare will help your stain darken, and last. Aftercare cards are given after each appointment.
Natural Henna takes 2 days to darken up.
What are the ingredients in your henna paste?
Eucalyptus & Cajeput essential oil
Distilled water
Dried crushed henna leaves/powder
Raw cane sugar
Lemon Juice
Should I get a manicure/pedicure before my henna appointment?
YES! Get a manicure BEFORE your appointment. Getting a manicure after a henna appointment will exfoliate the skin & will cause your henna stain to prematurely fade.
To get the best henna stain get a manicure 1-2 days before your appointment!
Do I need to wax/shave before my henna appointment?
If you feel like your body hair is too long, or thick it is a good idea to shave/ wax before a henna appointment. Long or thick hair will keep the henna paste from adhering to the skin.
You should wax before your henna appointment. Waxing will also remove the top dead layers of skin, exposing a new, fresh layer of skin.
Waxing 1-2 days prior to your appointment will get you the best and longest lasting henna stain.
Should I use water to remove the henna paste?
NO! Do not use water to remove henna! You can use a blunt object, like a butter knife, or credit card to remove the dried paste. You can also use a paper towel to rub off the paste. >>>> Do this over a trash can, outside, or in a shower. The flakes of henna will continue to stain after its removed from the skin.
Exposing your fresh henna stain to water will stop the oxidation process and your stain will not darken.
Please use a plant-based oil before coming into contact with water for the first 24 hours.
Is Henna safe?
Henna is plant-based, and can be unsafe for people who have a G6PD deficiency.
If you are allergic to the following, you should not get henna:
Mothballs
Broad or Fava Beans
Quinine
Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin)