Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS HENNA?
Henna, also commonly referred to as mehndi, is a paste prepared from a plant and used to dye skin, hair, nails, and fabrics in different regions such as the Arabian Peninsula, Indian subcontinet, North Africa and more.
WHAT IS HENNA USED FOR?
Henna has been used as decoration on young women's bodies as part of social events such as weddings and holidays. This is the origin of the Henna Night in the Middle East, Mediterranean, Africa, and India which is an evening prior to a woman's wedding in which her and her family and friends are adorned with the paste.
Given the climate of these specific regions, henna has also been used as a way to relieve heat from these hot, dry locations - wearers of henna can experience their hands getting colder after application.
In modern times, and with the expansion to use in America, henna is now used as form of recreational body art and entertainment.
HOW DOES HENNA WORK?
Henna paste is applied to the skin using a cone or bottle to create designs. Once the paste dries, the henna will harden and crack - often flaking off. Once the henna has fallen off the skin or is removed, a stain on the skin in its place will be visible.
HOW LONG DOES HENNA TAKE TO DRY?
Depending on the thickness, henna can take anywhere between 10-20 minutes to dry. You will notice the paste begin to get hard and start forming cracks or crumbling. Avoid moving and bending so as not to cause the paste to flake off prematurely.
HOW LONG SHOULD I LEAVE HENNA ON?
The longer the henna paste is left on the skin, the darker the stain will become. To achieve the darkest stain, a wearer should keep the paste on for at least 4-6 hours - but some people will keep it on over night. People will apply a lemon-sugar mixture on after the paste has dried to keep the paste stuck to the skin to avoid it from flaking off.
WHAT IS THE STAIN PROGRESSION AND HOW LONG DOES HENNA LAST?
After paste removal: bright orange
Morning after application: medium brown
48 hours after application: dark brown (this is the peak stain)
Fading typically starts 3-5 days after application; but may start earlier if proper aftercare is not followed!
WHAT'S THE PROPER AFTERCARE?
• Keep paste on for a minimum of 6 hours after application
• Keep skin warm while paste is on.
• When removing, scrape off; Do not use water or soap when removing!
• Use Vick's Vapor Rub after paste removal to deepen stain
• Avoid excess washing and/or exfoliating of skin, esp. in first day after application
• Use coconut oil, olive oil, or any oil-based product before contact with water to create a barrier seal to prevent water from making contact with the stain.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NATURAL HENNA AND 'BLACK HENNA'?
You can tell natural henna based on the color and texture once applied. Natural henna is green or brown in color, dries and hardens above the skin, and leaves an orange, reddish, or brown stain.
With increase in popularity, there is also an increase in henna-like products such as jagua and/or black gel-like mixture, which may contain unlisted dyes and chemicals to produce a black stain. This is more glossy in appearance and will sink into the skin or peel off as a thin film residue.
WARNING: If you have any skin sensitivities, avoid using black henna as there is a risk of allergic reaction and/or burns.
WHAT IF I HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN?
People with a sensitive skin or allergies to oils, dyes, chemicals or other ingredients should avoid applying any henna or henna-like product on their hair, skin, or nails or they may suffer from allergic reactions. All guests are required to sign a liability waiver prior to receiving a henna; guests under the age of 18 years old will require a parent or guardian signature.