Frequently Asked Questions About Henna & Jagua

Henna is a natural dye derived from the henna plant, scientifically known as Lawsonia inermis. It has been used for centuries in various cultures for body art, hair coloring, and medicinal purposes. Henna paste is made by grinding the leaves of the henna plant and mixing it with water or other natural ingredients to create a thick, paste-like consistency. When applied to the skin or hair, henna leaves a reddish-brown stain that gradually fades over time. It is commonly used to create intricate temporary tattoos or body art designs.

Try to avoid touching the henna design to prevent smudging or smearing. Once it’s dry I recommend leaving the paste on for 2-6 hours. Keeping yourself and the henna warm can help enhance the color and improve the stain. Some people prefer to leave it on overnight for the best results. You can gently wrap the dried henna design with self adhering bandage wrap. After the recommended time, you can gently scrape off the dried henna paste with a spoon or your fingers. If the henna is still difficult to remove, you can use a small amount of oil (such as olive oil or coconut oil) to help loosen it before scraping it off. Try to avoid washing with water for at least 24 hours to allow the stain to fully develop. 

The duration of henna stain on the skin can vary depending on several factors, including the quality of the henna paste, the application technique, and individual skin characteristics. On average, henna stains can last anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks. However, the color intensity will gradually fade over time. Factors such as skin type, location of the design, and exposure to water and friction can also affect the longevity of the henna stain. To extend the life of the henna design, it is recommended to avoid excessive washing, scrubbing, or exposure to chlorinated water. Additionally, moisturizing the skin regularly can help maintain the henna stain for a longer period.

Jagua is a natural dye extracted from the fruit of the Genipa Americana tree, also known as the jagua tree. It is indigenous to the tropical regions of Central and South America. The fruit of the jagua tree contains a dark blue-black pigment that is traditionally used for body art. When applied to the skin, jagua dye creates a bluish-black stain that lasts for approximately 1 to 2 weeks. It is often used as an alternative to henna for temporary body art due to its natural nature. 

Jagua has a different drying time. It has a gel like consistency and can take approximately 30 minutes to an hour to completely dry. It all depends on the thickness of the application. It is very important to be careful of your surroundings while it dries to avoid smudging it. Once this gel touches your skin it immediately starts the staining process. It will stain the way it smudges.
As the gel dries, it will form to a rubbery thin layer. kinda of like a very thin fruit roll up. For best result, I recommend leaving the jagua on your skin for 2-4 hours.

once the desired time has past, you can peel the gel off with your fingers. Alternatively, you can wash the gel off with lukewarm, soapy water. Be sure to use a washcloth and keep the design under the water as you wash it off quickly. You don’t want to give the gel time to rehydrate and reactivate and cause smearing if you take too long to wash it off. It’s important to do it quickly. 

On average, a jagua stain can last anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks. After removing the gel, it takes approximately 48 hours to fully develop and reach its peak color. It has a beautiful dark navy blue color.
Avoid scrubbing or exfoliating the stained area, as this can cause the stain to fade more quickly. Also, avoid prolonged sun exposure: Sunlight can cause the jagua stain to fade faster. If you’re going out in the sun apply sunscreen to protect the stained area. Be gentle when drying yourself off with towels.

Yes. Some people may experience a mild reaction to jagua due to individual sensitivity or allergies. Jagua is derived from the fruit of the Genipa americana tree and contains a natural pigment called genipin, which is responsible for the staining effect. While jagua is generally considered safe for use on the skin, there is still a possibility of experiencing a reaction. Some reactions may include skin irritation, redness, itching, or a small bumpy rash after the jagua is applied. It is important to perform a patch test before using jagua to check for any allergies or sensitivities.

Yes, you can dye your hair with henna. Henna is a natural plant-based dye that has been used for centuries to color hair. It‘s a safe and chemical-free alternative to synthetic hair dyes. It's important to note that henna is a permanent hair dye, meaning it will not fade away like temporary dyes. On average, henna can start to fade after 4-6 weeks of application.

However, it's important to note that even as the color fades, henna leaves a stain on the hair shaft, which may result in a subtle change in color or a slight red tinge. This stain can last for several months or even longer, especially in cases where multiple applications of henna have been done. As your hair grows, you’ll need to touch up your roots with henna to maintain the color. I recommend doing this every 6-8 weeks.
It is a big commitment. It’s also important to know that you can never lighten your hair after it has been hennatized. It is close to impossible to lift the color out.

Yes, you can. However, I think it’s way too expensive to do so. I personally have no experience doing it on my own hair simply because of the cost. It doesn’t work the same or last as long as henna. But I have read that it leaves a dark bluish black color. Perhaps I will try a patch test on my own hair someday. I’ll let you know my results when I do.