FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it hurt?

• No! At most, it will tickle while being drawn, though it can feel cold. Henna is non-invasive and applied to the surface of your skin, where it will stain only the uppermost layers of your skin cells. Unlike tattoos using needles, the skin barrier is never broken when applying henna so there is zero chance of infection, scarring or permanent damage to your skin.

Is henna permanent?

• No! The skin cells that are stained by henna will naturally exfoliate within a few days to as long as six weeks, returning your skin to your natural color. There are no permanent side effects from using safe natural red Henna. But, “black” henna CAN hurt you - know the difference! There’s no such thing as naturally occurring black henna; it has had a chemical hair dye (para-phenylenediamine) added that produces a black 'needle tattoo' look.

How long does it last?

• Several factors influence the lifespan of a henna design. The first is placement on the body. Thick, calloused skin, like the palms of hands or soles of feet, are the best locations for henna. With proper care, designs on these areas can last 4-6 weeks, and be very dark. One reason for this is that calloused skin grows out more slowly than the skin on your face. Facial henna lasts one week if you are lucky, and does not usually get very dark. A henna design placed anywhere on your torso is not likely to last more than a week. Extremities always produce the best and longest lasting colors.

How dark will it get?

• Just like the lifespan of your design, several things can influence the color as well. Moisture, acidity, time and heat are all ways to force the henna to release as much stain as possible into your skin. After the henna paste has been removed, the remaining tattoo will probably be bright orange at first, but darken over the next couple of days. Then, as your skin grows out, it will start to lighten again. Proper care can help keep it darker longer.

What about colors? Can I get purple henna?

• The only way black, blue, green or purple henna is accomplished by adding additional dye to henna paste. We will never use colored henna, as the dyes can cause skin reactions in some people. For some extra color during the drawing process, we can sprinkle some safe, non-toxic glitter powder over the finished design. The effect is gorgeous! Glitter will come off when the henna paste is removed and will not stain your skin at all.

What is henna made of?

• Henna is a plant (lawsonia inermis) that grows throughout the Middle East and India, and parts of Africa and Indonesia. The leaves of the henna plant are harvested and ground into a fine green powder. Our recipe is this powder mixed with lemon juice, honey and 3 essential oils to form a thin paste. Many 'secret recipes' or the addition of auspicious ingredients occur throughout the cultures that incorporate henna into their religious or personal events. If there is a special essential oil or spice you require, please do not hesitate to inform us of this need.