Frequently Asked Questions

What is henna?

Henna is a natural flowering plant known as Lawsonia inermis. The plant leaves are picked, dried, then ground into a fine powder. This powder is then blended with simple, natural ingredients to create a paste that is applied to the skin, hair, fingernails and fabrics. On the skin, henna lasts on average 10-14 days depending on where it is applied on the body and how well aftercare is followed.

What is black henna?

There is NO SUCH THING as black henna. Henna is only one color, and it is brown. If you see black henna provided somewhere or at a local store/online shop please be cautious. Black henna is a paste made by mixing a little bit of henna, with many ingredients that are really bad for your skin, specifically: PPD (a chemical found in permanent black hair dye), kerosene and other chemicals. Chemicals such as these can cause lead poisoning, painful sores and permanent scarring. The Henna House does not encourage the use of black henna, and will not use this on our clients.

What is jagua?

Genipa Americana (known as Jagua) is a fruit that grows in South America. It has been used for thousands of years to decorate the body in traditional tribal patterns by Amazon Natives. Today, jagua is still being used as a form of temporary body art. Jagua produces a dark blue/black stain, NATURALLY! It is NOT to be confused with “black henna”. A professional henna artist will never mix up the two. On average, jagua lasts for 2-3 weeks depending on where it is applied on the body and how well aftercare is followed.

What is white/colored henna?

Lately on social media there has been "white henna" circulating. White henna is not henna at all. All it is, is either lotion in a henna cone or white body/face paint in a henna cone. This washes off immediately. This is the same with other colored types of hennas. Henna is only one color, and it is brown. Sometimes we apply loose glitter on top of the wet henna paste, and will come off when the paste flakes off.

Where can henna be applied?

Henna can be applied to almost all parts of the body. The darkest staining spots are the hands and feet as the skin is thicker and more dry, This allows the henna to soak deep into the layers, giving a beautiful stain. The chest, stomach, and back has very thin skin, therefor these areas do not stain as well.

How long does henna last?

There are many factors that influence how long your henna lasts on your skin. Our henna typically lasts between 10-14 days.

How can I achieve a dark henna stain?

There are many factors that influence the color of your stain. First, using high quality henna paste is essential. The Henna House only uses the highest quality ingredients that guarantee a dark stain. Second, the longer the paste is left on the skin, the darker the stain will become. We recommend leaving the paste on for at least 6-8 hours. If your henna is applied around the evening, sleep with it! It will make a huge difference. Lastly, we recommend avoiding water as much as you can around the area the henna was applied. Avoid the use of harsh soaps and exfoliants.

How can I remove my henna?

There is no possible way to remove a fresh henna stain. However, you can speed up the process of removing an old, fading stain. Simply exfoliate the design as much as possible with lots of soap. Swimming and taking long hot baths help!

Where can I purchase henna?

You can currently purchase everything henna related from my store!