What is henna?

Henna, also known as mehndi, is a dye prepared using the plant of the same name and has been used for centuries to color skin, hair and fabrics.  The leaves of the plant are dried and turned into a paste with Eucalyptus Oil and Water. This paste is applied as a paste from a cone, the designs that can be generated are unlimited.

How does it work?

Scientifically speaking, the molecules of the dye bind to proteins in the outer layer of your skin resulting in a reddish-brown color to set in and temporarily remain for as long as your skin takes to wear/exfoliate. This redidish-brown color is believed to bring good luck to those who adorn themselves in it and so it is widely common for brides to decorate their hands and feet before their wedding day, pregnant women will decorate their bellies to bless their unborn children, and many other happy events are used to apply henna to all of those involved.

Is it safe? 

YES! We take pride in the quality of our products and service so we regularly make our henna paste fresh to ensure its superiority and color.  It contains only natural ingredients. We do not use any chemicals, additives or preservatives when making our henna paste so that we can assure our customers that our product is 100% natural. In fact the henna we use is completely organic.

We do not use (or make) any “black henna” which contains many artificial dyes and chemicals resulting in a black color.  While other artists may offer or even promote the usage of such chemicals to deliver darker color, we respect you and your body far too much to promote unnatural products.  Natural henna from the plant generates a reddish-brown color, never black.  Natural henna is recognized as hypoallergenic, and while rare, reactions are typically due to the use of Eucalyptus oil, which is a widely used oil in commercial products such as Vicks VapoRub (tm).

What's the process?

Sanitation while servicing our customers is of utmost importance and we take it very seriously.  Our henna artists sanitize their hands before touching any customer to whom henna is going to be applied.

1. Our artistic process begins with a single-use cotton ball to rub eucalyptus oil on the area where the henna will be applied. Because it has antimicrobial effects, the application of eucalyptus oil allows for a clean and sterile region of the body right from the start.
2. The henna paste is then applied from a fine-tipped cone allowing our artists to draw amazing designs ranging from simple to intricate.  From tiny designs on ankles to full backs and sleeves. Check out our Gallery for an idea of the sheer range of designs we can do for you.  
3. After the design is completed and had a few minutes to partially dry, a mixture of lemon juice and sugar is gently dabbed (not rubbed!) on top, again using a single-use sterile cotton ball, helping the paste adhere to the skin for as long as possible. The longer you can keep the paste there, the darker the stain underneath will set into your skin and the longer your design will stay.
4. After the paste flakes off naturally over the few hours after application, you will see the design your henna artist drew for you and over the span of 24 hours, the color will darken to a beautiful red-brown.

How long does it last?

Generally speaking, your design should stay up to 7-10 days, with proper care you can make it last for 2 weeks.

Cool!  I want to try it. Now What?

If you are new to henna, stop by our shop and have your questions answered by our experienced and talented artists. You can start with a small design just for the initial experience and to quell any uncertainties you might have. We are sure you will be extremely happy with the whole experience of getting a henna design in our shop with our artists, not just the beautiful artwork itself.

Also, be sure to check out our Prep & Care Instructions so you know what to expect.

Prep & Care

Tips for achieving the darkest and longest lasting color

1. Use alcohol or makeup remover (not water) to remove any lotions, sunscreen, or makeup from the area henna will be applied.

• These substances are designed to create a barrier and can interfere with stain transfer.
• Direct contact between the henna paste and skin is best for deepest darkest color.
  
  
• Allow the design to dry fully. 

• It will start to crack and flake.  This is normal. 
• Typically this takes 15-30 minutes depending on temperature and humidity.  
• Don't try to make it dry faster.  The longer it's wet, the more stain can transfer.
  
  
• Leave paste to fall off naturally. 
  
  
• Scrape off any remaining paste after 4-6 hours with fingers. DO NOT USE WATER!
  
  
• Try to keep design out of water for 24 hours (especially pools / chlorine).
  
  
• If you must shower or get design wet within 24 hours:

• Rub an edible or natural oil (olive oil, shea butter etc) on design first.
• Avoid scrubbing your design and try to wash around it.
  
  
• The henna design will appear light or orange in color when the paste is first removed.  The stain will continue to mature, and darken over the next 48 hours.
  

Note that the body has many different skin types.  If your design spans across multiple parts (such as palm to wrist to forearm), the color will vary in intensity across the different body parts.  

 

P.S. Remember to share photos of your henna with us!  Post them up :)