The Magic Explained
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is henna?
Henna, also known as mehndi or scientifically as Lawsonia inermis, is a natural plant based dye that has been used for millennia across many nations for its medicinal and beautification properties. The henna plant is a flowering shrub whose leaves are dried and then crushed into a finely sifted powder. After the powder is mixed with water, lemon juice, sugar and essential oil, it must be given time to dye release. This process allows the lawsone, or pigment molecules, to activate and safely dye the skin with a design.
What is the significance of henna?
For millennia, henna has been used to adorn the human body as a part of religious and cultural ceremonies. The bride’s hands and feet are decorated with intricate designs to bring her beauty, happiness and blessings. Family and friends also partake in the henna festivities as a celebration of unity and wishing good fortune on the bride and groom.
What is henna made of?
Henna by Jill only uses 100% natural homemade henna that is safe to use on the body. Leaves from the henna plant are finely ground and sifted into a powder. The powder is mixed with water, lemon juice, sugar and essential oils to form a paste. The essential oils not only bring a wonderful aroma but also help to bring out the color in the henna. The paste is left for 12-24 hours to allow the natural pigments to be released. Afterwards, the paste is transferred into a henna cone to allow application of a beautiful delicate design.
What should I expect when getting my henna done?
Getting henna done is a soothing and magical process. You’ll watch as the artist precisely apply a design to your skin from a henna cone. The procedure is painless and you will feel relaxed as the dazzling scent of essential oils fills the air. Once the design application is finished, it’ll take some time for the henna to dry. Be careful not to smudge it!
Where can I apply henna?
Henna is traditionally applied to the hands and feet because those areas of the body stain the deepest. With that said, henna can adorn any part of your body! Popular non-traditional areas include the shins, upper back, shoulder, outer thigh, and even a pregnant belly for a ‘belly blessing’!
How do I get the best stain possible?
Aftercare is equally as important as the quality of henna used! Homemade natural henna takes about 48 hours to achieve its darkest color. The color is also dependent on where the design is applied.
It is important to apply henna to an area of the body free from oils, lotions and other occlusive agents.
Once applied, keep the henna on for a minimum of 6-8 hours, and overnight to achieve the best results.
Stay warm! Henna loves to be warm and toasty, so keep the designed areas of your body as warm as possible.
Remove your henna paste using coconut or olive oil and a spoon/plastic card/dull object. DO NOT USE WATER! Water will stop the staining process. When the paste is first removed, the stain will be a pumpkin orange color.
Avoid direct contact with water for 24 hours. You can keep your stain protected from the elements by using coconut or olive oil.
Over 48 hours, your stain will gradually change from pumpkin orange to a deep red to mahogany brown.
How long will my henna stain last?
Your henna stain can last up to 2 weeks depending on your aftercare, where the design is on the body and the stain intensity. Taking a dip in the pool or ocean, doing dishes, frequent hand washing, exfoliating, scrubbing or waxing your skin will cause the stain to fade more quickly.
What is black henna?
Henna is never black! There is a misnomer product called ‘black henna’ which contains ingredients like para-phenylenediamine (PPD), charcoal, kerosene and other chemicals that are dangerous for your skin. These noxious additives can create an ‘instant’ stain while burning or permanently scarring your skin. These products are not FDA approved for body art. Henna by Jill only uses 100% natural and homemade henna to ensure the safety of clients while delivering a beautiful stain.
What is white henna?
Henna is never white! There is a misnomer product called ‘white henna’ which is made of cosmetic grade body paint to create a design on the skin. White henna does not contain henna, and will last on the skin for only 2-5 days.