Henna

Henna is a dye prepared from the plant Lawsonia inermis, also known as the henna tree, the mignonette tree, and the Egyptian privet, the sole species of the genus Lawsonia. Henna can also refer to the temporary body art resulting from the staining of the skin from the dyes.

Orange Moon Art Studio prepares their own henna and it does not contain PPD or black henna. Each batch contains natural henna powder, sugar, lemon juice, water, and essential oils. If you have an essential oil allergy, please let your artist know ahead of time.

Black henna contains p-phenylendiamine (PPD) that is used in hair dye and can cause serious allergic reactions. Henna should never be black or be prepackaged. Natural henna artists prepare and package their own henna to ensure is does not contain PPD. Most touristy areas use black henna , so make sure you ask your artist where their henna came from.

The only natural stain that is black is jagua, and that is sometimes mixed into henna.

Jagua tattoo is a temporary form of skin decoration resulting from the application of an extract of the fruit Genipa americana, also known as jagua. This fruit has been used for body ornamentation and medicinal purposes in many areas of South America for centuries.

Anyone who has an allergy to strawberries should avoid jagua. But Everyone should do a test area before using it in a large design.

We recommend keeping the henna paste on for as long as possible but at least for 5 to 6 hours so the stain sets on your skin. The longer you leave the paste on, the darker your stain will be. We recommend applying surgical tape or lemon and sugar mixture to hold the dried paste in place.

Do not get the dried paste wet, instead scrape the dried paste off gently with your fingernail. Surgical tape usually removes the paste as it is taken off.

Wash the design area as little as possible and moisturize with a chemical-free lotion or olive oil daily, so your henna can last 3 weeks or more. Now is the perfect time to have someone else do the dishes!