Frequently Asked Question
What is henna?
Henna is a paste made from the ground leaves of the Henna Plant (Lawsonia inermis). It has natural dying properties and can stain the skin. It has been used for thousands of years by mankind and is still strong tradition all over the world. Henna is used to adorn the skin whenever it is time for celebrations.
How do you make henna?
The Hennaist develops henna in-house using the safest organic ingredients:
Organic Rajasthani henna powder
100% pure and organic tea-tree oil
Organic cane sugar
Distilled water
These four ingredients are mixed and allowed time to release the dyes. Then it is sieved and finally filled into the cones.
Be assured that our henna has no additives, color, artificial dyes, chemical PPD, kerosene or unsafe essential oils. Unfortunately many store bought henna will include some of the above ingredients. The reason being that henna's shelf life is 6 days, it is not possible for natural henna to stay on shelves for months and years.If any henna says that it will give instant color that means it is not natural henna.
The henna we make in-house is stored in the freezer for long term or in the fridge if being used in a week.
We encourage all our readers and customers to make their own henna at home or buy it locally from your henna artist nearby or from the many suppliers online.
* For further details on sourcing please message thehennaist@gmail.com.
How long do you keep it on?
When it is first applied henna takes 15 minutes or less to dry. After that apply a sealant to help make the henna stick on the skin and stay longer. Now is the waiting game, keep it on for 4 hours for the best results! The longer it is kept on, the darker it will stain and the longer it shall last.
What is the difference between store bought henna and organic home made henna?
Natural henna when first activated with a liquid will only last for 6 day on the shlep after which it will lose its staining ability. Of course a product with a small shelf life will be very hard to sell commercially so they fill it up with stabilizers and even worse unnatural dyes and extremely dangerous chemicals. if it is being shipped to you from across the world and sitting on a shelf for a year or two then it is not natural henna anymore. Fortunately we have so many good people selling homemade henna online and I am sure you can find someone making it and selling it locally. They are probably the same price cost wise too.
How does henna stain your skin?
The leaves of the henna plant Lawsonia inermis, contain a dye called Lawsone that is attached to the sugar molecule when the henna is in powder form. The dye molecule is then released when a liquid is added to it and then Lawsone binds with the keratin proteins in your skin.
What are the dangers of store bought chemical henna, especially black PPD henna?
Chemical henna not only smells nasty but has very dangerous ingredients that can cause a severe skin reaction.
Why is Jagua henna considered safe?
Jagua Henna looks black but actually is a natural fruit indigo mixed with henna. Jagua is a fruit whose juice stains an indigo on the skin. It can be used on its own like an ink or mixd with natural henna to give varying shades of dark brown to a deep blackish blue. It is a great natural alternative.
When should a bride get henna done and what preparation is needed?
It is recommended that the bride gets henna done 2-3 days before the actual wedding event as natural henna peaks after 3-4 days.
It is important to remember that the bride should get all skin and nail service like manicures and pedicures, skin exfoliations, shaving, threading or waxing at least 24 hours before the henna application.
A good way to prep the skin is to take a shower and gently rub the skin with a loofa or towel to exfoliate. Do not over exfoliate. Also ensure there is no makeup product left on the skin, sunblocks, creams, suntan lotions or oils. WASH IT WELL WITH SOAP AND WATER.
And lastly, the henna appointment may take several hours so remember to take your bathroom break before the appointment starts, have a snack and wear something comfortable!